Kernersville adopts intermittent bonding leave with department-specific increments

The Kernersville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to amend the town’s personnel policy to allow intermittent bonding leave within the 12‑month period following a birth or placement, with department heads authorized to set scheduling and increment rules to meet operational needs.

Under the adopted language, an employee’s entitlement to bonding leave remains available for 12 months after birth or placement; intermittent leave may be taken during that period subject to department‑level scheduling rules. Staff described recommended department-level approaches: administration, finance, HR, IT and parks and recreation — "no restraints" (day‑by‑day as needed); community development — minimum 2‑week increments; public services — minimum 1‑week increments; and fire and police — 6‑week increments to address shift scheduling and coverage.

Town Manager Swisher said the revisions were developed with department heads to balance employee flexibility with operational needs. "The department head shall have discretion to determine the manner in which intermittent leave may be taken, including the frequency, duration, and operational scheduling," Swisher said. He added the policy preserves separate protections for leave taken for a sick child under existing medical‑leave provisions.

The board discussed mechanisms to revisit the policy if operational issues arise; staff said changes could be brought back to the board and that established hardship or medical exceptions remain in place. Alderman Spana moved to adopt the policy; Mayor Pro Tem Gorham seconded and the board approved it unanimously.

The policy takes effect as adopted by the board; staff will implement department schedules and return to the board if revisions are needed.