33C Course/Cohort Reimbursement Rules & Procedures

Teachers’ Contract 2019-2024: Article VII §I

Tuition Reimbursement (See CBA for final details)

An annual cap of $100,000 towards tuition reimbursement cost for the Board shall be applied for each year of the contract (from September 1 through August 31).  Funds will be deemed committed (for purposes of the cap) upon course approval by the Superintendent or his/her designee.  Teachers shall have 60 days from the actual date of completion of the course(s) to submit their request for reimbursement.

Teachers covered by this agreement shall be reimbursed for college or university tuition up to $2,000 per school year for courses completed or professional development between September 1 and the following August 31, subject to the following terms and conditions:

• Credit for courses and/or professional development must be issued by a regionally accredited college or university (See CBA for restrictions). The course or professional development does not have to apply toward a degreed program.

• All courses and/or professional development must be job-related, and may be either graduate or undergraduate level courses/credit.

• All courses and/or professional development must be approved by the Superintendent prior to the commencement of the classes. The Superintendent's approval or denial shall be final, and shall not be subject to the arbitration stop of the grievance procedure.

• The teacher must receive a grade of A or B in the class, and provide the District with an official school grade report and proof of tuition payment before reimbursement will be made.

• Approved cohorts will be reimbursed upon expenses incurred up to the maximum amount reimbursable during the term of this Agreement ($6,000).

• Staff that previously participated in the cohort reimbursement benefit during the 2019-2024 Contract shall not be eligible for any additional tuition reimbursement for a period of three years from the date of approval of the most recent cohort reimbursement. The maximum reimbursement for any employee during any three-year period shall be $6,000.

• Staff must remain employed in the District for a least one (1) year after completion of the coursework for which reimbursement is provided. If a staff member's employment ends sooner than one (1) year after completion of said coursework, the staff member shall refund to the District the tuition reimbursement. This reimbursement provision only applies to staff who voluntarily leave employment, who are terminated for cause, or who resign to avoid a termination for cause.

Course Procedure vs. Cohort Procedure

    Course Reimbursement Procedure

1. You must fill out a Course/Cohort Approval Form (also available in your building’s main office) and submit it to the Superintendent.

2. Once approved, you will receive a copy of the approved form.

3. Upon completion of the course, please submit the following items to the District Administration Office no later than 60 days from the actual completion date of the course(s):

   • Copy of Original Course/Cohort Approval Form

   • Receipt of Payment

   • Grade Report (doesn’t need to be an official transcript)

4. Once the board approves your request at the next available board meeting, you will receive a reimbursement check in the mail, separate from your normal paycheck.

    Cohort Reimbursement Procedure

1. You must fill out a Course/Cohort Approval Form (also available in you building's main office) and attach a course schedule, along with a detailed description of the Cohort and its courses. Submit everything to the Superintendent for approval.

2. Once approved, you will receive a copy of the approved form.

3. Upon expenses incurred, please submit the following items to the District Administration Office:

   • Copy of Original Course/Cohort Approval Form

   • Receipt of Payment (Please note that no payments will be made from documentation submitted later than 60 days after the completion date of the cohort.)

4. Once the board approves your request at the next available board meeting, you will receive a reimbursement check in the mail, separate from your normal paycheck.