Leave of Absence

Q:	What paperwork is necessary to start the leave process?
A:	A Leave of Absence Request form needs to be completed and signed by the employee, signed by the site administrator and submitted for approval to Diane Mowery in the Employee Benefits Department. A statement from the treating physician must be attached to the Leave of Absence Request for any medical rated leaves.

Q:	When do I need to fill out a Request for Leave of Absence?
A:	If an employee is expected to be off work for eight days or more a Request for Leave of Absence needs to be completed.

Q:	How can an employee’s Leave of Absence be extended?
A:	A Leave of Absence may be extended by submitting an additional Leave of Absence Request form, with the Extension of Current Leave Date stated, and if applicable, supporting documentation from the heath care provider. The request must be signed by the employee’s administrator and submitted to Diane Mowery in the Employee Benefits Department.

Q:	What is the maximum time allowed for a teacher on Child Care Leave?
A:	When an extended leave of absence crosses school years, the leave must extend through the end of a school year; however, the entire leave cannot exceed three semesters.

Q:	What is the maximum time allowed for a Medical Leave?
A:	A Medical Leave of Absence is based on documentation from the attending physician. All accrued sick and personal time will be used before accessing Sick Leave Bank. If an employee uses all accrued sick and personal time plus the maximum Sick Leave Bank days, the next step is to apply for long-term disability.

Q:	If an employee takes a one year Leave of Absence will he/she be able to return to the same position at the same school.
A:	Yes, an employee will be able to return to the same position at the same school.

Q:	What paperwork is needed when an employee returns to work?
A:	A Return from Leave form must be completed, signed by the employee’s supervisor and submitted to Diane Mowery in the Employee Benefits Department in order to be active in the payroll system.

Q:	What happens if an employee cannot return to work when expected?
A:	An additional Leave of Absence Request form must be submitted with the Extension of Current Leave date stated and documentation from the treating physician included.

Q:	What happens if an employee does not return after an extended Leave of Absence?
A:	The employee must relinquish their position and will be responsible for reimbursing the district for any health insurance premiums that the district may have paid during the FMLA period.

Sick Leave Bank Questions

Q:	Is there additional paperwork to be completed in order to access the Sick Leave Bank?
A:	A Sick Leave Bank Application is available from the Employee Benefits website. The application must be completed by the employee and the employee’s physician.

Q:	How many days are available from the Sick Leave Bank?
A:	Employees are eligible for benefits for a maximum of 60 days. All accrued sick and or personal days must be depleted before accessing Sick Leave Bank.

When does an employee start receiving payment from the Sick Leave Bank?

Certified Employees & ATU employees: 12 days
Classified Employees: 9 days

The number of days as stated above must be covered by your own accrued sick and personal time. If you have less than the minimum number of days of accrued time the balance of the days will be unpaid.

Q:	What if an employee does not have the minimum number of accrued sick and personal days?
A:	If an employee has less than the minimum number of accrued days required, the balance of the days will be unpaid.

Q:	Is there a day without pay before accessing Sick Leave Bank?
A:	There is always one standard day without pay before Sick Leave Bank goes into effect.

Q:	How is Sick Leave Bank paid?
A:	An employee is paid at 100% of his/her salary when on Sick Leave Bank and will receive a paycheck the 20th of the month as usual.

Q:	After returning from a Leave of Absence, is it possible to use the remaining days in Sick Leave Bank on an individual basis for doctor appointments or sick days?
A:	If an employee has documentation from a physician for physical therapy or treatments following surgery or an illness, Sick Leave Bank may be used.

Child Birth and Child Care Leave Questions

Q:	How long is paid disability after child birth?
A:	The recovery period is six calendar weeks from the date of delivery. Disability is paid only for the employee’s scheduled work days during the six calendar week recovery period.

Q:	Is a certified employee penalized when part or all of their recovery period is off track time, holiday or summer break?
A:	No, a certified employee is paid for 185 days a year. The annual salary is divided into 12 equal payments and dispersed on a monthly basis. Therefore the employee will continue to be paid their same salary when the disability time is during a break.

Q:	Are non-scheduled work days counted in the disability period for child birth?
A:	Your disability period is the expected length of medical recovery. Your work schedule does not affect your length of medical recovery. Therefore, all calendar days are included in the six calendar weeks of medical recovery. You would receive payment only for the days within that time period in which you were unable to work your scheduled work days.

What happens if there are complications with a pregnancy and an employee needs to be off work before her baby is born? Will the employee still be entitled to 6 weeks medical recovery time after the baby is born?

The employee will need to have documentation from the treating physician specifically stating the medical condition and how the condition disables an employee from performing her job. . If you use the maximum days of Sick Leave Bank before the medical recovery period is completed, you will need to apply for Long Term Disability (which is paid at 60 % of your income) for the remainder of the six calendar week medical recovery period.

