A teacher may apply for a leave of absence in accordance with the following:
(a) Applications are made not later than April 1st of the year leave is requested.
(b) Any teacher, returning to staff after a year's leave of absence will not be guaranteed the same grade or subjects as those being taught by him/her prior to leave of absence and must be prepared to accept any placement on staff that may be available.
(c) A teacher on leave of absence shall notify the Board of his/her intention to return or to not return to teaching duties not later than February 28th of the year the leave of absence expires.
(d) The Board will consider each application for leave of absence on its own merit. The Board's decision shall be final.
(e) Leave shall not interrupt the continuity of service and shall be considered as teaching experience for seniority purposes but not for salary purposes.