JCPS' new parental leave policy takes effect July 1

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools' staff will no longer have to use sick days when having or adopting a child.

Starting July 1, the district's new parental leave policy will take effect. It offers new mothers, fathers, and adoptive parents six weeks of paid leave.

"This is really important for our teachers that are just starting out in their career," said JCPS teacher Emilie McKiernan Blanton. "I think we're taking some strides towards getting to a more family-friendly environment."

McKiernan Blanton, who has two children, found out she was pregnant with her first child during her first year of teaching. Because she was a new teacher, she only had 10 sick days to use and did not yet qualify for FMLA leave, leaving her to take unpaid time off.

"I was 24 years old, not able to get a paycheck for multiple weeks in a row," she said.

McKiernan Blanton said adding parental leave is a positive for the profession and JCPS.

McKiernan Blanton said typically, to accrue 30 days, or six weeks of sick time, it takes about three years.

Teacher Jessica Adams said six weeks is a start, but hopes one day the district could compete with the private sector in terms of paid parental leave. However, she said any paid time off will help families stay on track and worry less, while taking care of their newborn.

"Not getting paid those six weeks, then expected to jump back into the workforce and play catch up with your mortgage, lights, car insurance, just daily living expenses, and then future expenses with your child ... Having that extra money, just as a relief," Adams said.

JCPS' parental leave policy also applies to adoptive parents.

"Everybody needs time to be able to bond with their child," Adams said.

Teachers also find the policy a positive because it allows them to use their sick time for just sick time. 

"We don't want teachers going to school when they're sick, just so that they can stockpile their days in order to try to have a family," McKiernan Blanton said.

Oldham County offers six weeks of paid maternity leave to qualifying mothers who have given birth.

Lexington's school district, Fayette County Schools, offers seven weeks of paid parental leave.