Sabbatical for Recipients of Distinguished Educational Award. Any bargaining unit member who is the recipient of a Golden Apple Award or such other educational award which in the judgment of the Superintendent is of similar distinction may as an alternative to the “Leave for Additional Education” provided in section 10.1.5 of the Negotiated Contract be allowed a leave to pursue additional educational opportunities afforded to the bargaining unit member as part of the award, subject to the following conditions: • The leave will consist of one (1) semester, during which time the bargaining unit member will continue to receive their base salary, not including any special increments. • To qualify for the leave, the additional educational opportunities afforded to the bargaining unit member must be part of the award. • Health insurance and major medical benefits will be provided to the bargaining unit member during the leave • After the leave, the bargaining unit member must return and work for two (2) additional years in the District or refund the leave pay to the Board. • After the leave, the bargaining unit member will be returned to the same position that was held by the bargaining unit member prior to the leave, provided that position still exists. If the position held by the bargaining unit member prior to the leave no longer exists after the leave (e.g. a grade level section has been cut), the Board will make every effort to return the bargaining unit member to a position similar to the position held by the bargaining unit member prior to the leave. • A bargaining unit member will remain an employee of the District and may remain a member of the Association by submitting dues directly to the Association while on this leave.
