A.             Unit 8 members who have completed one year in the District may be granted leaves of absence, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and the approval of the Board of Education, which shall be without loss of job status.   All requests for leaves of absence shall carry affirmation of intention of the applicant to return to an assignment in the District upon the termination of such leave.  

B.             Unit 8 members shall submit a written application for leave of absence to the Director of Personnel, stating the specific reason for the leave and must be filed at least (30) days prior to the effective date of leave whenever possible.   Members shall furnish whatever evidence which may be required by the Director of Personnel in support of their request.

C.             Leaves shall be granted for a period of one (1) year at a time.   Where leaves are permitted for over one (1) year, the member shall inform the Director of Personnel in writing of their intention to return for the next school year or their request for additional leave.

D.             The Board of Education reserves the prerogative of recalling to service any or all members who have been granted leaves of absence, when an emergency or staff shortage makes such action necessary.   It is understood, however, that leaves granted for personal illness, approved educational commitments or military service shall not be affected by this provision.

E.             All leaves must terminate at least five (5) working days prior to any scheduled holiday or recess; or, on or after the first working day following such holiday or recess.

F.             A member returning from any extended leave of absence may be reassigned to any vacancy within the District within job title.

G.             If during the period of any such leave, the employee accepts other employment, the SCSD reserves the prerogative of recalling the member to service.

H.             The Superintendent with the approval of the Board of Education shall have the discretion to extend the leaves of absence beyond the stated periods.

I.             Any member who is granted a leave of absence under the provisions of this Article shall not be eligible for any payments with the exceptions of approved sabbatical payments under the Career Ladder, or of payments approved by the Board of Education for military leave. Leaves shall be granted for the following reasons:

1. Extended Personal Illness - A member whose personal illness extends beyond the period of accumulated and extended sick leave, will be granted a leave of absence for such time as is necessary for recovery from such illness, up to a maximum of two (2) years.   Such leave of absence shall be supported by physician's certificate.   Upon return from this leave, the member shall be required to furnish a doctor's certification indicating fitness to return to employment.   At the end of two (2) years, if the member is unable to return, the member's employment may be terminated, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
2. Child Care/Pregnancy - Any member shall be granted, upon written application, a leave of up to one (1) year.   Child leave may not be granted if more than one parent remains home with the child unless there are exceptional and medically compelling circumstances.  
3. Military - Military leave of absence shall be granted pursuant to applicable state and federal statutes.   A member returning from military leave of absence shall be entitled to full service credit of time for purposes of salary.
4. Personal - A member may be granted, at the discretion of the Superintendent, an unpaid leave of absence of up to two (2)   years for personal reasons, including but not limited to illness in the immediate family and care of an elderly person.
5. Continuing Education - A member shall be granted a continued education leave of absence for a period not to exceed one (1) year for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining education needed for certification or license.   A member may be granted a continued education leave of absence for a period not to exceed one (1) year for the purpose of improving his/her educational credentials.