After a period of five years on staff, a teacher may be granted one year educational leave. Such leave shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) Application must be made for such leave not later than February 28th and the decision given to the teacher not later than March 31st. Leave shall become effective September 1st for a period of one year. All applications shall be reviewed by an Evaluation Committee consisting of two representatives of the Board and two representatives of the Association or one Board member and the Superintendent and two members of the Association. The Evaluation Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees regarding such leave. The Superintendent shall notify the applicant of the Board's decision.
(b) The number of teachers granted educational leave in any one year shall not exceed two.
(c) The salary paid during educational leave will be determined as follows:
5 years service ... 50%
6 years service ... 60%
7 years service ... 70%
The above percentages are calculated on and applicable to the salary of the applicant at the time the application is submitted or $31,180.00 whichever is the lessor.
(d) Educational leave shall not constitute a break in seniority but will not count as a year of experience for the purpose of increments.
(e) The teacher shall sign an agreement to return to his/her duties for the opening of the new school year following expiration of the leave and shall further undertake not to resign or retire from the services of the Board for the period of at least two years after his/her return. If this agreement is broken, the teacher will reimburse the board on a pro rata basis.
(f) Educational leave salary shall be paid on a monthly basis and shall be authorized on presentation of proof of enrolment in an approved course at a recognized University or College.
(g) On request teachers shall be allowed a maximum of two days per school year without loss of salary, for the writing of university examinations or defending a thesis or dissertation during the school year.