The Board of Education may grant a leave of absence for child-rearing without pay, to any regularly employed certified staff member on tenure, upon written request for such leave.

 

Duration of Leave

 

• Such leave of absence shall be for a period not to exceed one (1) full calendar year beyond the date of which such leave becomes effective.  However, under certain circumstances, the leave may be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

• The period of leave may be shortened should the child not survive this two-year period.

 

Time of Return from Leave

 

Teachers who have been on child-rearing leave status normally will return at the beginning of a school year.

 

Contractual Status of Employees

 

The continued contractual service status of any such employee shall not be affected adversely by any such leave of absence, within the limits set forth by this policy statement.  The normal annual salary increments, however, will not be granted during this leave.

 

Application for Reinstatement

 

At least ninety (90) calendar days prior to the expiration of such leave, either by lapse of time or the prior death of the child, the employee shall be required to make written application to the Board of Education for reinstatement.

 

Failure to Apply for Reinstatement

 

If the employee fails to make a written application for reinstatement at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the leave, the continued employment of any such employee shall be automatically terminated without a notice and without any action by the Board of Education.