BCS Updates Support Staff Handbook With Attendance Discipline Policy

From the BCS School Board meeting on June 16, 2026

Blackford County Schools board approved 3-0 several changes to the support staff hourly handbook Monday, including a new progressive discipline policy for attendance. The superintendent said the district has seen "a rash of classified hourly attendance issues" and that attendance will be "a point of emphasis next year." Under the new policy, a first unpaid absence triggers a verbal warning from the building administrator. A second unpaid day brings a written notice. Three or more unpaid days can result in termination, with room for administrative judgment. The handbook updates also add a board policy compliance statement requiring employees to follow board policies — something that was not previously in writing. A confidentiality section has been added for the first time. Employees must now document absences in the Skyward True Time and Will Sub systems, and all employees will be required to sign a handbook acknowledgment form, which was not part of prior practice.

Source: BCS School Board Meeting, June 16, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.