All professional staff members not otherwise covered by the terms of a negotiated collective bargaining agreement of this District shall be entitled to the leave benefits as specified in their individual contracts.

All requests for unpaid leaves of absence by professional staff members shall be presented to the Board of Education for approval by the Superintendent.

Any professional staff member granted a leave of absence by the Board shall be considered to have terminated all work with the School District until the completion of the leave. Exceptions may be made by the Superintendent in cases where the best interest of the District might be served.