Section 10-045 Educational Leave
Educational leave to pursue advanced degree studies of an educational field is available to teachers and administrators when the demand of the approved program is required.  The board of education approves of such leave when the following conditions are met:

            Teachers:

1.                  A letter of application shall be submitted to the building principal and superintendent of schools for approval.

2.                  All personal leave must be used prior to the use of educational leave days.

3.         Educational leave days will be deducted from the teacher’s salary at the substitute’s rate of daily pay in the pay period applicable.

            Administrators/Directors:

1.                  A letter of application shall be submitted to the superintendent of schools for approval.

2.                  The annual salary of the administrator/director shall be frozen during the year of the educational leave. The board will review the salary at the conclusion of the program and may return the administrator to the rate of pay that he/she would have been at had he/she not been on educational leave.

3.                  A reduction in other discretionary leave will be required. National conventions will not be granted during this educational leave period.

4.                  The administrator/director will be required to check with his/her assigned building on a regular basis during the leave day.

5.                  No more than two administrators/directors will be allowed to utilize this leave provision in any given year or term.

6.         It is expected that all reports and duties will be fulfilled in a timely manner.

It is the intent of the Board of Education that this educational leave policy be used as carefully as possible so as to not abuse the principle behind establishing its opportunity for staff professional growth.  It is also the intent of the board to recognize the professional needs of the staff and to cooperate in assisting in the educational enhancement of certified employees. The board recognizes this policy as a recruitment and retainment tool to enhance and to improve the district.

                                                                                                Approved by Board 3-24-03