The District recognizes that on occasion extenuating circumstances arise that may necessitate absence from duty that is not covered by other specific leave provisions of the District.  To address such situations, a leave of absence, without pay, may be granted a member of the certificated or support staff for not longer than one (1) year.
Leave of absence may be requested for, but not limited to, the following purposes:

• For additional education that relates to the employee's primary assignment.  A plan of contemplated course work must be presented.
• To provide for an unpaid leave in a situation where the employee will be absent from work because of (1) a reason that conforms to a policy currently in effect but the maximum number of days provided for in that policy will be exceeded, or (2) failure to report to work without prior notification to the Superintendent.
• For a leave of absence that benefits or is in the best interest of the District, as determined by the Board upon review of the application.
• For leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

A leave of absence requested pursuant to this policy may be:

• Approved by the Superintendent if the leave period does not exceed twelve (12) weeks; or
• Recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board if the leave period exceeds twelve (12) weeks.

A request for leave of absence shall not be denied by the District if the employee is entitled to the leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  All other applications for leave of absence may be granted or denied by the District, in its sole discretion.
Each request for such a leave of absence shall be in a written application stating the purpose, starting date, and duration of the leave of absence, the reasons for its necessity or desirability, and any other information the applicant deems relevant to the request.
The leave of absence shall be only for the purpose and duration approved and may not be extended without written approval by the District.