12. LEAVES

12.1 ABSENCE FROM DUTY (ILLNESS OR PERSONAL LEAVE)

12.1.1 A teacher who will be absent from duty shall notify the District's Substitute Employee Management System (SEMS), as early as possible, preferably the night before the absence and not later than one hour prior to the teacher's reporting time on the morning of the absence.

12.1.2 If a teacher notifies the District's Substitute Employee Management System (SEMS) later than one hour prior to the teacher's reporting time on the morning of the absence, they will also notify the administration or designee.

12.1.3 All absences from duty must be excused. Teachers who are willfully absent from duty without leave or misrepresent the cause of absence, shall forfeit compensation for the time of such absence, and their contract shall be subject to cancellation by the Board.

12.2 SICK LEAVE BANK

12.2.1 Establishment

A. The Sick Leave Bank shall be established and deemed to be in operation when one thousand (1,000) sick leave days have been deposited in the Bank.

12.2.2 Membership

A. Any employee may apply for membership to the Sick Leave Bank who is actively on duty and has at least eleven (11) days of accrued sick leave as of October 1, the date of effective enrollment. Those persons wishing to become members of the Sick Leave Bank shall do so by voluntarily applying for membership and contributing one (1) accrued sick leave day to the bank during the time determined and published by the Sick Leave Bank Committee.

B. Membership in the Sick Leave Bank shall be continuous from initial enrollment until an individual member has drawn all Sick Leave Bank Committee approved days for original illness (not to exceed 100 days) or has resigned from the school system.

C. Membership may not be reinstated by a former member returning used days to the bank.

D. Membership shall be qualified by the following conditions:

1. Each July the Sick Leave Bank Committee shall determine if the bank balance will be drawn to below 500 days during the coming year. If after evaluating the rate of usage and the projected new enrollments, the committee concludes that the 500 day balance will occur during the next school year, each member will be notified that they will be required to contribute one additional sick leave day on the last pay date in September in order to continue members. Members not having one additional sick leave day accrued to their benefit shall not be eligible to continue membership. Such members shall again be eligible when they meet the criteria in 12.2.2 A.

2. In the event a member draws from the bank, that individual's membership shall be suspended for all subsequent illness and benefits not arising directly out of the original illness or injury. Such individuals may reinstate their membership by meeting the qualifications in 12.2.2 A.

3. Members of the bank may only contribute days as authorized above and any sick leave days donated to the bank shall be deemed used sick leave by the participating employee and shall not be returned to the employee except as a benefit of membership in the bank.

12.2.3 Benefits

A. Eligibility for payment from the sick leave bank shall be determined by the Sick Leave Bank Committee based upon the following:

1. Sick Leave Bank members are not eligible for benefits for a pre-existing condition until after January 1, one year following the effective date of enrollment.

2. The member must have applied for an extended leave of absence from employment because of their own personal catastrophic illness or accident (excluding Workers' Compensation cases).

3. Sick Leave Bank benefits are not payable for benefits coverable by Workers' Compensation benefits.

4. The member must have exhausted all accumulated sick leave and have missed ten (10) consecutive workdays without pay.

5. The member must make application to the Sick Leave Bank Committee by submitting certificates from two doctors attesting to the member's extended illness or accident. The Sick Leave Bank Committee will provide the necessary forms and determine the required information.

6. Upon approval by the Sick Leave Bank Committee of each application, members will be allowed to draw up to a maximum of one hundred (100) paid sick leave days from the bank. Payment of benefits for these approved 100 days does not have to be continuous for the same illness. However, each request must be accompanied by a new application and the criteria in l, 2, and 3 above must be met.

7. All cases shall be reviewed when the 50th day of benefits is reached. The committee may request additional medical certification.

B. Utilization of paid sick leave will be determined based upon the following:

1. The Sick Leave Bank days, for payment purposes, are only effective on the days which are normally paid days for each particular job classification.

2. Members of the Sick Leave Bank who are drawing benefits are not eligible for sick leave or vacation accrual. Paid holidays occurring during the approved benefit period will be paid as a benefit of the Sick Leave Bank.

3. During the duration of the coverage by the Sick Leave Bank days, the recipient is responsible for submitting updated medical statements from both physicians at the end of each month or as otherwise advised by the committee's chairperson. This should be forwarded to the attention of the Chairperson of the Sick Leave Bank Committee.

