Employee leave of absences
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Anoka-Hennepin employees are able to request a temporary leave of absence from their position for family or medical reasons.
An employee who is absent from work for a period of seven (7) or more calendar days for the same reason is required to request approval for the leave of absence.
A leave of absence is a temporary absence from your job for family or medical reasons. At Anoka-Hennepin, there are various types of leave available, including:
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Minnesota Paid Leave - starts Jan. 1, 2026.
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Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave.
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Sabbatical Leave for K-12 teachers.
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Other Leaves as cited in your negotiated bargaining unit master agreement (e.g., jury duty, sabbatical).
Minnesota Paid Leave begins Jan. 1, 2026
The Minnesota Paid Leave law, enacted in May 2023 and updated in May 2024, makes paid family and medical leave coverage available to Minnesota workers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The law provides job protections and payments from the state to individuals who need time off to care for themselves or their loved ones. The program is funded by premiums which are funded equally by contributions from employees and employers with benefit payments coming directly to employees from the State of Minnesota. Learn more. -
Minnesota Paid Leave - Questions and Answers
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Will I have access to my email and district technology accounts?
Employee accounts will remain active during a leave of absence, but employees are not expected to work. Furthermore, employees on a medical leave are strictly prohibited from performing any work.
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What should I do with district-owned technology such as a laptop computer or device during my leave?
District-owned technology should remain at your workplace or a district facility during your leave. Employees are not expected to work during their leave of absence, so there is no need for district technology.
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What happens to my district-paid benefits during a MPL Leave?
District contributions to Insurance continue while on protected leaves. Employees are responsible to stay current with their portion of the premium. Certain other benefits do not continue while not receiving pay from the district. Contact TRA or PERA to discuss the impact on your pension benefits.
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What happens to my sick and vacation time?
Employees will not accrue sick and vacation time during a leave unless you are using your accrued time off benefits.
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Why do I have to pay for MN Paid Leave on my paycheck?
The State Legislature approved the MN Paid Leave program with a requirement of a .88% payroll tax on employees. Anoka-Hennepin is sharing the required payments equally with employees with .44% paid by the district and the employee.
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I live in Wisconsin. Do I qualify for MN Paid Leave?
If you are an employee working in Minnesota, you may be eligible for MN Paid Leave.
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Who determines if I qualify for MN Paid Leave?
MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED) makes this determination.
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Can I use my sick time to supplement my MPL payments?
That option is not available. You have the option to use sick and/or vacation time instead of receiving pay from the state, but not both at the same time.
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What if I start MPL and want to change to another pay option?
Employees are able to discontinue MPL payments and change pay options at their discretion.
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Is there an online calculator that I can use to estimate how much my MPL payments would be?
The MN Paid Leave website contains an online calculator to help applicants estimate their payments.
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If I don't check the box on LMS acknowledging the deduction, does that mean I do not have to pay for it?
No, employees are required to contribute to the mandated deduction.
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Is it calculated by consecutive working days or calendar days?
The District calculates the required time to qualify for MPL as days on the calendar and not working days.
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Casual staff (varying schedules), does MPL apply to all of them?
Yes, if they worked for Anoka-Hennepin anytime after Jan 1, 2026.
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If an employee is already on an intermittent leave before Jan 1, 2026, can they apply after Jan 1, 2026?
Yes, they will have to apply to the state directly through the MPL website.
General process for requesting a leave of absence
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Review leave policies: Familiarize yourself with the specific policies and procedures related to the type of leave you are requesting.
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Notify your supervisor: Inform your supervisor in writing of your intention to take a leave of absence. Provide as much notice as possible.
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Notify the district: Fill out a Request for Leave of Absence Form.
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Complete necessary forms: Depending on the type of leave, you may need to complete specific forms or documentation. These forms can often be obtained by sending an email to leaves@ahschools.us.
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Provide supporting documentation: You may be required to provide supporting documentation, such as medical certificates or military orders.
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Coordinate with your department: Discuss with your supervisor or department head how your work responsibilities will be covered during your absence.
More information: Contact leaves@ahschools.us or 763-506-1090 with questions or to obtain the forms necessary to complete leave requests.
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