Francine Pfeffer

Oct 2, 2023 | njea.org | Francine Pfeffer |Patrick Rumaker

By Francine Pfeffer and Patrick RumakerLisa Rizziello’s mother was in hospice, and Rizziello wanted to be with her in her final days, but she had already used her three contractually negotiated family illness days. Rizziello had 376 accumulated sick days, but, as with all school employees, she could use them only for herself as outlined in state law at the time. On the day her mother died, Rizziello could not be with her to hold her hand. She had to be at work.