Appendix B - Extended Leaves of Absence

1. Association Activities Leave - The District agrees that up to three (3) teachers designated by the Association may, upon request, be granted a leave of absence for up to two (2) years, without pay, for the purpose of engaging in Association activities, local, state, or national. 
   1. Upon return from such leave, a teacher will be considered as if actively employed by the District during the leave and will be placed on the salary schedule at the level the teacher would have achieved if the teacher had not been absent. 
   2. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. 
2. ACTION Programs Leave. - Leave for Action programs, VISTA and Peace Corps may be granted, without pay, to any teacher who enlists for a period not to exceed two (2) years. 
   1. Upon return from such leave, a teacher will be placed on the salary schedule at the level the teacher would have achieved had the teacher remained actively employed in the system during the absent period. 
   2. Leave for ACTION Programs, VISTA and Peace Corps is for one (1) year at a time and the teacher must renew the leave for an additional year. 
   3. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester.  If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
3. Military Leave. - Emergency military leave as provided by Colorado Revised Statutes 1973, 28-3-602, may be granted without pay to any teacher who is inducted or enlists in active military services in time of war or other emergency declared by the proper authority of the State or the United States. 
   1. Upon return from such leave, a teacher will be placed on the salary schedule at the level the teacher would have achieved if such leave had not been taken. 
   2. Military leave is for one (1) year at a time and the teacher must renew the leave each year thereafter for the duration of the period of such war or other emergency. 
   3. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
   4. Military leave of up to fifteen (15) days in any calendar year without loss of pay or other benefits under the provisions of Colorado Revised Statutes 1973, 28-3-601, will be granted to any teacher who is a member of the National Guard or any other component of the military forces of the State or reserve forces of the United States and who is engaged with such organization or component in training or active service ordered or authorized by proper authority pursuant to law. 
4. Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave. - All regularly appointed, full-time employees will be granted maternity, paternity and/or adoption leave for up to two (2) years, without pay or increment, when requested in writing.  
   1. A request for maternity, paternity or adoption leave must be presented to the District at least thirty (30) days prior to the date on which the requested leave will commence. Exceptions will be made in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
   2. Prior to the effective date of the leave, the employee may use all or any portion of accumulated sick leave days. 
   3. The period of probation for a teacher will be extended in accordance with the length of leave of absence pursuant to the Colorado Revised Statutes 1973, 22-63-112. 
   4. When teachers have indicated in writing, at the time of application for maternity, paternity or adoption leave, that it is their desire to return, every reasonable attempt will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. The District will not be obligated to hold the teacher's vacated position open any longer than the teacher's original request of up to four (4) semesters. The teacher will be considered as part of that school staff while on leave. The vacated position will be posted and filled for the remainder of the semester or school year(s), unless the teacher indicates he/she will return sooner, in which case the position will be filled on a temporary basis until the regular teacher returns.  
   5. Should teachers find it necessary to extend their original maternity, paternity or adoption leave, they shall indicate, in writing, the additional time needed, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the original date of return.  Upon return from such extended leave, a teacher will be assigned to the same position, if available, or if not, to a substantially equivalent position.  The total leave requested shall not exceed four semesters. 
   6. Certain District employees are eligible for benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  The District may require FMLA-eligible employees to utilize their FMLA leave concurrently with such leave.  If the District wishes to require concurrent usage, it will at the time of approving the employee’s request for such leave, give the employee written notice specifying which portion of such leave will be designated as FMLA leave.  Other provisions of FMLA and District policy may apply to the FMLA portion of the leave. 
5. Family Illness Leave. - A leave of absence of up to one (1) year, without pay or increment, will be granted to regularly appointed teachers for the purpose of caring for a sick member of the teacher's immediate family who is suffering from a serious medical condition and such leave may be extended for one (1) year. 
6. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
   1. Certain District employees are eligible for benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  The District may require FMLA-eligible employees to utilize their FMLA leave concurrently with such leave.  If the District wishes to require concurrent usage, it will at the time of approving the employee’s request for such leave, give the employee written notice specifying which portion of such leave will be designated as FMLA leave.  Other provisions of FMLA and District policy may apply to the FMLA portion of the leave. 
