Unpaid leave may be used to excuse an involuntary absence not provided for in other leave policies of the board. Unpaid leave for licensed employees must be authorized by the superintendent.
The superintendent will have complete discretion to grant or deny the requested unpaid leave. In making this determination, the superintendent will consider the effect of the employee's absence on the education program and school district operations, length of service, previous record of absence, the financial condition of the school district, the reason for the requested absence and other factors the superintendent believes are relevant to making this determination.
If unpaid leave is granted, the duration of the leave period will be coordinated with the scheduling of the education program whenever possible to minimize the disruption of the education program and school district operations.
Whenever possible, licensed employees will make a written request for unpaid leave5 days prior to the beginning date of the requested leave. If the leave is granted, the deductions in salary are made unless they are waived specifically by the superintendent.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 20; 85; 85A; 85B; 279.12; 509; 509A; 509B.
Cross Reference: 409 Licensed Employee Vacations and Leaves of Absence
Approved: March 1996.
Reviewed: April 2009, January 2011, January 2014, January 2017, May 2020
