Tuition Reimbursement (Gateway Academy Only)

Gateway Academy Tuition Reimbursement Policy November 2023

As part of the Gateway compensation model, each year the district will set aside a bucket of money for tuition reimbursement. Staff are eligible to apply for the funds and the funds will be divided amongst eligible employees.

Applications are due by June 30th of the prior year and reimbursements will occur by June 30th of the following year.

Below are general criteria used when reviewing staff applications for reimbursement:

1. The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining adequately trained personnel to enhance the quality of student instruction. Therefore, the Board will prioritize to reimburse staff members holding a position that requires a Department of Education certification or that hold a position that is deemed critical to supporting the education program.

2. Reimbursements are only for approved courses satisfactorily completed as part of a certification and degree programs from or through an accredited domestic college or university, either on site or online, up to $1,900 per course.

3. Coursework must be relevant to the employee’s current or future position with Gateway.

4. Applications for tuition reimbursement must be submitted by June 30th and must include a copy of the official transcript. Transcripts must show a course grade of “A” or “B” to be eligible for tuition reimbursement.

5. Gateway values longevity and will only apply tuition reimbursement to a staff member after completing one full year of service. Additionally, employees receiving tuition reimbursement under this Policy shall repay the Board the full tuition reimbursement paid the Employee if they 1) voluntarily end their employment or 2) are terminated within one (1) year of receiving the reimbursement.

6. Employees awarded tuition reimbursement are expected to continue to meet high standards in fulfilling professional duties and responsibilities. At any time during the academic year and during the employee’s regular observation, feedback and evaluation processes, if the School Leadership determines that the employee is failing to meet his/her professional duties, the School Leader will contact Talent and a meeting will be held to discuss the employee’s workload and capacity to meet his/her responsibilities while simultaneously pursuing higher education. In the case that the following criteria are not met, tuition reimbursement may be put on hold or declined. Criteria include:

1. Failing to submit complete lesson plans in a timely manner.

2. Failing to meet expectations around any components of education programming

3. Failing to arrive on time to school and to fulfill all assigned duties throughout the school day.

4. Failure to meet the Gateway staff attendance expectation.

5. Obtaining a poor evaluation rating based upon the school’s approved teacher evaluation tools and policies.

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