JCPS approves several weeks of paid maternity, paternal leave for employees

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools approved six weeks of paid maternity or parental leave at Tuesday night's board meeting.

Paid leave will apply to all employees who become new mothers, fathers or adoptive parents.

The employee must be with the district for six months.

District staff originally suggested four weeks, but the board approved six weeks in effort to stay competitive with other districts. 

"The financial impact on the district is not large so we are happy to bring that to you," said Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio. "We're really going to have to focus on benefits, obviously salary, but also benefits and supports for people to come into the profession that they know they're going to be supported and I think that is something that is going to be in every district within the next five years." 

Paid maternity and parental leave will begin July 1.