Q: My spouse, parent, or child has a serious illness and I need to be off work for a time to care for them. What do I do?

A: You should complete a Leave of Absence Request form. You will need to have your physician complete Section II of the form. MAKE SURE you keep a copy of your Leave Request form. If you have not already, you should discuss your need for leave with your principal or vice principal. You do not need to complete the Administrator Section of the Leave Request form for FMLA leave.

Q: When am I eligible for FMLA leave?

A: To be eligible you must have worked for BUSD for at least 12 months. FMLA leave can be used to care for employees’ own parents (including individuals who exercise parental responsibility under state law), children under 18, dependent adult children, or a spouse. FMLA leave is allowed in cases of “Serious Health Conditions,” defined as “illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition involving incapacity or treatment.”

Q: How much leave can I take under FMLA? How much will I be paid during my leave?

A: According to state law, employees can take up to a total of 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period. Based on contract language signed in Spring of 2022, employees may use paid sick leave for FMLA leave to cover part or all of this leave.

In addition, BFT members are entitled to 9 days of personal leave in one school year. “Serious or critical illness of a member of the immediate family” is one of the acceptable reasons for taking personal leave per Article 12.6 of the BFT/BUSD contract.

Q: How can I find out how much sick leave I have?

A: To determine your current sick leave balance, BFT recommends an email to Paisley Dues (paisleydews@berkeley.net, HR Technician) requesting confirmation of your current sick leave balance. The balance listed on your most recent paycheck stub may not be correct. BFT members are entitled to 11 sick days per year for a full-time employee—this number is prorated for employees working part time. The days for the current school year are ‘loaded’ in August and should appear as part of the balance listed on your August paycheck stub. In addition, if you have worked in another California school district before BUSD, your accumulated sick leave should have been transferred to BUSD.

Q: Can colleagues donate sick days to me?

A: Yes they can, once you have exhausted your sick leave and you have an approved FMLA leave.

Q: What happens to my benefits while I’m on FMLA leave?

 A: If you are on any approved leave, including FMLA leave, your benefits continue unchanged.

Q: Is my job secure while I’m on FMLA leave?

A: Absolutely. Employees have very clear reinstatement rights under FMLA.

Q: What do I do if the person I’m caring for has a relapse?

A: Intermittent leave is permitted under FMLA within the bounds of the 12 weeks per 12-month period. It’s possible that you may need to submit new documentation for each instance of necessary leave.

Q: During FMLA leave am I responsible for lesson plans, report cards, etc?

A: No. While you are on FMLA leave you have no responsibilities for your classes or for lesson plans, grading, or report cards.

Q: Whose job is it to secure a sub for me while I’m on leave?

A: This is the job of your principal and BUSD Human Resources, but some teachers do assist with this process before they go on leave.

Updated 06-2024