Sabbatical leave may be granted to members of the instructional staff under the following conditions:
a. Eligibility - After the completion of four (4) years employment with the Division.
b. Salary Provision - two thirds of the salary to which such staff member is entitled under Article 13:01 a.
c. To be granted for study and it is understood that the teacher will provide evidence of registration in a course or course of study recommended by the Committee under sub-clause j. and approved by the Division.
d. The Division cannot guarantee that the same or similar positions will be available to the teacher when s/he returns to the Division.
e. The teacher is to contract to return to the Division’s employment for at least twice the length of the leave and if the employee leaving the Division breaks this contract he or she will reimburse the Division on a pro-rated basis.
f. Payment of salary during the leave shall be the same as the regular pay periods.
g. Total eligible during one year shall be one member of the instructional staff.
h. Should a teacher die while on sabbatical, the Division shall not recover salary paid.
i. This Article 5:03 shall not restrict the right of the Division to contract with member or members of the educational staff for sabbatical leave assistance outside the terms of this Article subject to the requirements of Article 5:03 j.
j. Applications for Sabbatical Leave are to be received and approved by a committee, consisting of the Superintendent of Schools, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees or his/her designate, and the Chairperson of the Policy and Personnel Committee of the Association. After consideration the applications are to be forwarded to the School Board with the committee’s recommendations prior to January 31.
k. A sabbatical year will not be considered a year of teaching experience for purposes of salary increment.
l. The opportunity shall be granted to teachers who apply for a sabbatical to present his/her application in person to the entire Board.