How many sick days do teachers get in Ohio?

Ohio teachers are granted sick leave according to state law, which establishes a minimum standard for annual accrual and maximum accumulation.

Ohio Sick Leave Laws for Teachers

State law in Ohio outlines the foundational requirements for sick leave for teachers, ensuring they have access to a baseline number of days for illness or personal necessity.

• Annual Accrual: Teachers in Ohio are credited with 15 days of sick leave per year. This amount is consistent across all districts governed by state law.
• Monthly Crediting: This annual allowance is typically earned at a rate of one and one-fourth days per month. This ensures a steady accumulation of leave days throughout the school year.
• Maximum Accumulation: By law, teachers must be permitted to accumulate at least 120 days of sick leave. This substantial accumulation limit allows educators to build a safety net for extended illnesses or other unforeseen circumstances over the course of their careers.

Beyond State Minimums: Local Policies and Agreements

While the 120-day accumulation is the state-mandated minimum, the actual maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate may vary:

• Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs): In many Ohio school districts, specific details regarding sick leave, including accumulation beyond the 120-day minimum, are negotiated through collective bargaining agreements between the school board and the teachers' union. These agreements often provide more generous terms than the state minimum.
• Local Board Policy: Even in the absence of specific CBA provisions, individual school board policies can dictate the maximum sick leave accumulation. This means the total number of days a teacher can accumulate can differ significantly from one district to another, reflecting local priorities and agreements.

Therefore, while state law guarantees a minimum of 15 sick days per year and a right to accumulate at least 120 days, the exact maximum accumulation often depends on the specific district's collective bargaining agreement or board policy.

For more detailed information on teacher benefits and regulations in Ohio, resources like the Ohio Education Association provide comprehensive guides.