**GDC - SUPPORT STAFF LEAVES AND ABSENCES** **Last Updated Date:** 03/25/2014 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 Leaves and absences accorded to support staff will be for the purposes of helping them maintain their physical health, take care of family and other personal emergencies, and discharge important and necessary obligations. All requests for long-term leaves of absence will be submitted to the superintendent. Support staff employees may be granted leaves in accordance with the terms of the agreements with recognized bargaining units at the discretion of the superintendent based upon the needs of the school system. Leave benefits granted to employees who are not members of a recognized bargaining unit will be comparable to those granted employees in similar positions that are covered by master agreements with employee organizations. **Policy References:** LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 149:105D; 71:41A CONTRACT REFS.: All support staff contracts