Q:	What steps does an employee need to take after their baby is born?
A:	Contact Diane Mowery in the Employee Benefits Department so the leave can be calculated and you will receive your paycheck as scheduled.

Q:	Will the baby be covered at the time of birth?
A:	The baby is automatically covered under the mother’s insurance for the first 30 days.

Q:	How do I add my baby to my insurance before the 30 days expires?
A:	Download the Medical Enrollment Change Form from the Employee Benefits website add the name and birth date of the baby and submit to the Employee Benefits Department.

Q:	My wife and I are expecting a child, am I eligible for a Paternity Leave?
A:	Yes, you can use your own accrued sick and personal time and you will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of Family Medical Leave (FMLA). FMLA is unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks during which time the district continues to pay its portion of your benefits.

Q:	If an employee adopts a child are they eligible for Sick Leave Bank?
A:	No, Sick Leave Bank can only be used for an employee’s medical condition; however an employee can use their accrued sick and personal days for up to 12 weeks of paid leave. An employee may also be eligible for Family Medical Leave (FMLA).

Medical Leave of Absence Questions

Q:	What documentation is necessary to begin a medical leave?
A:	A Leave of Absence Request form with the attending physician’s statement attached is to be submitted to Diane Mowery in Employee Benefits.

Q:	What is the maximum time for a Medical Leave?
A:	The length of time is based on documentation from the attending physician.<

Q:	If I need to extend my leave what documentation is necessary?
A:	To extend a leave from the original date, documentation from the attending physician must be provided and the employee’s work site must be notified.

Q:	Would I be eligible for Sick Leave Bank if needed for a Medical Leave?
A:	Yes, if you have worked for the district 30 days you would be eligible for Sick Leave Bank benefits.

Q:	How long does Sick Leave Bank pay for a Medical Leave?
A:	Sick Leave Bank pays a total of 60 scheduled work days after all accrued sick and personal days have been exhausted.

Q:	Would I be eligible for FMLA during a Medical Leave?
A:	Yes, if you meet the FMLA requirements outlined below.

Q:	What if I am not able to return to work at the end of my 60 days of Sick Leave Bank?
A:	You would be eligible to apply for long-term disability.

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993(FMLA) Questions

Q:	What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
A:	The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is unpaid family or medical leave of up to 12 work weeks during any 12-month period.

Q:	Who is eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
A:	You must have worked for Douglas County School District for 12 months AND Worked a total of 1250 hours per year

Q:	What paperwork needs to be completed for Family Medical Leave?
A:	The Certification of Health Care Provider form can be downloaded from the Employee Benefits website or it will be mailed by the Leave of Absence Specialist after a Leave of Absence has been approved.

Q:	What is the maximum leave time under FMLA and is it paid or unpaid leave?
A:	FMLA is unpaid leave, however, for a medical condition you may be able to use sick and or personal time during your FMLA period. Eligible employees are entitled to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period for family and medical reasons that meet the FMLA requirements.

Q:	How long does the district continue to pay employee benefits while on FMLA?
A:	The district will continue to pay its portion of the employee’s benefits for 12 weeks. Insurance will be in effect through the last month of FMLA. If you resign at the end of the FMLA period you will be responsible for reimbursing the district for any health insurance premiums paid during the FMLA period.

Q:	If an employee wants to continue insurance coverage through the district after FMLA runs out, where are the premiums sent?
A:	Payments to continue insurance coverage can be made by the 1st of each month to the Benefits Department. Checks should be made payable to Douglas County School District.

Q:	Does the Family/Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protect an employee’s position?
A:	Yes, you will be able to return to the same position at the same work site after your leave.

Q:	Is it possible to take Family/Medical Leave to care for an ill parent?
A:	Yes, with documentation from your parent’s physician indicating the need for assistance with basic medical, personal, safety or transportation needs a leave will be approved.

Long Term Disability Questions

Q:	When is an employee eligible for Long-Term Disability and what is the application process?
A:	The elimination period for long-term disability is 90 calendar days of total or partial disability. Contact Diane Mowery in the Employee Benefits Office and request the applications for Long-Term disability.

Q:	What portion of my salary will I be paid while on disability?
A:	You will be paid 60% of your earnings prior to becoming disabled.

Q:	Will I be required to pay for my own insurance benefits?
A:	Yes, while on disability if an employee chooses to continue insurance through the district premiums may be paid to the Employee Benefits Department.

Q:	How long does it take to determine whether a long-term disability claim is approved or denied?
A:	The time period is 30 days to make a determination on a claim, the time can also be extended to 45 days if additional information is needed. An employee should apply as soon as an extended disability if expected.