The Leon County School Board approved several high-profile items Tuesday, including a new name, image, and likeness policy for student athletes, a safe schools K-9 grant, and a change to employee leave time.WATCH FULL REPORT BEL OW: Leon County School Board approves NIL policy, K-9 grant, and leave changesBoard members unanimously approved advertising changes to the district's annual leave policy for exempt employees. Under the proposal, exempt employees would receive 8 hours of annual leave upfront each July 1, along with 14 additional hours of leave each month, for a total of up to 176 hours of annual leave each contract or fiscal year.Superintendent Rocky Hanna said the policy changes will help cut down on abuse of the benefit."What we've seen in the past is some people will earn that 10 days on July 1 and then they'll leave or separate from the district shortly thereafter, so the amendment to the current policy is simply to make it equitable for everyone to ensure that as people are earning that leave that is when it's distributed instead of all on the front end," Hanna said.The policy change now moves to a public hearing and final adoption vote scheduled for June 16.Board members also approved a new name, image, and likeness policy for student athletes following public comment. The policy formally allows students to profit from NIL agreements while prohibiting deals connected to alcohol, tobacco, gambling, weapons, and political or social activism. The rules also prevent students from using school logos, mascots, or uniforms without district approval.Board members also unanimously approved a Florida Safe Schools Canine Grant to support the district's firearm detection K-9 program. The more than $113,000 grant helps fund K-9 Tango through the district's partnership with the Leon County Sheriff's Office."Several days a week she'll go visit different schools to show her presence as a deterrent for kids that may think about bringing something they shouldn't on campus," Hanna said.The funding will cover a new transport vehicle, safety equipment, training, veterinary care, and part of the handler's salary and benefits.The school board also passed a motion to create a grants office and will continue the discussion at its next board meeting.This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.Like us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram and X. ...read more read less