A Split Decision

Ethical Educator

Scenario:

The head librarian at a 2,500-student high school has two direct reports, one of whom works 10 hours a week.

A diligent worker, she is out on a three-month childbirth leave but wishes to return. The chief librarian hires a fill-in, who proves to be even more hardworking and independent.

As the leave nears its end, the young mother seeks an additional month at home. The librarian wonders whether to accede to the request and, once she does return, to keep both workers for five hours a week, which strikes her as a paltry number of hours.

The school’s principal learns of the matter. What guidance might he provide?