Provision for Professional Leave. An employee may be granted up to two (2) days leave with pay for attendance at professional meetings and conferences or for visitations of a professional nature. The purpose of said leave shall be to enhance the professional qualifications of members of the bargaining unit. Employees are encouraged to submit a Request for Professional Leave form to his/her supervisor at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the date being requested. Employees should provide information regarding the content of the program or the purpose of the visit with the Request for Leave form. Leave will be granted by Management, when in his/her determination, the leave will benefit the Board and the employee. If said leave is not granted, Management will put his/her reasons for the denial in writing and deliver these written reasons to the affected employee within three (3) working days of the denial. Such decisions shall not be arbitrary, capricious or discriminatory. If said employee is not satisfied with the decision of Management, he/she may initiate a grievance at Step 3. Should an employee desire to file a grievance and due to the time restrictions miss the day of leave while awaiting the outcome of the grievance, the employee may choose to attend the meeting at his/her expense by utilizing a personal day or vacation day. Should the employee prevail in the outcome of the grievance, the employee shall be reimbursed any and all conference expenses (consistent with normally applicable reimbursement procedures) for the Professional Leave and be restored the personal or vacation day. Any employee who exercises their rights under this provision shall not be considered to be on an unauthorized leave nor to have abandoned his/her position.
Provision for Professional Leave. An employee will be granted two (2) days of leave with pay, for attendance at professional meetings and conferences, or for visitations of a professional nature. The purpose of said leave shall be to enhance the professional qualifications of members of the bargaining unit. Members shall apply for professional leave using the Pre-Approved Request for Professional Leave Form, Appendix I. Requests must be made at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting, unless waived by the Superintendent.
