[§302A-614]  Sabbatical leaves authorized. (a)  The department may grant a year's or six months' sabbatical leave ofabsence to any teacher or educational officer who has served seven years in thepublic schools of the State.  The teacher or educational officer shall beguaranteed a return to the teacher's or educational officer's or an equivalentposition at the expiration of the leave.

(b)  In granting sabbatical leaves, thedepartment shall consider, but not be limited to, the following:

(1)  The nature and length of professional educationalcourse work, research, or other professional activity approved by thedepartment; and

(2)  Applicant's seniority; provided that seniorityshall not be the dominant factor in granting sabbatical leaves.

(c)  The leave shall not be extended beyond oneyear and may not be repeated until after a period of seven additional years ofservice. [L 1996, c 89, pt of §2]