What is FMLA?
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 gives you the right to take time off due to illness or caring for an ill dependent without losing your job. This law:

· guarantees that eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, which can be used all at once or
in increments as short as a few hours at a time.

· guarantees that eligible employees maintain their health insurance benefits while out on leave.

· guarantees that an employee who returns to work will be given his or her previous position OR an equivalent  job with the same salary, benefits and other conditions of employment.

Do I qualify for FMLA?
To qualify for FMLA, you must have worked for Enid Public Schools for at least 12 months, including at least 1,250 hours during the most recent 12 months.

Will I be paid while I am out?
FMLA itself is unpaid leave. When you are out for FMLA, your paid leave (sick leave you have earned) will run
simultaneously to your FMLA leave. You will be paid as long as you have eligible sick days to use.

What happens when I am out of paid sick leave?
Once your paid sick leave is exhausted, you may request additional days (up to 20 total) from the catastrophic leave bank, which is managed by EEA for certified staff and ESPO for support staff. (Only employees who have contributed to the bank are eligible to receive days.) To request these days, which may or may not be approved, please contact your EEA or ESPO representative or learn more by reviewing the applicable negotiated contract.

Please note: Teachers, under state statute, also may receive up to 20 additional paid days for extended leave for personal injury, pregnancy or illness. During this time, your pay will be docked a flat rate of $80/day to cover the cost of the substitute for your position.

How long will my insurance be paid by EPS while I am on leave?
EPS will pay your employee insurance premium (if you previously qualified) until your 12-week FMLA leave expires or your paid leave expires, whichever is longer. After this time, if employment continues, you will be responsible for your monthly premiums and elected deductions. Please plan for this expense if you think it may be possible.
Monthly payments must be submitted to the EPS Business Department by the 15th of each month.

What if I cannot return before my FMLA expires?
EPS strives to support employees so that they can return to their jobs. We know that, sometimes, this is not
possible. When your paid and unpaid leave expires, we will ask you to please talk with your doctor and provide
documentation regarding the timeline that he or she expects you will be able to return to work with or without
reasonable accommodations, which EPS is happy to provide. The doctor’s recommendation is critical for all parties to determine if it will be possible for you to safely and effectively continue employment in a timely manner.
Please remember that when employees are out, the district must continue to meet its critical mission for students.

What if I am on family leave and need more than 12 weeks?
Although it is not mandated by law, the EPS Certified Negotiated Contract allows certified employees to take an
unpaid leave of absence for childbirth and adoption — beyond their FMLA leave. A teacher may be gone the
remainder of the semester and the succeeding semester following childbirth/adoption, if he or she chooses.
For more information, please review the certified negotiated contract.

Who do I call to request FMLA and to learn more about my paid and unpaid leave?
Lynette Rice (366-7026) is the district’s benefit specialist. Please contact her immediately if you believe you will
require extended leave. Lynette will walk you through the specifics of your situation, as well as provide you with the documents you and your doctor will need to complete in order to be considered for leave. We appreciate your
cooperation, and we value you as a member of the EPS team.