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Board holds first read of updated lactation/expressing-breast-milk policy; staff to return with clarifications
Summary
The board reviewed recommended updates to district policy on expressing breast milk at work that align with new state Department of Labor guidance: 30 minutes of paid break time per expression and space requirements; staff answered questions about "reasonable need" and designees and will return with finalized policy.
The Watertown City School District Board of Education conducted a first read Wednesday of proposed revisions to the district's lactation/expressing-breast-milk policy, prompted by September 2024 guidance from the New York State Department of Labor.
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Student Services (Tina) walked trustees through two principal changes in the draft policy: (1) the policy would provide 30 minutes of paid break time each time an employee has a reasonable need to express breast milk for up to three years following childbirth; and (2) the policy clarifies space requirements the district must provide (locked room, running water, privacy and a place to store expressed milk) and the procedural mechanism for employees to make requests to the assistant superintendent in a format that allows records retention (email, written note or other traceable method).
Board members asked clarifying questions during the first read. One trustee asked how "reasonable need" would be defined and raised the practical point that needs can change over time (for example, more frequent expressions immediately after returning from leave). Tina said such needs are individualized and would be addressed through a conversation with the employee and the assistant superintendent; she also confirmed the building principal (or designee) is responsible for providing the space when possible.
Because this was a first read, trustees did not adopt the policy. Staff will return with any technical edits and a proposed final policy for board consideration at a subsequent meeting.
Why it matters: The draft brings the district policy into alignment with the state Department of Labor guidance and spells out paid break time, space standards and record-retention expectations for employee requests.
Next steps: Staff will refine language as requested, clarify the procedure for determining "reasonable need" and identify the appropriate designee(s) by building, then bring the policy back to the board for a future vote.
