3430 - UNCOMPENSATED LEAVE
The Board of Education recognizes that in certain instances an employee may wish extended leave for personal reasons and that the District could benefit from the return of said employee. For that purpose, the Board will promulgate policy for the award of uncompensated leaves of absence.
The Board reserves the right to specify the conditions under which uncompensated leave may be taken. An employee granted an uncompensated leave of absence shall not accrue experience while on leave, however, such leave shall not be considered to be a break in service.
Purpose
Uncompensated leave may be taken for restoration of health.
Eligibility
Uncompensated leave may be granted to teaching staff members on a limited or continuing contract.
Application
Request for uncompensated leave shall be made to the Board at least four (4) weeks in advance of the desired start date and must be accompanied by a physician’s statement.
Special consideration will be given to emergencies.
All applications are subject to final approval by the Board.
Period of Leave
An uncompensated leave may be granted for a period of one (1) school year.
Extensions for one (1) school year maximum shall be considered upon proper application as per C ante.
Commitment of Employee
A leave of absence shall be used essentially and primarily for the purpose stated by the employee in the application for which the leave is granted. Any alteration of plans or purposes by the employee without the written approval of the Superintendent shall be considered by the Board as a termination of the employees contract by the employee.
The employee granted an uncompensated leave shall inform the Board within sixty (60) days of the scheduled return date as to his/her intentions.
Commitment of Employer
At the expiration of the uncompensated leave, the employee shall be offered a position for which s/he is certified.
Time on uncompensated leave shall not count as time on the job.
While on uncompensated leave, an employee shall be entitled to insurance benefits provided to his/her peers if s/he pays the premiums therefor and the insurance carrier approves.
The employee will bear sole responsibility for the purchase of S.T.R.S. credit during uncompensated leave.
Unpaid Leaves of Absence
All professional staff members not otherwise covered by the terms of a negotiated, collectively-bargained agreement of this District shall be entitled to the leave benefits which are not less than those provided in the master agreement with Southern Local Education Association.
All requests for unpaid leaves of absence by professional staff members shall be presented to the Board of Education for approval.
Any professional staff member granted a leave of absence by the Board shall be considered to have terminated all work with the School District until the completion of the leave. Exceptions may be made by the Superintendent in cases where the best interest of the District might be served.