1. What is a leave of absence?
A leave of absence (LOA) is a period of more than five consecutive days of missed work.
2. How do I take an LOA?
First, you will notify your supervisor that you are going to be absent so they can make the proper staffing decisions for your position. Next, you will want to reach out to the Benefits Administrator in Human Resources so they can arrange the proper certification paperwork.
3. How long before an LOA do I have to give notice?
Per district policy, a request must be submitted to the Human Resources department at least 30 days prior to the first day of absence.
4. What paperwork do I need to request an LOA?
When the benefits administrator is notified, they will send you the initial request document to fill out. If any additional paperwork is needed, the benefits specialist will request it at that time.
5. What happens if I have to take an unexpected LOA (less than 30 days notice)?
Even if there are less than 30 days, or you have already missed work, you need to submit the requested paperwork as soon as possible to avoid any further delay in the approval process. Without proper notice, your absences may count against you.
6. What is the difference between an FMLA and an LOA?
An FMLA is a branch of the LOA tree that has different qualifying requirements. With an FMLA, an eligible employee is guaranteed to have 12 unpaid workweeks of leave in a 12-month rolling period, while maintaining their health benefits and full restoration of their position.
7. Am I eligible for FMLA?
Under The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, employees who have worked 1,250 hours in the last year and have worked for a total of at least 12 months (does not have to be consecutive) with the district, are eligible.
8. What happens to my pay during a leave?
During a leave, payroll will run any and all accrued time in your leave bank. Beyond those hours, the leave will be unpaid.