4. When the physician(s) releases the member for return to duty, the member is required immediately to advise the chairperson of the Sick Leave Bank Committee of this change in status. A member who fails to advise the Chairperson of the release from a physician to return to work shall forfeit their rights to all sick leave bank benefits paid after the release and shall be personally liable for restitution to the bank of all funds received.

12.2.4 Administration

A. The Sick Leave Bank shall be administered by the Sick Leave Bank Committee.

B. The Sick Leave Bank Committee shall be the final authority on all disputes concerning membership applications, benefit applications and on other matters that may come before the committee.

C. The Sick Leave Bank Committee shall be a committee consisting of:

1. Three representatives appointed by CTA

2. Four representatives appointed by the Superintendent.

D. The chairperson shall have no voting power except in a tie breaking situation.

E. Enrollment forms and applications for benefits may be obtained from the Non-Instructional Personnel Office.

F. Specific rules for the implementation of this bank may be developed by the Sick Leave Bank Committee.

G. Sick Leave Bank members shall be given an annual report of usage. The report shall include the number of applications submitted, approved, rejected, the number of days utilized, and the number of days remaining in the Bank.

H. The membership eligibility and benefits (100 days) of the Sick Leave Bank may be changed when two-thirds of the Sick Leave Bank Committee recommends to the Sick Leave Bank membership such a change.

This change shall be approved by a majority vote of the voting members of the Sick Leave Bank.

12.2.5 The Sick Leave Bank Committee shall function as follows:

A. The Chairperson shall be responsible for conducting the meetings, corresponding with all applicants and attending to all other business of the committee.

B. The Chairperson shall select the Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall be responsible for conducting the annual enrollment and to act in the chairperson capacity in the absence of the chairperson.

C. Quorum shall consist of three members plus the chairperson or vice-chairperson.

12.3 ILLNESS LEAVE (SICK LEAVE)

12.3.1 A teacher who is unable to perform his school duties because of his illness or because of the illness or death of his father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, child, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, brother-in-law, stepbrother, half brother, sister-in-law, stepsister, half sister, stepchild, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, grandparents, grandchild, or members of his own household (a person residing in the house wherein the member resides, or in another house upon the same premises) is entitled to four days of sick leave as of the first day of employment of each contract year and shall thereafter earn one day of sick leave for each month of employment which shall be credited to the member at the end of that month, and which shall not be used prior to the time it is earned and credited to the member, provided that the member shall be entitled to earn no more than one day of sick leave times the number of months of employment during the year of employment. Such sick leave shall be cumulative from year to year; provided there shall be no limit on the number of days of sick leave a member of the instructional staff may accrue; and provided, further, that at least one-half of this cumulative leave must be established within the district granting such leave.

12.3.2 All claims for sick leave must be approved by the principal who shall make the report to the payroll section with a payroll voucher, and by such person as is designated by the Superintendent for this purpose. All such claims shall be substantiated by filling of the appropriate form immediately upon return of the teacher to duty or during the course of his illness, as may be needed. The Superintendent is authorized to require a certificate of illness from a licensed physician or from the County Health Officer if such is deemed necessary. Full compensation shall be made for the time missed for justifiable absence in accordance with the Florida School Laws.

12.3.3 Teachers who remain on duty one-half school day are to be reported to the Payroll Office on the attendance report as being on duty one-half day. Time less than one-half day not on duty should be recorded by the school office. Teachers who remain on duty longer than one-half day of a school day but less than a full day (seven hours and thirty-five minutes) are to be reported as being on duty a full day. Time less than a full day not on duty should be recorded by the school office. When a teacher's non-duty (leave) time recorded in the school office accumulates to one-half school day, the time is to be reported as personal or sick leave, indicating dates actual leaves occurred, to the Payroll Office. The payroll for that period would be adjusted to reflect the one-half day accumulated personal or sick leave.

12.3.4 A teacher may requisition his former employing Florida school district to transfer his accrued sick leave to the Hillsborough County School District. The Hillsborough County School District shall add to the teacher's sick leave account the transferred sick leave days at a rate as earned according to the law, provided that at least one-half of this accumulative leave must be established within the district granting such leave.