7. Extended Personal Illness Leave. - Any regularly appointed teacher who suffers from a serious medical condition and such condition extends beyond accumulated sick leave allowable will be granted a leave of absence of up to one (1) year without pay or increment, and such leave may be extended for one (1) year. 
   1. Request for such leave must be accompanied by a statement from a regularly licensed physician that such leave is medically necessary.
   2. Request for such leave must also be approved by the Department of Human Resources.  An external consultant may be used, but the District will make the final decision. 
   3. Upon return from such leave, a teacher will be assigned to the same position, if available, or, if not, to a substantially equivalent position. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one (1) year only.
   4. Certain District employees are eligible for benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  The District may require FMLA-eligible employees to utilize their FMLA leave concurrently with such leave.  If the District wishes to require concurrent usage, it will at the time of approving the employee’s request for such leave, give the employee written notice specifying which portion of such leave will be designated as FMLA leave.  Other provisions of FMLA and District policy may apply to the FMLA portion of the leave. 
8. Short Term Disability Leave. - Regularly appointed teachers who suffer from a serious medical condition, have completed at least ten (10) years of active service in the District will be granted, upon request, a one (1) year short term disability leave of absence with one-half (1/2) pay.  
   1. Upon return from such leave, the teacher will be considered as if actively employed by the District during the leave and will be placed on the salary schedule at the level the teacher would have achieved if the teacher had not been absent. 
   2. Request for such leave must be approved by the Department of Human Resources.  An external consultant may be used, but the District will make the final decision. 
   3. Such leave of absence may be extended without pay or increment for an additional year. 
   4. Maternity, paternity and/or adoption conditions are eligible for this type of leave. 
   5. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
   6. Certain District employees are eligible for benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  The District may require FMLA-eligible employees to utilize their FMLA leave concurrently with such leave.  If the District wishes to require concurrent usage, it will at the time of approving the employee’s request for such leave, give the employee written notice specifying which portion of such leave will be designated as FMLA leave.  Other provisions of FMLA and District policy may apply to the FMLA portion of the leave. 
9. Elective Office Leave. - A teacher has the right to become a candidate for public office and to serve in such elective office unless there is a specific legal prohibition. 
   1. Regularly appointed teachers who have completed at least three (3) continuous years of service may be granted a leave of absence without pay in order to run for, or serve in, public office. 
   2. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
10. Travel, Study, or Research Leave. - Regularly appointed teachers who have completed at least three (3) continuous years of service in the District may be granted, upon request, leave of up to one (1) year without pay or increment for professional study, travel, or research. Written requests for leave must be received thirty (30) days prior to the beginning date leave is requested. 
    1. Such leaves may be extended up to one (1) year without pay or increment. 
    2. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
11. Overseas Dependent Schools Leave. - Regularly appointed teachers who have completed at least three (3) continuous years of service may be granted leave without pay to take a position in Overseas Dependent Schools. 
    1. Leave will be granted for one (1) year and may be extended for one (1) additional year. 
    2. Upon return, the teacher shall be placed on the appropriate step of the salary schedule as though the teacher had not been on leave. 
    3. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
12. Vocational Education Proficiency Leave. - The District agrees to grant to the vocationally qualified teachers, representatives of Business and Office Distributive Education, Home Economics, and Trades and Industry, the following considerations. 
    1. Proficiency leave guaranteeing full pay for one (1) year of one hundred eighty-four (184) school days, provided: 
       1. Proficiency leave would include work experience to upgrade teaching ability. 
       2. Work experience wages to be returned to the District up to an amount of present salary. 
    2. Proficiency leave incorporating half pay for one (1) year, with permission to gain work experience. 
       1. Upon return, the teacher shall be placed on the appropriate step of the salary schedule as though the teacher had not been on leave. 
       2. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment providing they return from leave at the beginning of the first or second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
       3. The District and the Association agree that the District will make every effort to ensure that all District vocational reimbursable programs will be taught by vocationally credentialed teachers in accordance with current state regulations. 
