Common use of Leaves of Absence for Professional Improvement Clause in Contracts

Leaves of Absence for Professional Improvement. A teacher who has completed five (5) years of service in the Delaware City School System may, with permission of the Board and the Superintendent, be entitled to take a leave of absence with part pay, for one or two semesters subject to the following restrictions: 1. The teacher will present to the Superintendent for approval a plan for professional growth prior to such a grant of permission. 2. At the conclusion of the leave the teacher will provide evidence that the plan was followed. 3. The teacher will return and serve in the district for a period of at least one (1) year unless the Board agrees otherwise at the end of the leave or unless the teacher has completed twenty-five (25) years teaching in Ohio. 4. No leave will be granted unless a suitable substitute is available. 5. No more than five percent (5%) of the professional staff may be granted such leaves at the same time. 6. The part salary allowed the teacher will not exceed the difference between the teacher’s expected salary and the salary paid the substitute and will be paid in thirds on the 2nd pay in November; the 2nd pay in February; and the 2nd pay in May during the year of their return. 7. No such leave will be requested for more than one year; and extension may be requested in writing through unpaid leave status. The same teacher will not be granted such leave more than once in five (5) years of service. 8. Teacher participation in a teacher exchange program approved by the Ohio Department of Education will be compensated with full pay and benefits providing it is at no additional cost to the Board.