Evelyn Johnson

Harrisburg South Middle School teacher and coach Stefanie Johnson recently had her baby girl Evelyn join the world at 25 weeks, only weighing 0.7 pounds. She is the second smallest baby that Sanford NICU has had. The Johnson family is currently in the NICU with Evelyn as she is growing and fighting for her life.

Updated: Unfortunately, FMLA only allows Stef's absence through September 20th. A maximum additional twelve days of leave can be used from her sick and personal days; however, only after Evelyn is released from the hospital. Consequently, Stef will not receive any further financial or extended leave support from the district. It is important for the Johnsons to be with their baby girl during this time until she is ready to come home and for some time after.

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For full transparency, I've copied the districts leave policies below:

• 3.1 The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Provides qualifying employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave per rolling calendar year. It also requires that their group health benefits be maintained during the leave. The Harrisburg School District will abide by this federal law and apply it’s negotiated leave policies with it when addressing what will be considered paid leave and it’s length.

• 3.6 Family Illness- Each school year, full time teachers may use up to a total of ten sick leave days (part-time teachers may use a prorated amount) to assist and support a family member who is ill or injured. Applicable family members include spouse, child, foster child, in-law, or any member of a teachers household. In the event sick leave is exhausted, personal leave, if available, must be used. Such time off may be taken in one-hour increments. All teacher and School District responsibilities under the FMLA apply while this leave is utilized.