Leave for Continuing Education. 1. Employees may be granted continuing education leave of absence, with or without pay, for a period not to exceed two (2) years, for purposes of education, travel, or other professional activities which, in the judgment of the Superintendent, are in the best interests of the District and the teacher involved. At the conclusion of such leave of absence with pay, a teacher shall return to service with the District for a minimum period equal to the duration of the leave. In the event of the teacher's failure to meet this obligation, such monies as have been paid to the teacher by the District while on such leave of absence shall be repaid to the District on a pro rata basis, unless the District waives repayment. This provision shall not apply when, for physical or other reasons beyond his/her control, the teacher is incapable of further service.
2. There are no restrictions on individual eligibility for continuing education leave, but there shall be a general limitation whereby no more than one percent (1%) of the total certificated staff may be on continuing education leave at any one time.
3. The Superintendent shall be guided, but not bound, by the following, in the administration of this Article:
a. As a general rule, after seven (7) or more years of service in the District a teacher may apply for and be granted a leave with full pay for a period not to exceed one (1) semester; or half pay for a full school year;
b. Applicants must file a statement indicating the specific purpose for which such leave of absence is desired;
c. Grants and scholarships shall not be deductible from salary received while on such leave. Other monies may be deductible;
d. Evaluation of applications for continuing education leave of absence should be according to the following criteria: • educational value to the District; • educational value to the individual concerned; • type of research, study, or travel planned; • in cases of equally meritorious applications, length of service in the District should be the deciding factor.
e. Applications for continuing education leave should be postmarked or hand delivered to the Office of Human Resources not later than February 1st; the applicant should be notified of approval (or disapproval) not later than March 1st. The February 1st date also applies to employees desiring a one-half (1/2) year continuing education leave during the fall semester. Those applying for a one-half (1/2) year continuing education leave for the spring semester ...
