Leave of Absence
North East ISD provides several leave categories. Once personnel submit a formal leave request, a designated specialist will assist in navigating the eligibility and approval steps.
Requesting a Leave of Absence
Important Note: Bereavement does not qualify for a formal leave of absence request. According to district policy, employees are permitted to utilize up to ten (10) days of accrued leave following the loss of an immediate family member. To coordinate this time off, please contact your direct supervisor.
Submit Leave Request - Staff should submit their request for a leave of absence as soon as reasonably practicable to Human Resources
Medical Certification Form - Medical documentation is required for absences exceeding five consecutive workdays.
Academic Leave Request - Certified personnel may apply for an unpaid leave of absence, spanning up to a single year, to pursue advanced collegiate studies.
While on a Leave of Absence
Connect with Leave Management - Inquiries regarding leave should be directed to the specialized HR team via email at leaveofabsence@neisd.net
Employee Responsibilities During a Leave of Absence
- Submit all necessary supporting records required for your leave request.
- Throughout the entire period of your continuous absence, you must exhaust all of your accumulated earned leave balances.
- Ensure that every scheduled workday missed is recorded as sick leave in Smart Find or Kronos.
- If you run out of sick leave, your remaining time off will follow the leave cascade according to DEC(LOCAL).
- Provide your Leave Management Specialist and Administrator/Manager with regular updates regarding your status and confirmation of your return timeline.
- Immediately alert the Leave Management Specialist if there are any adjustments to your leave details, such as changes to your start or return dates.
Intermittent Leave Tracking Form - This documentation is necessary once personnel have been granted authorization for periodic family medical leave (FML).
Returning from a Leave of Absence
Return to Work Request Form - Staff must submit their intent to return from leave a minimum of 10 days before their scheduled return date.
Work Status Form* - For personal illness or maternity leave, a physician's release statement must be provided at least 10 days before the employee's return to work
* Please be advised that any work restrictions noted on your Work Status Form will prompt a referral to the ADA Coordinator, who will then begin the interactive accommodation process. You must receive official clearance before resuming your duties.
Important Deadlines
| Medical Certification | Due within 15 days of request |
| Return to Work Request | Due 10 days before return |
| Work Status Form | Due 10 days before return |
| Intermittent FML Tracking | Due by 15th Monthly |
Need Help?
For assistance, please contact your designated Leave Management Specialist based on your last name:
- Michele Matheny - Last Names A-L: 210-407-0497
- Emiley Aragon - Last Names M-Z: 210-407-0469
- Email: leaveofabsence@neisd.net
FAQs:
WHAT IS A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
The District defines a leave of absence (LOA) as an extended absence from work by an employee of more than five (5) consecutive workdays. Personnel will be officially placed on leave regardless of their accrued sick time balance. Specific leave designations are determined by a Human Resources Leave Management Specialist based on eligibility and the nature of the absence.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
Any employee who works half time or more is eligible to apply for a LOA under the District’s leave policies. Please refer to the At A Glance: Leave of Absence (coming soon) or policies DEC(LOCAL) and DEC(LEGAL)
WHAT TYPES OF LEAVE ARE AVAILABLE TO NORTH EAST ISD EMPLOYEES?
North East ISD offers its employees a LOA for health or disability, pregnancy, adoption, military, parenting (nurture and care for a newborn), and professional development. The specifics of each type of leave are outlined in the District Policies under DEC(LOCAL) and DEC(LEGAL).
In addition to all other days of leave, a district employee who is physically assaulted during the performance of regular duties is entitled to the number of days of leave necessary to recuperate from physical injuries sustained as a result of the assault. The leave shall be paid in Coordination with Workers’ Compensation Benefits. More information about Assault Leave can be found here: Assault Leave - NEISD WC Admin Procedure.pdf. For questions about Assault Leave please contact Anita Flores, Assistant Director of Risk Management WC at (210) 407-0314.
DOES THE DISTRICT OFFER COVID LEAVE?
No. However, if you are hospitalized or you have developed serious complications and are under the care of a physician, please request a leave of absence through Employee Space.
HOW DO I REQUEST A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
Instructions for how to submit a Leave of Absence Request can be found here (link coming soon).
HOW LONG CAN I BE ON A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
The length of time that an employee may be on a LOA is determined by the supporting documentation received.
The maximum length of time for each type of leave is outlined in the District Policies DEC(LOCAL) and DEC(LEGAL).
AFTER RETURNING FROM A LEAVE OF ABSENCE, IS MY RETURN TO THE SAME JOB GUARANTEED?
The type of leave requested determines the employee’s reinstatement rights. The specifics of each type of leave and the return from leave are outlined in District Policies DEC(LOCAL) and DEC(LEGAL).
WHAT TYPES OF LEAVE REQUIRE MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION?
Medical documentation must be provided for any leaves requested for maternity, your own serious health condition or the serious health condition of a family member (spouse, parent or child under the age of 18). The documentation will be in the form of a Medical Certification and should indicate the nature of the illness or injury, the expected prognosis, and the estimated length of time you are expected to be away from the workplace.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW MANY EARNED PAID LEAVE DAYS I HAVE?
Log into Lawson Employee Self Service (ESS) to access your leave balances.
DO I HAVE TO REQUEST OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE EVEN IF I HAVE ACCRUED TIME OFF TO COVER MY ABSENCES?
Choosing not to apply for a formal leave is an available option. However, the District must notify personnel of their applicable benefits during any absence exceeding five consecutive workdays to safeguard their job security. Be advised that declining protected leave may result in unprotected time off being subject to adverse employment measures.
WHILE ON LEAVE OF ABSENCE, MUST I USE ALL MY ACCUMULATED LEAVE?
Yes. As outlined in DEC(LOCAL), paid leave runs concurrently with any LOA.
However, under Texas Education Code (TEC) § 21.418, classroom teachers have the unique option to preserve their paid leave balances during FML specifically for pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption. While district policy generally requires that earned leave run concurrently with medical absences, this statutory provision allows teachers in these specific categories to choose an unpaid status and save their accrued time for future use.
WILL I RECEIVE A CHECK WHILE I AM ON A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
All leaves that are granted are non-paid leaves of absences.
However, if an employee has accumulated leave that he/she may use, the employee will receive a check until that leave is exhausted. Once the leave is exhausted, the employee will be on leave without pay status.
For additional questions regarding your check while on a LOA, please contact Payroll at 210-407-0543.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY INSURANCE COVERAGE WHILE I AM ON A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
Please contact Employee Benefits at 210-407-0187 for an explanation of your insurance coverage while you are on a leave of absence.
IF I AM ABSENT FOR MORE THAN 5 DAYS DUE TO WORKER’S COMPENSATION, DO I NEED TO REQUEST A LEAVE OF ABSENCE?
No. You will automatically be placed on a leave of absence if you are expected to be absent for more than 5 days. A separate request for leave of absence is not needed.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY LEAVE OF ABSENCE IS NEARING THE END, BUT I AM NOT READY TO RETURN?
You must notify the Leave Management Specialist by providing the completed Work Status Form outlining how much additional time will be needed.