EDUCATIONAL LEAVE
CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES
Educational/Professional Purpose
Upon written request of a teacher or the Superintendent, the Board may grant leave (without pay) for one (1) year for educational or professional purposes. An additional year may be granted by the Board. Leave may be granted for full‑time attendance at universities or other training or professional activities approved by the Board when those activities are related to the employee's job or to other jobs an employee might hold in the school system. Leave will not be granted for part‑time educational activities.
Employment with a Charter School
A teacher with continuing status shall notify the District of the teacher’s intent to work in the converted charter school or to return to employment with the District the next school year by April 15 of each year of the granted leave.
Limitations
No more than two percent (2%) of the certified employees may be on educational/professional leave at one time. When requests exceed two percent (2%), those submitting the earliest requests will be given first consideration.
Time of Application
Written application for educational/professional leave must be made at least sixty (60) days before the beginning of the school term, by submitting a completed LEAVE AFFIDAVIT to be approved by the Nelson County Board.
Notification of Return
Employees on educational/professional leave, including those on professional leave serving in charter schools, shall notify the Superintendent in writing of their intent to return to the school system on or before the date prescribed in Policy 03.123 or April 15 in the case of employees serving in conversion charter schools. Teachers working in charter schools during a second year of leave shall provide written notice by the applicable date to the Superintendent and the Board Chairperson. Employees who fail to notify the Superintendent of their return by the date prescribed in Policy 03.123 cannot be guaranteed employment for the following school year.
Placement Upon Return
Employees taking an educational/professional leave will be entitled on return to a comparable position for which they are qualified. Placement in the same position or the same school cannot be guaranteed.
Classified Employees
EDUCATIONAL/PROFESSIONAL LEAVE
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board may grant classified personnel short-term leave with pay for the purpose of obtaining training to enhance the skills required in performing their job or to obtain training in anticipation of a different position with the school system.