All support staff members not otherwise covered by the terms of a currently-valid, negotiated, collectively-bargained agreement of this District shall be entitled to the leave benefits which are not less than those provided in the master agreement.

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

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