13. General Leave. - General leave of absence for reasons other than study, health or travel may be granted to a certificated teacher, as defined in Article 1-1, without pay, increment, or benefits when such employee identifies circumstances, which may require an extended absence from the District. 
    1. A teacher must have completed at least three (3) continuous years of active full time service in the District just prior to the request for leave or have attained tenure status. A reasonable condition for extended leave not covered by other leave of absence provisions must be stated. 
    2. Applications for general leave of absence must be filed by the date established by the Department of Human Resources for making such application, except in case of extreme emergency. 
    3. General leave of absence will be for one (1) semester or one (1) year. Return from such leave can be only at the beginning of a semester. A general leave of absence may be extended for one (1) year at a time without pay or increment for up to five (5) years. 
    4. Every effort will be made to return an employee to a comparable position upon return from a general leave of absence. 
    5. Time spent on a general leave of absence will not be accredited for seniority purposes. 
    6. Employee benefits will not continue during the period of leave. 
14. Corporate Internship Leave. - Regular appointed teachers who have completed at least five (5) continuous years of service in the District may be granted, upon request, leave of up to one (1) year without pay or increment to participate in corporate internship programs.  Written requests for leave must be received at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning date leave is requested. 
    1. Such leaves may be extended up to one (1) year without pay or increment. 
    2. When teachers indicate in writing, at the time of application for leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable effort will be made to return them to their vacated assignment.  This provision applies only when leave is for one (1) full school year or for second semester. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one year only. 
15. Additional Leave Conditions. - The following conditions shall apply to all extended leaves: 
    1. All requests for extended leaves of absence will be applied for and granted in writing. 
    2. The time on extended leaves of absence shall not be counted in computing the probationary period required for tenure purposes. 
    3. Except in unusual circumstances, or when the general leave is being used, no combination of leaves of absence shall exceed two (2) consecutive full years. 
    4. Teachers shall continue to accrue seniority in the District while on approved leaves, except that seniority shall not accrue while a teacher is on general leave. 
16. 15.  Sabbatical Leaves of Absence.
    1. Sabbatical leaves of absence are granted for professional improvement upon recommendation by the Superintendent. 
       1. Requests for sabbatical leaves of absence must be received by the Department of Human Resources, in writing, in such form as may be required by the Department of Human Resources, by the date established by the Department of Human Resources for making such application  preceding the semester of the school year in which the sabbatical leave is requested, except in the case of emergencies. 
       2. The teacher must have completed at least five (5) consecutive, full school years in active service as a regularly appointed teacher in the District, in order to be eligible to request a sabbatical leave. 
       3. Teachers on sabbatical leaves of absence will be paid at one-half (1/2) of their annual salary rate. 
       4. Full health insurance will be provided for the teacher by the District. 
       5. The teacher shall agree to return to employment with the District for one (1) full year in the event of a one-half (1/2) year leave of absence, or two (2) full years in the event of a full year leave. 
       6. The teacher shall agree to notify the Department of Human Resources for approval of any projected changes in the teacher's plan for professional improvement. 
       7. The teacher returning from a sabbatical leave of absence shall submit, to the Department of Human Resources, a report containing transcripts of all college and university study while on leave, a description of travel and all other items of information pertinent to an appraisal of the teacher's program. 
    2. Upon return from sabbatical leave, the teacher shall be placed on the appropriate step of the salary schedule as though the teacher had not been on leave. 
    3. A year spent on sabbatical leave will count toward the career increments as a year of active teaching service. 
    4. Effective June 1, 1979, a year spent on sabbatical leave will count as a year of active service for retirement, provided the teacher pays the difference between sabbatical leave retirement withholding and the full retirement amount. 
    5. When teachers have indicated, at the time of application for sabbatical leave, that it is their desire, every reasonable attempt will be made to return them to their vacated assignment. Such vacated positions will be posted as one (1) semester only or one (1) year only. If a position is held for the teacher’s return, it shall be held for one (1) year only. 
    6. A sabbatical leave of absence may be extended, without pay or increment, for one (1) additional year.