12.3.5 When sick leave is to be used continuously just prior to and continuously with a resignation or long-term leave without pay, the teacher shall notify the principal of his/her intention to do so. The teacher will be replaced by a temporary teacher at once during the period of time in which the teacher collects sick leave. Such an extended use of sick leave shall require verification from a medical doctor of the illness or condition requiring the absence.

12.3.6 Teachers who are employed for a normal extended year program shall earn one additional day of sick leave. Teachers who are employed for one MSC Intersession shall earn one-half day of sick leave. Teachers who are employed for two or more MSC Intersessions shall earn one additional day of sick leave.

12.4 EMPLOYMENT WHILE ON LEAVE

12.4.1 Teachers may be employed while on personal leave from the school system for a maximum of one school year. Upon expiration of the leave, the teacher will return to the county placement pool for reassignment.  For all personal leaves unrelated to employment elsewhere, the teacher shall be returned to the school and subject area where he or she previously served.

12.5 SHORT TERM LEAVES - GENERAL PROVISIONS

12.5.1 Short term leaves (leaves for a maximum of thirty calendar days) are granted for short periods of time when a teacher is absent from his assigned post. These leaves will not break continuity of service. The Superintendent shall have authority to approve (or to delegate responsibility for approving) all short term leaves.

12.5.2 With the exception of Personal Leave with Pay and Professional Duty Within the County Leave, and Professional Duty Out-of-County, all other leave requests must be submitted on Request for Leave of Absence form and received in the Division of Human Resources three workdays prior to the effective date of leave.

12.5.3 Teachers receiving compensation from a source other than the School Board for participating in an activity during normal duty hours must take personal leave. If the purpose of the compensation to participants is to reimburse these individuals for activities required beyond the normal work day, a Request for Leave of Absence form must be submitted and the professional duty leave may be approved with documentation verifying the reason for compensation.

12.6 PERSONAL LEAVE WITH PAY

12.6.1 Five days per school year for personal leave may be charged to sick leave. The regular Request for Leave of Absence form will not be necessary but the administrator or designee shall be notified in person or by phone prior to the teacher taking leave. This notification does not imply a need for approval. Immediately following the absence, a sick leave form shall be submitted stating that the absence was for "personal reasons." (See Section 12.1)

12.7 PROFESSIONAL DUTY WITHIN THE COUNTY

12.7.1 Professional duty within the county is not considered a leave of absence. It is approval granted by the appropriate building administrator for a teacher to be temporarily absent from his regular duties and place of employment for the purpose of performing other educational services in-county. No leave form shall be required for individuals performing professional duty within the county or on a Board approved field trip in or out of county. (When compensation is anticipated, see 12.5.3)

12.7.2 Any use of a substitute for a teacher who is on inter-school visitation must have prior written approval of the General Area Director or the General Director of Human Resources.

12.8 PROFESSIONAL DUTY OUT-OF-COUNTY

12.8.1 The request of an individual for Professional Duty outside of Hillsborough County must be submitted on an Out-of-County Travel Authorization and Reimbursement Claim form to the appropriate administrator for approval at least ten working days prior to the effective date of leave. When no reimbursement is requested or when internal account funds are used, the Out-of-County Travel Authorization and Reimbursement Claim form must be received in the Division of Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the effective date of leave. Approval for use of a substitute and/or travel must be made by the appropriate Assistant Superintendent. However, such leave shall be granted when the teacher can demonstrate that he or she is an officer or board member of the state or national curriculum or subject area group which is sponsoring the event for which the leave is sought. In order to qualify, the teacher's present assignment must be in that curriculum or subject area group. (When compensation is anticipated, see 12.5.3)

12.9 PROFESSIONAL DUTY - OUT-OF-COUNTY - STUDENT DAY (GROUP)

12.9.1 When a subject area group of teachers (social studies, counselors, etc.) desire to attend a conference, convention, workshop, etc., they will present a request for approval of the trip to the appropriate General Director who is responsible for their program at least three weeks in advance of the trip.

12.9.2 The appropriate General Director will present the request to the Superintendent and his staff for approval at the next staff meeting.

