The Lincoln County School District No. 2 Board of Trustees signaled uniform support for a parental-leave policy proposed by the teachers association but directed the policy committee to work with the association to define eligibility and implementation details before the board takes formal action.

At the start of the new-business discussion, Chairman Simpson said the board supports a parental-leave policy in concept but wanted to refine details with the district's policy committee and the teachers association so the policy could be adopted and made effective this school year. "We do support this type of policy," he said, and asked trustees for feedback on conditions the board might require.

Several trustees suggested requiring some form of employee "buy-in" or commitment before eligibility. Suggestions included a short service requirement (trustees mentioned possibilities such as six months to one year) or a one-day donation to a separate parental-leave sick bank. Trustees consistently emphasized the goal of using the benefit to recruit and retain staff.

Superintendent (unnamed) summarized the discussion as "absolutely 100% support" while acknowledging trustees want a period of commitment or a small donation to indicate employee buy-in. The superintendent and trustees agreed to ask the policy committee to draft language incorporating the board's direction and to consult the teachers association.

Teachers association representative Missus Johns said the association appreciated the board's consideration and asked for clarity on why a waiting period would be required when other benefits (for example, health insurance) typically become available without a long wait. "Any other benefit that we have in the district, they don't wait for a year or 6 months to get health insurance... I just don't know why the 6 month wait or definitely not a year," she said.

Legal counsel also noted potential legal and liability considerations that could support having an eligibility period; trustees said those considerations should be addressed as the policy is drafted.

Next steps
Board members directed staff to schedule a Zoom meeting within the next two weeks including representatives from the policy committee and the teachers association to draft the policy language. Trustees indicated they aim to have a first reading in August and proceed to a second reading in September if the policy committee and association reach agreement, which would allow the district to implement the policy for the coming school year if the board adopts it.

The discussion did not result in a formal vote; the board recorded direction to staff and the policy committee rather than a final policy adoption.