Sec. 21.452. DEVELOPMENTAL LEAVES OF ABSENCE. (a) The board of trustees of a school district may grant a developmental leave of absence for study, research, travel, or another suitable purpose to an employee who:

(1) is employed in a position requiring a permanent teaching certificate; and

(2) has served in the same school district at least five consecutive school years.

(b) The board may grant a developmental leave of absence for one school year at one-half salary or for one-half of a school year at full salary paid to the employee in the same manner, on the same schedule, and with the same deductions as if the employee were on full-time duty.

(c) An employee on developmental leave continues to be a member of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and is entitled to participate in programs, hold memberships, and receive benefits afforded by employment in the school district.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.