Board questions parental‑leave change that would require continuous bonding leave

Henrico County School Board members raised questions April 16 about proposed employee leave policies (6.01–6.07), focusing on whether paid parental (bonding) leave should be taken continuously or can be used intermittently.

A written comment submitted before the meeting had urged changing the policy to allow intermittent use of paid parental leave. Board members said they wanted to understand whether the change had been considered during policy committee deliberations and how the division would explain the rule to employees.

Staff member Miss Balden explained that the bonding portion of the parental‑leave policy was written to require continuous use, consistent with the division’s FMLA policy. She said other leave types (for sickness, medical appointments, etc.) still allow intermittent use and that a specialist is available to walk applicants through specifics of FMLA and parental‑leave eligibility.

Board members asked staff to re‑examine the language for clarity and requested improved communications explaining the rationale and how employees would use the benefits. No final policy vote was recorded at the work session; members said they would continue the item on the consent agenda at a later meeting.