[§302A-607]  Probationary period of employment.  (a)  All teachers, principals, and vice-principals entering the service of the department for the first time shall serve as probationary employees of the department for a minimum period of two consecutive years; provided that:

     (1)  The consecutive employment may be interrupted by maternity leave, sick leave, or any other leave approved by the department not exceeding a period of three years; by military leave not exceeding a period of five years; or by termination or nonrenewal of the probationary employment contract because of decrease in the number of pupils or for causes over which the department has no control, the period between employment not to exceed five years, without loss of credit for the period of probationary employment; and

     (2)  At or prior to the end of two years of probation, the department may extend the probationary period of a teacher, principal, or vice-principal for additional periods not to exceed a total of five years.

     (b)  Any full-time intern teaching period served in the State shall be credited toward fulfillment of the probationary period.  Any annual contract with any teacher, principal, or vice-principal during this probationary period of employment may or may not be renewed as the department shall determine.  The department, during the probationary period, may discharge or demote a teacher, principal, or vice-principal. [L 1996, c 89, pt of §2]