Family Medical Leave

What is the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

The family Medical Leave Act entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 work weeks (duty days) of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons, or for any “qualifying exigency” arising out of the fact that a covered military member is on active duty, or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty, in support of a contingency operation. The FMLA also allows an eligible employee who is a spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a covered service member with a serious injury or illness up to a total of 26 work weeks of unpaid leave during a single 12-month period to care for the service member.

Who is eligible for FMLA?

Employees are eligible for leave if they have worked for Duncanville ISD at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months.

What are the qualifying events for taking FML?

Eligible employees may take FMLA leave for the following reasons:

• The birth of a child and care of the newborn.
• The placement of a child with the employee through adoption or foster care.
• To care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition.
• The employee's own serious health condition that prevents them from performing the essential functions of their position.
• Certain qualifying exigencies arising from a spouse, child, or parent's active military duty or call to active duty.
• To care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

If My Spouse and I Both Work for Duncanville ISD, How Does FMLA Apply?

Spouses employed by the district may be limited to a combined total of 12 workweeks of leave for:

• Bonding with a newborn child;
• Placement of a child through adoption or foster care; or
• Certain military caregiver leave situations.

Leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child must be completed within 12 months of the birth or placement.

What Is Intermittent Leave?

Intermittent leave allows an employee to take FMLA leave in separate blocks of time for a single qualifying reason rather than taking leave continuously. Employees may also be approved for a reduced work schedule when medically necessary.

When leave is needed for planned medical treatment, employees should make a reasonable effort to schedule appointments in a manner that minimizes disruption to District operations. Intermittent leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child requires District approval.

Please click here for more information on the Employee Rights under Family Medical Leave.

How Do I Request FMLA Leave?

Step 1: Submit a Leave Request

As soon as you become aware of the need for leave, notify your supervisor and complete a Medical Leave Request Form . For foreseeable leave events, such as surgery or childbirth, employees should provide at least 30 days' advance notice whenever possible. Submit the completed Medical Leave Request Form to Human Resources at leave@duncanvilleisd.org. You will be notified of your FMLA eligibility within five business days of the district receiving your request.

 

Step 2: Submit Medical Certification

If you are eligible for FMLA, you will be required to submit a completed Medical Certification form supporting your request for leave. Medical Certification must be returned to Human Resources within 15 calendar days of receipt.

 

Step 3: Return-to-Work Requirements

Employees returning from leave due to their own serious health condition will be required to provide a Fitness-for-Duty Certification from their treating healthcare provider before returning to work. Employees should submit all return-to-work documentation to Human Resources at least one business day prior to their anticipated return date.

For questions regarding FMLA leave, please contact Human Resources at leave@duncanvilleisd.org.

Please Note: Employees are responsible for ensuring that all applicable insurance premiums remain current during any period in which the District is unable to deduct premiums from their paycheck.