District staff told the Brainerd Public School District board that the district is preparing to implement Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave law and will notify employees and post required information ahead of the state deadline.

District staff member Jason said the law, effective Jan. 1, applies to most employees who earn at least about $3,900 in a year and provides up to 12 weeks for an individual's medical condition, up to 12 weeks for family leave (bonding or care for family members), and a maximum of 20 weeks total per individual. Jason said the district will use an equivalent private plan administered by the company that manages the district's long'term disability benefits in an effort to achieve faster claims turnaround for staff and the employer.

Why it matters: The new state benefit changes leave rights and employer notice requirements. Staff said they will issue the statutorily required employee letters and install posters by Dec. 1 and will direct employees to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) website for additional guidance.

What officials said: "As of Jan. 1, it's a new state law that we'll be putting in place," Jason said, adding staff expect to receive letters and posters and that the district will monitor operational impacts. He warned the board that the change "may have an impact on attendance," while also noting the benefit provides significant support for employees.

Next steps: Staff will complete employee notifications and posters, finalize administration through the district's LTD vendor, and return to the board with any questions or measurable impacts resulting from claims or participation.

Clarifying details: The district reported the approximate employee earnings threshold (about $3,900/year), the benefit structure (up to 12 weeks medical, up to 12 weeks family, 20-week individual maximum), and the poster/notification timeline (posters by Dec. 1). Staff said the state has hired claims adjudicators but that the district expects a quicker turnaround using a private equivalent plan. No fiscal cost estimate to the district was provided during the discussion.