Inos to reject educational leave
The Public School System will not be able to afford the educational leave benefit offered to teachers and staff following its continued struggle to stay financially afloat.
Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos recently informed members of the Board of Education that she will not approve requests for educational leave starting this year.
“I will not be able to support it because funding for education and training leave is not available,” she said.
The educational leave of PSS is being considered as a fringe benefit for its employees. It allows teachers, teacher aides and staff who intend to pursue further education or to complete a degree in education to take a leave from work but with continued compensation.
However, some board members had reservations over this move, emphasizing PSS commitment on the continued upgrading of skills of its employees. In addition, PSS entered into an agreement with teacher aides in supporting them complete a B.A. degree in Education.
Inos assured the Board that PSS will honor its word with employees who are currently on sabbatical leave. However, she won’t be able to approve new requests for educational leave.
“I’m not changing any of the fringe benefits but I am forewarning that I won’t be able to approve this year’s request for educational leave,” she said.
According to teacher training coordinator Rey Tebuteb, eight employees availed of the educational leave last fall. About the same number also availed of the leave under the accelerated program.
Employees who request for educational leave should have close to 200 credits for B.A. in Education prior to application. In order to avail of the full-time leave away from school, they should at least earned 12 credits each semester. Under the accelerated program, students are required to produce 18 credits per term.
