All professional staff members not otherwise covered by the terms of a 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 with V.B.I.E.A.

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

Any professional staff member granted a leave of absence by the Board shall be considered to have terminated all work with the 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.