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Nursing mother asks board to clarify new nursing‑mothers policy after first read
Summary
At a June 17 first reading of a proposed nursing‑mothers policy, Kaylee Belt asked the North Newton board to clarify whether pumping breaks count as paid/contracted time and how to request accommodations; the board said it supports nursing mothers and will clarify procedures and administrator contacts in the handbook.
Kaylee Belt, who identified herself as a nursing mother during the public comment portion of the June 17 meeting, asked the North Newton School Corporation board to clarify how a proposed nursing‑mothers policy would interact with teacher contracts and daily duties.
"My teacher contract just basically says I'm allowed a private space," Belt said. She told the board that at her building she sometimes cannot take pumping breaks during scheduled prep because she is assigned recess and lunch duties. "Do I go to you? Do I go to my principal if I need to go past my one year timeline?" she asked, seeking a clear contact and process.
Board members and administrators responded that the board is supportive and that building administrators or human resources would handle accommodations. "We fully support nursing mothers," one board member said. Members noted the policy language in the packet and said the handbook will be updated to reflect procedures and where staff should seek permission or extensions.
The policy was presented as a first reading (Policy 1425 / Policy 4425 referenced in the packet); board members encouraged administrators to clarify contract interplay and ensure the language does not unintentionally limit access to pumping breaks. No action was taken at the first read.
What happens next: The policy will be revised/clarified as necessary, included in the unified handbook first read scheduled for July 22, and returned for final action at a subsequent meeting.
