(a) The board of trustees of a school district may grant a developmental leave of absence for study, research, travel, or another suitable purpose to an employee who:
(1) is employed in a position requiring a permanent teaching certificate; and
(2) has served in the same school district at least five consecutive school years.
(b) The board may grant a developmental leave of absence for one school year at one-half salary or for one-half of a school year at full salary paid to the employee in the same manner, on the same schedule, and with the same deductions as if the employee were on full-time duty.
(c) An employee on developmental leave continues to be a member of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and is entitled to participate in programs, hold memberships, and receive benefits afforded by employment in the school district.