In the event a maternity leave has been granted and the pregnancy does not result in the birth of a living child, the teacher may apply for termination of her maternity leave. Upon two weeks’ written notice to the Superintendent, and with a doctor’s certificate indicating physical ability to return to work, the teacher shall be reinstated.

Medical certified disabilities caused or contributed to by pregnancy and recover there from shall be treated as temporary disabilities for all job-related purposes. Accumulated sick leave shall be available for use during period of such temporary disability upon written certification of the attending physician that the disability was caused or contributed to by pregnancy.

The parties agree that only one (1) member of the family may claim leave under this Article at any one time.

Article 34

TEACHER ASSISTANTS

Teacher assistants will be assigned by the Superintendent, and such assignment shall not be subject to the grievance procedure.

Article 35

AGENCY FEE

The Committee agrees that there will be an agency fee binding on all teachers to support the cost of negotiations in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Employee Collective Bargaining Chapter 1078 of the Acts of 1973.

Article 36

EARLY RELEASE TIME

At least three (3) early release days for students will be scheduled by the Superintendent of Schools during each school year. Each early release day will create a professional development release day for teachers. Each professional development release day will be three (3) hours in length of which one (1) hour will be considered administrative meeting time as set forth in Paragraph 1 of Article 23. Programs for professional development release days will be established by the Superintendent of Schools after consultation with the Assistant Superintendent and the Professional Development Committee. All early release time shall be approved by the Superintendent of Schools and shall be on a full system or partial system basis as determined by the Superintendent.

Article 37

PROFESSIONAL DAYS

The Committee and the Association agree that educational conferences, observations, visitations, workshops, and similar professional activities can be of benefit to the educational process, The Superintendent, in his/her discretion, may provide for absence with pay for such professional activities.

Article 38

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Curricula consistent with the applicable state curriculum frameworks will be provided for the various subject areas. These curricula shall present an outline of instruction and a basis for further development of the particular course. The curricula shall be designed to assist in strengthening and clarifying philosophies regarding the teaching of a subject and will offer suggestions on a variety of possibilities for instruction, patterns of individualization, variations of approaches, and materials.