12.9.3 A maximum of ten percent of the total group shall be given approved leave to represent their group. (The appropriate Assistant Superintendent may waive the 10% limitation). Such leave must be submitted on the Out-of-County Travel Authorization and Reimbursement Claim form to the appropriate administrator at least ten working days prior to the first day of absence. When no reimbursement is requested or when internal account funds are used, the Out-of-County Travel Authorization and Reimbursement Claim form must be received in the Division of Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the effective date of leave.

12.9.4 Participants representing any group shall be selected on an equitable basis by the group (rotation, election, etc.).

12.9.5 Officers or board members of the group shall not be counted in the ten percent maximum allowable for any group participating in a meeting, but would be considered as participants above the maximum upon demonstrating their status to the Division of Human Resources.

12.10 PROFESSIONAL DUTY - OUT-OF-COUNTY - NON-STUDENT DAY (GROUP)

12.10.1 If a subject area group of teachers desires to attend a county approved conference, convention, workshop, etc., approved by the Superintendent and staff on a day students are not in school, no maximum shall be set and leaves will be granted to all teachers who submit the Out-of-County Travel Authorization and Reimbursement Claim form to the appropriate administrator at least ten working days prior to the first day of absence. When no reimbursement is requested or when internal account funds are used, the Out-of-County Travel Authorization and Reimbursement Claim form must be received in the Division of Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the effective date of leave. A request for the approval of the trip shall be submitted to the appropriate Assistant Superintendent at least three weeks prior to the date of the anticipated absence. On parent conference days, it shall be the teacher's responsibility to notify the parents of their students of their anticipated absence for professional development. Teachers will make other arrangements with parents for conferences.

12.11 ILLNESS AND ACCIDENT IN LINE OF DUTY

12.11.1 Any employee shall be entitled to illness or accident in-line-of-duty leave when he is absent from his duties because of a personal injury received in the discharge of duty or because of certain infectious or contagious childhood diseases contracted in school work.

12.11.2 The principal/designee or administrator in charge, upon notification by an employee of an on-the-job injury, shall complete in detail a "Notice of Injury" report and forward it in the next school mail to the Risk Management and Safety Office.

12.11.3 If medical treatment is necessary due to an on-the-job injury, the injured person shall be given a completed "Referral for Medical Treatment" form which will enable the employee to report to a doctor or hospital. The bottom portion of this form should be completed by medical personnel and returned to the teacher's work site for submittal to the Risk Management and Safety Office. Except for emergencies, an employee needing care from a doctor must use only doctors listed on the Risk Management and Safety Office's "List of Approved Doctors." An employee may not change doctors without the Risk Management and Safety Office's approval.

12.11.4 The employee shall receive normal pay for the day of the injury. Upon recommendation of the Risk Management and Safety Office, the School Board will also pay normal salary to an employee who is injured on the job or has certain job related illnesses for the first ten working days following such illness or injury. The maximum amount of paid days shall be ten days per injury with a maximum of ten days per year (July 1 - June 30). The employee must use the regular leave form to request paid days and submit to the teacher's work site for submittal to the Risk Management and Safety Office for approval. The Risk Management and Safety Office will approve payment of the first paid day after an injury without proof of medical treatment.
Approval of more than this first day will not be granted unless medical proof is attached indicating the employee is unable to work due to the injury. An employee who is given paid days will be reported in Code B of the payroll.

12.11.5 After the ten day period, the injured employee has a choice of receiving Workers' Compensation benefits only, or supplementing Workers' Compensation benefits by utilizing a portion of a sick day to provide full salary equivalent. The combined benefits of both Workers' Compensation and paid days sometimes result in overpayments to an employee which must be returned.
An employee on Workers' Compensation is assured a return to the same position, if the return occurs during the same or the next fiscal year. If the Workers' Compensation extends into the third fiscal year, the employee will be assigned by the method of pool placement.

12.11.6 If a doctor recommends an employee for light duty (limited/restricted duty), the employee must be able to fulfill his work responsibilities. The work location supervisor must allow the employee to return to work and insure that the employee does not exceed the doctor's limitations for up to ten working days. If these ten working days expire and the employee is still unable to return to full unlimited duty, the employee must obtain another doctor's statement requesting up to ten additional days of limited duty. At the completion of this second ten days of limited duty, the employee must return to full duty or be placed on temporary total disability until able to return to unrestricted duty. Light duty status is only available for approved Workers' compensation claimants, not for individuals returning from personal illness or injury.

