The maximum length of temporary disability leave for educators shall be 180 calendar days.
Certified employees. The purpose of temporary disability leave is to provide job protection to full-time educators who cannot work for an extended period of time because of a mental or physical disability of a temporary nature. Pregnancy and conditions related to pregnancy are treated the same as any other temporary disability. A full-time educator may voluntarily request to be placed on temporary disability leave or be placed on leave involuntarily. Employees must request approval for temporary disability leave. The leave request must be accompanied by a physician’s statement confirming the employee’s inability to work and estimating a probable date of return. If disability leave is approved, the length of leave is no longer than 180 calendar days. If disability leave is not approved, the employee must return to work or be subject to termination procedures.

If an employee is placed on temporary disability leave involuntarily, he or she has the right to request a hearing before the board of trustees. The employee may protest the action and present additional evidence of fitness to work.

When an employee is ready to return to work, the Personnel Office should be notified in writing at least 30 days in advance. The return-to-work notice must be accompanied by a physician’s statement confirming that the employee is able to do the job. Professional employees returning from leave will be reinstated as soon as an appropriate position is available. If a position is not available before the end of the school year, professional employees will be reinstated at the beginning of the following school year.