(1) A teacher shall be allowed to use up to two (2) days of the professional leave provided for by § 49-5-711 in each year of employment to serve on boards and commissions that meet during daytime hours and to which a teacher has been appointed by a mayor, city council, county mayor or county commission. The days shall be taken at the discretion of the teacher, and the local board of education may require verification of a teacher's attendance at the meetings in all cases deemed proper by the local board.
(2) A teacher shall be granted leave to serve on any board or commission of the state, the appointment to which is by the governor or the general assembly, without forfeiture of accumulated leave credits of any type, tenure status or other benefit.