12.11.7 In addition to all Workers' Compensation benefits, employees shall also be entitled to illness in-line-of-duty leave when they are absent from duties because of certain illnesses contracted at work. This policy is intended to deal with such uncommon diseases or infestations as infectious hepatitis, meningitis and scarlet fever and the illnesses normally related to childhood diseases such as mumps, measles, chicken pox, head lice, pink eye, scabies or impetigo. This does not include the normal adult illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, etc. (Children found to contain these illnesses or infestations shall be immediately, except in emergency, excluded from the classroom and shall not be allowed to return to school until such time as the condition no longer exists.) This extended benefit is not covered under the Workers' Compensation Law, therefore employees must seek medical care on their own (without a medical referral form) and present their bills to the principal/supervisor. To receive benefits, the principal/supervisor must send a memo to the Risk Management and Safety Office stating that the employee was personally exposed to a specific illness. Medical bills and leave of absence forms should be attached. The Risk Management and Safety Office may specify maximum benefits for certain illnesses.

12.11.8 When a health hazard exists at a work location that necessitates preventive action or treatment, such as taking shots, to protect employees, the School Board shall make arrangements through the Health Department or other agency for such preventive action or treatment at no cost to employees.

12.12 JURY DUTY OR COURT WITNESS

12.12.1 A teacher called for jury duty shall be considered on temporary duty elsewhere and shall receive pay for his/her time on jury duty. A copy of the court order must be attached to the Request for Leave form.

12.12.2 A teacher subpoenaed as a witness for a situation related to his/her employment as a School Board employee shall be considered on temporary duty elsewhere and shall receive pay for his/her time while answering the subpoena. A copy of the subpoena must be attached to the Request for Leave form.

12.13 MILITARY LEAVE - RESERVE ACTIVE TRAINING

12.13.1 Teachers who are members of state and national reserve units shall be entitled to paid leave of absence, up to seventeen work days in any fiscal year, when they are on active duty for training purposes. Reservists must plan their tour of duty during vacation when possible. Request for excused absence and a copy of the official orders must be submitted in advance.

12.14 MILITARY LEAVE - RESERVE CALLED TO ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE

12.14.1 Teachers who are members of State and National Reserve Units, who are called to active military service, shall be entitled to a leave of absence. Requests for Military Leave must be accompanied by a copy of the official orders.

12.14.2 The work days within the first thirty calendar days of any such leave shall be with full pay. Teachers shall retain rights to their assignment until the end of the current school year. Teachers returning from Military Leave will be credited with one (or a partial) year's experience for determining salary benefits, rights, and privileges for each year (or partial) year on leave. Upon expiration of the leave, a reservist shall be returned to the school and subject area (See Section 11.4.7.E) where he/she previously served.

12.14.3 Reservists must present themselves for duty within 31 days upon release and must make themselves available to report to work no later than 90 days from the date of discharge from active service. Failure on the part of the reservists to return to work after 90 days will be considered as a break in service. The returning reservist must provide the appropriate discharge documents (DD 214) indicating an honorable discharge. Failure on the part of the teacher to submit this verification will invalidate the leave of absence and constitute a break in service. Circumstances surrounding a dishonorable discharge will be considered on an individual basis.

12.15 MILITARY LEAVE - VOLUNTARY SERVICE

12.15.1 Teachers who volunteer for military service in the Armed Forces of the United States or the State of Florida are eligible for military leave without pay. Orders for induction must be submitted with the Request for Leave Form. A maximum of four years' leave may be granted unless a state of emergency exists.

12.15.2 Teachers granted a military leave must, upon their release, present themselves for duty within 31 days and must make themselves available to report to work no later than 90 days from the date of discharge from active service. Returning teachers must submit a copy of his/her honorable discharge papers from the service. Failure on the part of the teacher to submit this verification will invalidate the leave of absence and constitute a break in service. Circumstances surrounding a dishonorable discharge will be considered on an individual basis.

12.15.3 Teachers returning from Voluntary military service shall be credited with one (or partial) year's experience for determining salary benefits, rights and privileges for each (or partial) year on leave. Upon expiration of the leave, a teacher shall be returned to the school and subject area (See Section 11.4.7.E.) where he/she previously served.

