Nelson County reports expanded staff benefits, paid parental leave and staff childcare use
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Summary
District staff reported results from benefits teaming: bereavement leave used by 38 employees (59 days, ~$17,000), paid parental leave used by 22 employees (590 paid days, ~$190,000), and staff childcare with 37 enrolled children and a 20-person waiting list; the program is breaking even.
Nelson County Schools on Feb. 17 updated the board on staff benefits work and a new staff-childcare program that district leaders say is supporting recruitment and retention.
Miss Hogan, who leads benefits teaming work, told the board the district prioritized bereavement leave, paid parental leave, gym membership discounts and staff childcare last year. She reported that from July 1 to Feb. 13, 38 employees used bereavement days (59 bereavement days total) at a district cost of about $17,000. She said 22 employees have used paid parental leave for a total of 590 paid days, costing roughly $190,000.
Miss Hogan described partnerships with three local gyms and an 'All In Perks' page for staff discounts at no cost to the district. On staff childcare, she said 37 children are currently enrolled, 35 staff members use the program (31 parents and four grandparents), and a waiting list of 20 exists; two rooms are currently at capacity and the district will open another room at the Early Learning Center (maximum capacity noted as 42). Miss Hogan said the program is breaking even and that any nominal surplus would be reinvested into the program.
Jesse Brewer, a Thrive therapist with the district who participated in benefits teaming, told the board the process felt different from other feedback efforts because participants saw changes implemented: "They brought us together with different disciplines ... and you guys listen," he said.
Board members asked about childcare capacity and staff clarified plans to add space and a small playground at the ELC to accommodate demand.