Educational Assistance 

When can I start participating in the educational assistance program?

Employees may begin participation in the program following their first date of employment in an eligible status, however, courses must begin on or after the start date.  

Are there anymore requirements to participate in the program?

Employees must be in good standing with the District and have a strong work attendance history, including being on pace to not exceed his/her allotted leave days for the current fiscal year and no disciplinary action has been taken within the preceding 24 months of the request.  

At the time of application, the employee must be demonstrating effective performance in all areas listed on the employee evaluation.  The employee’s supervisor may be called upon to provide a current assessment of the employee’s performance as part of this eligibility determination.

What are the reimbursement levels for the program?

• Technical Credit: $120 per credit

• Undergraduate Credit: $300 per credit

• Graduate Credit: UW Madison rate in effect for school year per credit

*Rates are subject to change annually

Alternative Licensure Program: up to $1,500 reimbursement limit for the program

Is there a maximum amount of reimbursement?

Employees may be reimbursed for a maximum of 12 credits per fiscal year for any technical or undergraduate level courses, or graduate courses are part of a degree specific program.  

What kind of courses will I get reimbursed for?

All courses taken under this program must be for credit and directly related to the employee’s current job or be clearly in career development for the employee.  All courses require prior approval.  Courses must be taken from an accredited college, university, technical/trade school or approved alternative program (ie. RITE Program, ED-ucate WI, etc.).  The District reserves the right to approve any college, university or school. 

Please note: Courses for certificate or certification programs are not reimbursable under this program.

Is there a grade requirement to receive my reimbursement?

The approved courses must be successfully completed with a “B” or better in a course where a grade is provided or official documentation from the institution that the course was “Passed” or “Satisfactory” for coursework where a final grade is unavailable.  An “Incomplete” are not reimbursable until a final grade is issued.

How do I apply for educational assistance?

Employees must have all coursework preapproved using the Employee Educational Assistance Reimbursement Request Form provided by Human Resources.  Requests should be submitted a minimum of four weeks prior to the start of the course for consideration.  Human Resources reviews the form for final approval or disapproval.  

How are my reimbursements processed?

After an employee has completed the course, they are required to complete the Educational Assistance Documentation Submission Form within 60 days. Please make sure to have the below documents for uploading:

• Institutional documentation (a grade report or unofficial transcript) of successful completion stating a “B” grade of better, “Pass” or “Satisfactory”

• Proof of the tuition payment (copy of receipt /paid bill)

Reimbursement payments will be based upon receipt of all the required documentation.  Employees will receive reimbursement within four weeks from the date Human Resources receives all documentation.