12.16 MILITARY LEAVE - STATE OR NATIONAL EMERGENCY

12.16.1 Teachers who volunteer or are drafted for military service in a time of declared national or state emergency are eligible for military leave without pay. Requests for military leave must be accompanied by a copy of the official orders. A maximum of four years of leave may be granted unless the declared state of emergency continues to exist.

12.16.2 Teachers granted military leave must, upon their release, present themselves for duty within 31 days and must make themselves available to report to work no later than 90 days from the date of discharge from active service. Returning teachers must submit a coy of their honorable discharge papers from the service. Failure on the part of the teacher to submit this verification will invalidate the leave of absence and constitute a break in service. Circumstances surrounding a dishonorable discharge will be considered on an individual basis.

12.16.3 Teachers returning from military leave shall be credited with one (or partial) year's experience for determining salary benefits, rights and privileges for each (or partial) year on leave. Upon expiration of the leave, a teacher shall be returned to the school and subject area (See Section 11.4.7.E) where he/she previously served.

12.17 STUDY AND WORKSHOP LEAVE

12.17.1 Study leave for ten months teaching personnel during post and/or pre-planning college study may be granted for attendance at summer sessions of colleges and universities in an area related to education. Reasonable time allowance for travel may be granted provided it does not interfere with the applicant's teaching duties. Applicants must submit their requests on the Request for Leave of Absence form and attach a copy of the college brochures showing the summer session dates.

12.17.2 A transcript of the courses taken or the degree earned is to be submitted to the Division of Human Resources following the summer leave. All personnel on this type of leave shall receive salary as though they were on duty in the school.

12.17.3 Teachers may secure professional leave with pay for the time spent at a state workshop if they attend at the request of the State Department of Education. The college credits earned in either case must be recorded with the Division of Human Resources.

12.17.4 The Board may grant teachers contracted for twelve months of employment three weeks' professional leave with compensation during any school year when school is not in session, provided that such leave shall be cumulative for not more than two years and that a maximum of six weeks be allowed each individual during each five-year period. Such leave shall be for professional study in an area related to education.

12.18 PERSONAL LEAVE (SHORT TERM) WITHOUT PAY

12.18.1 A teacher may be granted temporary personal leave (maximum of thirty days) without pay, when extenuating circumstances dictate, when approved by the appropriate administrator. This leave cannot be extended, but a new leave request can be made if the situation warrants it. Personal leave without salary may be granted only when there is not a leave policy to cover the particular circumstance. However, personal leave without salary may be granted when an employee is receiving compensation from another source.

12.19 EXTENDED LEAVES - GENERAL PROVISIONS

12.19.1 Extended leaves (leaves for more than thirty calendar days) are granted for one school year, the remainder of a school year; for a definite period of time within the school year. A Request for Leave of Absence form must be submitted to the Division of Human Resources twenty days before the effective date of the leave, except in cases of emergency.

12.19.2 When any extended leave begins during the second semester, the teacher on such leave shall be eligible to apply for another extended leave for all of the next school year.

12.19.3 Leaves ending within the school year may be extended through the end of that school year. New leaves may be granted at the discretion of the Board. Any request for leave of absence must be signed by the teacher's principal or immediate supervisor and submitted to the Division of Human Resources. All extended leaves must be approved by the Board.

12.19.4 Retirement funds may not be withdrawn while on leave. Teachers desiring retirement credit for an "eligible leave of absence," must notify the Retirement Division through application. This application can only be completed after the Board has approved the leave and should be processed prior to commencement of the leave.

12.19.5 Upon expiration of the leave, a teacher shall be returned to the school and subject area (see Section 11.4.7.E) where he/she previously served. After a teacher absence of three continuous combined leaves, a teacher will return to the county placement pool for reassignment.

12.19.6 A temporary appointment will be made to fill the position vacated by a teacher on leave. Temporary appointments will ordinarily be made for an entire school year, or should a leave be granted for less than a school year, for the duration of the leave.

12.20 HEALTH LEAVE

12.20.1 A teacher may be granted a health leave without pay. A physician's certificate must be submitted with the Request for Leave of Absence form. A physician's certificate must also be submitted to certify that the teacher is ready to return to work. A second health leave may be requested. Health leave shall be limited to two continuous leaves for the same illness. When the initial health leave begins during the second semester, three continuous leaves for the same illness may be granted.

