§ 3005-a. Leave of absence for teaching purposes. In a city of one
million or more, a board of education may permit any teacher to apply
for and receive a leave of absence for a period not to exceed two years
for teaching in a college or university, certificated and accredited by
the commissioner of education, provided such college or university shall
have agreed to furnish an educator of professorial rank to fulfill the
duties of the said teacher on leave of absence or any other duties
assigned by the superintendent of schools. During the period of said
leave of absence for teaching in a college or university, the said
teacher shall receive from the school district in said city the same
compensation that he would have received had he been present and
teaching in a school of the district and the college educator if he is a
member of a publicly operated college or system shall likewise receive
the same compensation as he would have received had he remained in the
college or university. Such leave of absence shall not in any way affect
the retirement rights of the said teacher or college educator as a
member of a retirement system and the period of the aforesaid leave of
absence shall be credited to the total years of service of the said
member in the same manner and for all purposes as if he had continued in
his position. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this chapter, nor
any other local law or provision, the chancellor of the city board shall
have authority to issue to such college or university educator a special
certificate of competency which shall be valid for a period not to
exceed two years and not renewable and under which such college or
university educator shall be permitted to fulfill the duties and
assignments as herein provided.