Employees shall be provided leave as required under federal, state or local law; as specified in board policy; as specified in a collective bargaining unit covering the employee; or as specified in the individual employee’s contract with the district.
Unpaid leave may be used to excuse an involuntary absence not provided for in other leave policies. Employees may make requests for unpaid leaves of absence. Such requests shall be submitted in writing to the superintendent or designee at least five (5) work days in advance except in cases of emergency, in which case authorization must be requested as soon as possible and in no event more than five (5) work days after the absence. Such requests will be considered individually on their own merits and in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement, if any, and state and federal law.
The superintendent or designee will have complete discretion to grant or deny the requested unpaid leave. In making this determination, the superintendent will consider the effect of the employee’s absence on the education program and school district operations, the financial condition of the school district, length of service, previous record of absence, the reason for the requested absence, and other factors the superintendent believes are relevant in making this determination.
If unpaid leave is granted, the duration of the leave period is coordinated with the scheduling of the education program whenever possible, to minimize the disruption of the education program and school district operations.
Approved: July 25, 2018
Reviewed: February 14, 2022
Revised: March 14, 2022