12.20.2 Teachers will be placed on health leave when accrued sick leave is exhausted and thirty-one (31) days beyond accrued sick leave have expired. The health leave shall be for a specific period of time based on a doctor's certificate or for a thirty-one (31) day period, if the doctor is unable to certify a return date. Teachers may return after the thirty-one (31) day period with one week's notice and a physician statement that the teacher is able to return to work. If the teacher is unable to return after the thirty-one day period, he/she will be placed on leave for the remainder of the year.

12.21 PROFESSIONAL LEAVE

12.21.1 Professional leave without pay shall be granted for professional study at a college or university in an area related to education. The teacher must be a full-time student or receiving a degree, hold a professional certificate and hold tenure in Hillsborough County. Additional leaves may be requested; however, a maximum of three consecutive professional leaves or a maximum of two non-consecutive leaves in a five year period may be granted. Any teacher granted a professional leave must, upon return, or prior to requesting additional leave, submit a transcript or record from a college or university showing a degree or satisfactory credit earned (a grade of "C" or higher must be earned in order to gain salary credit) as a full-time student at the college or university. Failure on the part of the teacher to submit evidence will invalidate the leave of absence and constitute a break in service.

12.21.2 Professional leave without pay shall be granted for:

A. Service in the Peace Corps

B. Teaching experience in a foreign country

C. Study or work related to a state or national scholarship or grant

12.21.3 A teacher returning from professional leave, will be credited with a year's experience for determining salary benefits, rights, and privileges for each year on leave.

12.21.4 Teachers on professional leave should not expect reassignment prior to the expiration of their leave.
A teacher on professional leave must maintain a valid teaching certificate.

12.22 PERSONAL LEAVE (EXTENDED) WITHOUT PAY

12.22.1 A teacher may be granted personal leave without pay upon earning tenure in Hillsborough County. An additional personal leave may be granted after each three complete years of teaching experience in the Hillsborough County School System. When the initial personal leave begins during the second semester, a second continuous personal leave may be granted for all of the next school year.

12.23 MATERNITY, PATERNITY, ADOPTION AND FAMILY CARE LEAVE

12.23.1 Teachers who have knowledge of a maternity, paternity, adoption or family related circumstance which will require their absence from school shall inform the principal.

12.23.2 Teachers must inform the principal of the anticipated date that their absence will begin and the anticipated date of return.
12.23.3 Teachers may use either paid or unpaid sick leave anytime before the child's birth or adoption. A maximum of twelve weeks unpaid leave may be taken after the child's birth or adoption for normal recuperation. At the end of the twelve week period, the teacher must go on an approved leave or return to work.

12.23.4 A leave for maternity, paternity, adoption, or family care may be granted for any period of more than thirty (30) days as per 12.19.1. Only one maternity, paternity, or adoption leave may be granted for a single child. Family care leave shall be limited to two continuous leaves for the same circumstance. Leaves should be requested twenty (20) days prior to the beginning date of the leave.

12.24 RETURN TO POSITION AFTER EXTENDED LEAVE

12.24.1 A teacher granted an extended leave of absence during the school term, may not expect reassignment until the end of the leave. The teacher must notify the Division of Human Resources and his/her principal by April 1 of his/her intention to return. The Division of Human Resources will mail a reminder regarding this deadline at least two weeks prior to April 1.

12.24.2 Upon expiration of the leave, a teacher shall be returned to the school and subject area (see Section 11.4.7 E) where he/she previously served.

12.24.3 If the teacher fails to notify the Division of Human Resources by April 1, he/she will be placed in a county pool. Following assignment by the county pool, the Division of Human Resources will notify the teacher by certified mail of the new assignment and the requirement to respond to this placement. Failure to respond by July 1 will result in termination.

12.24.4 When conditions change for which a teacher takes leave, he/she may transfer from leave to a temporary or permanent vacancy. If the transfer is a temporary one, the position from which he/she is on leave will be reserved for him/her. If the transfer is a permanent one, either to a permanent vacancy or to a temporary, regular contract appointment in a vacancy replacing a teacher on leave, the vacancy in the school from which he/she took leave will no longer be reserved.