A leave is an authorized absence from active service granted to a contract employee, for a specified purpose and period, with the right to return to active service unless the employee’s service would otherwise have been terminated. Leaves are either “permissive” or “mandatory.” The term “may” when referring to permissive leaves indicates that the District retains discretion as to whether they are to be granted, and will determine the starting and ending dates of the leave.

The District has no discretion to deny mandatory leave requests.  A mandatory leave of absence shall be granted to a qualified employee. The term “formal leave” refers to any leave of more than twenty days in duration.  A formal leave of absence must be requested in writing using the appropriate District form.  

Contract Reference: For additional information on leaves and absences, click here to link to the LAUSD / UTLA Bargaining Agreement. Go to Article XII, Leaves and Absences.