Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary, beginning July 1, 1973, any parish or city school board, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, or other boards of control of publicly supported educational institutions upon the retirement of any employee of such boards or upon his death prior to retirement, shall pay to such employee or to his heirs or assigns all sick leave which has accrued to such employee but which remains unused at the time of his retirement or at the time of his death if prior to retirement, not to exceed twenty-five days of unused sick leave. Such pay shall be at the rate of pay received by the employee or teacher at the time of retirement or death prior to retirement. However, a city or parish school board may pay such unused sick leave beyond twenty-five days on a uniform basis not to exceed forty-five days at its discretion. Any payment of such unused sick leave beyond twenty-five days shall be based on affordability and the availability of funds. No unused sick leave beyond twenty-five days paid for under the provisions of this Section shall be used in the calculation of retirement benefits and no state funds shall be used for the payment of such sick leave.
La. R.S. § 17:425