Cal. Education Code § 45190

(a) Governing boards of school districts may grant voluntary leaves of absence and vacations, with or without pay, to persons employed in the classified service of the district. (b) If a school district places an employee on an involuntary leave of absence during the period the employee is charged with a criminal offense, is under a criminal investigation, or is waiting due to administrative delay for necessary job-related administrative determinations, then upon the conclusion of the proceedings in favor of the employee, the school district shall pay to the employee the employee’s full compensation for the period of the involuntary leave of absence upon the employee’s return to service in the school district. For purposes of this subdivision, “involuntary leave of absence” includes, but is not limited to, a compulsory leave of absence or a suspension. This subdivision shall not reduce any entitlement to paid leave or replace any relevant procedures under any other law. (c) This section shall apply to districts that have adopted the merit system in the same manner and effect as if it were a part of Article 6 (commencing with Section 45240) of this chapter.