Regardless of the type of absence, all employees at TCOE are required to submit and have their leave request approved or processed. This policy ensures proper record-keeping and allows for effective resource management and planning.  See below for an explanation of each type of leave and when it should be used.

While not a cash benefit, unused sick leave can enhance an employee's retirement benefits. When an employee retires, their remaining sick leave is transferred to and integrated into their pension as extra service credit, strengthening their lifetime benefits within the retirement system. 

• Sick Leave - Annually in July, each TCOE employee (certificated or classified) receives 1 day of paid sick leave per month of service for that fiscal year.  Leave is pro-rated based on assignment hours and is used for personal illness, caring for sick family members, or medical appointments.  Two other leave types also draw from your sick leave balance.  See below for details.

  • The "No Tell" (NT) Leave Policy allows employees to use up to 3 days of their accrued sick leave annually without disclosing a specific reason for the absence. However, they must have enough sick leave hours in their bank to use this leave. This policy aims to provide flexibility and privacy for unplanned time off while respecting employees' personal boundaries and well-being. Responsible use of sick leave is encouraged.

  • The "Personal Necessity" (PN) Leave Policy allows employees to use up to 10 days of accumulated sick leave annually for specific personal reasons, including bereavement, emergencies, court appearances, and illness of immediate family members. Additionally, one day of leave is granted for non-immediate family bereavement and scheduled family events. Three days of personal necessity leave can be taken without stating the reason (No Tell). The definition of "member of the immediate family" includes various relations to the employee and their spouse, as well as individuals living in the employee's immediate household.

A dock in pay only occurs when an employee is absent from his/her assignment and has no paid sick leave accrued/available. Employees should check their available leave balance through Employee Portal.    Employee's must provide a medical note for personal illness or injury that requires an absence from work for 3 or more days in a row.  Differential pay per Ed Code 45196 is available under extended illness conditions.  Talk to your HR department for details.