Common use of Unpaid Leave of Absence for Illness or Disability Clause in Contracts

Unpaid Leave of Absence for Illness or Disability. An employee who is unable to perform his or her duties because of personal illness or disability shall be granted an unpaid leave of absence for the duration of the illness or disability, subject to the following conditions: The employee may, at his or her option, use any or all accumulated sick leave days prior to requesting an unpaid leave of absence. The employee must submit a written request to the School District prior to the effective date of said leave. The request shall state the date the leave is to begin, which must be supported by a certified statement from the employee's personal physician. The leave of absence shall last only as long as the employee is actually disabled or sick, as certified by the employee's personal physician, but the leave of absence shall not, in any event, exceed one (1) year. Upon returning to service with the School District, the employee shall be returned to the same classification which he or she occupied prior to the leave. If that position no longer exists, the employee shall be given another similar position for which he or she is properly qualified. Upon reasonable request, an employee will be required to submit proof to the School District of the continuing nature of the illness or disability. The School District may require a doctor's certification of the employee's physical fitness to return to work prior to reinstatement. Once the unpaid leave of absence begins, COBRA will be offered under the law within the proper time period if the employee was covered under insurance.