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Understanding your Leave Options

Events in life, whether positive or negative, might require you to take a Leave of Absence from your job.. Regardless of the reason for your leave, there are some steps you should take to ensure the District knows your intent and that you continue to be covered by any benefits for which you are eligible.

Process

Review the District Leave of Absence Policy .
Schedule a meeting with HR via: https://calendly.com/esclamadodavidj/loa
Submit Leave of Absence Request to HR and include required documentation.

Note: Leave policies are derived from FMLA/CFRA guidelines, the California Education Code, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Types of Leave

Type of Leave	FMLA / CFRA Eligibility (job protected leave)	Entitlement under FMLA/CFRA	Maximum paid time using sick leave (with certification / documentation)	Option for Earnings Replacement
Medical (for self)	12 months of service and worked at least 1,250 hours within 12 month period prior to start of leave	12 weeks (60 days)	Until exhaustion of sick leave	*Guardian Disability pays 2/3
Pregnancy Disability	N/A - No eligibility requirements	Up to 4 months (88 days)	Until exhaustion of sick leave	*Guardian Disability pays 2/3
Parental/Baby Bonding	12 months of service and worked at least 1,250 hours within 12 month period prior to start of leave	12 weeks (60 days)	60 days using sick leave additional time using vacation or UNPAID	N/A
Medical for Family/Care for Family		12 weeks (60 days)	See Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)	N/A
Victims of Domestic Violence	N/A			N/A
Military Leave				N/A

*Applicable for full-time employees
*Subject to plan maximums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Am I eligible for Maternity Leave?

Maternity Leave typically comprises of both Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) and Parental Leave (baby bonding).

There are no eligibility requirements for PDL.

For Parental Leave, FMLA eligibility requirements are applicable.

Am I eligible for Paternity/Parental Leave?

If you have worked for at least 12 months and 1250 hours, you may qualify for 12 weeks (60-days) of job protected leave to bond with your baby, under FMLA.

How much leave am I eligible for?

Under PDL, 4 months. For all other leaves under FMLA, 12 weeks (60 days).

Am I eligible for EDD (State Disability)

If you are a full-time district employee, no because you do not contribute to State Disability, the District disability insurance is through Guardian.

If you are part-time faculty (adjunct) you may qualify for State Disability (SDI) through EDD.

Why do I have to use sick leave, am I not eligible for FMLA?

FMLA does not dictate how you are paid when on leave. FMLA (if eligible) is job protected leave and can be unpaid. In order to be paid while on any type of leave of absence, sick leave usage is required.

What if I take unpaid leave?

Unpaid leaves of 30 days or more must be taken to Board for approval.

Impacts of unpaid leave:

No earnings reported for pension which may potentially affect service credit
No vacation or sick time accrual
Any out-of-pocket costs for benefits need to be paid via check

How do I submit my request for Leave?

Schedule a meeting Jessica Esclamado in HR via https://calendly.com/esclamadodavidj/loa . She will confirm what you may qualify for and provide you with any additional forms.
Complete the Leave of Absence Request form.
Submit any additional documentation via secure dropbox.

My leave dates have changed, should I submit a new request?

No, inform HR of your new leave dates and we will update our records manually