A: The Federal Government instituted the Family Medical Leave Act in 1993. Employees who have worked for CUSD for 12 months and for a minimum 1250 hours during the year preceding the start of the leave are eligible for Family Medical Leave. Family Medical Leave begins the first day you are out and continues for a maximum of twelve weeks running concurrently with any earned paid time off leave. During the twelve-week period, the district will continue any district contribution toward your medical benefits. If unable to return at the end of the 12 weeks, you must meet with the HR Director and the Benefits Manager to discuss options. The employee is always responsible for dependent care premiums. Should an employee on family/medical leave decide not to return to work upon completion of authorized leave, the Chandler Unified School District is entitled to recover from the employee the amount of the insurance premiums paid by the school district for the employee's health care coverage during his/her FMLA leave. An employee who returns to work for as few as thirty (30) calendar days is considered to have "returned" to work.

A: Complete the  Medical/Maternity Leave of Absence Form (linked here and included in the leave information packet located at your site). Discuss leave options with your supervisor, obtain his/her signature and forward the completed request form to your site Office Manager. Questions regarding leave should be directed to your HR Associate. Benefit information, Family Medical Leave, and Short Term Disability questions are to be directed to Lisa Lara, Benefits Manager, at (480) 812-7036.

A: The employee or site representative must notify their HR Associate once the leave begins.

A: While the principal is ultimately responsible for substitute coverage, the employee and principal work together to secure a qualified sub. Generally, the employee arranges and prepares for a replacement.

A: Yes. A doctor's note is required prior to returning to work.  Employees who have restrictions or necessary accomodations, must provide the doctor's note to the Benefits Department prior to returning to work.  The Benefits Department will then review the note and determine based on the restrictions/accomodations if the employee can return to work.

A: Employees who have been on a medical leave of absence must have a physician’s release prior to returning to work. 

Here is a link to the Doctor's Release form that you will need to complete to return to work after maternity leave/medical leave/workers comp.