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Board approves first reading of KSBA policy updates; wellness and traceable-communications set for July
Summary
The Bath County Board approved the first-reading review of the 2025–26 KSBA policy/procedure updates, with the district-wide wellness plan and the traceable communications policy scheduled for first reading in July; the maternity/paternity leave policy drew detailed commentary from the board attorney.
The Bath County Board of Education on June 23 approved the first-reading review of the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) 2025–26 annual policy and procedure updates, while postponing two specific items for a July first reading.
The board voted, on a motion by Carla and second by Eric, to accept the KSBA annual policy/procedure updates for first reading. During discussion, the board attorney recommended delaying the districtwide wellness plan (policy 0.92) and the traceable communications policy (policy O82324) so the district can bring them back for a first reading in July. The attorney also flagged the KSBA-drafted maternity/paternity leave policy (3.1233) for further review and clarification on who it covers and how the district would implement it.
The board attorney said KSBA’s draft maternity/paternity policy provides up to 30 days of leave but noted districts have up to five years to implement the change; the attorney also raised concerns that the draft language appears to apply to certified staff only and referenced potential unequal‑protection exposure if the policy remains limited to teachers rather than all employees. The attorney recommended the board review how the policy would apply to classified employees and fathers. Board members discussed reporting and accounting changes tied to sick‑leave reporting required by the state and noted the state will now fund 13 sick days while districts historically covered that cost.
The board also discussed the traceable‑communications policy (O82324), which restricts nonpublic electronic communications between employees and students unless there is parental consent and a district-authorized process; district staff said the policy aims to protect students and employees and referenced potential vendor/app options to manage communications. The technology director said he is reviewing tools similar to what Montgomery County uses to comply with the policy.
The motion to approve the first-reading review of the KSBA packet carried on a voice vote; the board instructed staff to present the two delayed items (wellness plan and traceable communications) for first reading in July and to return maternitiy/paternity language as the district’s review is completed.
