The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. You may find answers to frequently asked questions on the US Department of Labor website. FFCRA expired on December 31, 2020. However, Rock Hill Schools will continue this benefit to eligible employees.

While school districts are no longer federally required to provide these COVID-19 related leave rights, there is adequate federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund to cover leave for school district employees in 2021. The ESSER includes a provision which enables districts to use the funds for activities necessary to maintain the operation and continuity of services by continuing to employ existing staff of the local educational agency. This allowable provision will ensure that districts can cover costs associated with personnel pay and leave should there be a deficit in other existing funds.