Common use of PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT Clause in Contracts

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Tuition will be paid or reimbursed up to the current University of Maine credit hour rate for professional course(s) taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. Prior approval by the Superintendent and letter grade of B or better in each course is required. In cases where a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours of tuition cost will be reimbursed in any contract year. D. Upon submission and approval of a course to be taken, a teacher may request a signed purchase order for the nine (9) credit hours per year, which will allow the university/college to bill the district for the cost of tuition reimbursement approved by the Superintendent. The university/college must be willing to process a purchase order. If a purchase order procedure is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted for course tuition payment will be reimbursed to the teacher within a reasonable amount of time (normally within two weeks). Should the teacher drop the course, or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will be reimbursed to the district by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up to nine (9) credit hours will be reimbursed in the next year, and each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursed. If the teacher leaves the employment of the district prior to full reimbursement, the district's reimbursement obligation will be terminated. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefits. F. If the district requires a teacher to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related to the district's mission and goals, it will be at the expense of the district. G. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who may be the Superintendent and business manager) and the Association will meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next year. Any recommendation reached will be submitted to the Board. The Board will make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings, conferences, clinics, workshops, or seminars of an educational nature with the written approval of the Superintendent/designee. 1. Teachers who use their personal vehicle for assigned business will be reimbursed for such use at the current IRS mileage rate for travel. 2. Teachers who are authorized to attend such activities will be reimbursed for registration fees, travel expenses, meals, and lodging that have received prior approval. Meals and lodging requests may be denied even if teachers are authorized to attend. Notice will be provided to teachers in a timely manner and will clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. 1. Tuition will costs incurred by teachers shall be paid reimbursed by the Board of Education under the following terms and conditions: a. Tuition costs eligible for reimbursement must be for courses in the field of education or reimbursed up to in the current University subject being taught by a teacher. In addition, courses not in the field of Maine credit hour rate education or not in the subject area being taught by a teacher, but closely related, may be approved for professional course(s) reimbursement at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Courses taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. Prior approval which reimbursement is requested must be approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee in advance of enrollment. Reimbursement will not be made until satisfactory evidence of having received a passing grade is presented. b. Reimbursement for actual tuition costs incurred by a teacher shall be limited to a maximum reimbursement of the average tuition costs for twelve (12) graduate/Doctorate level credit hours at the following four (4) state universities: Rutgers, Rowan, College of New Jersey and letter grade of B or better in each Montclair computed annually. Masters’ degree maximum will be limited to the average Masters’ level cost and doctorate degree maximum will be limited to the average Doctoral level cost as calculated above. c. The date on which a course is requiredcompleted will determine the contract year in which the credits will be applicable for reimbursement. d. Non-tenured teachers shall be eligible for reimbursement at the level set forth in Subsection 2 above, for tuition costs incurred for graduate credits earned during a period after the award of a first-year contract, but prior to the commencement of work under a tenure contract; provided, however, such reimbursement shall not be payable to such teacher unless and until said teacher has commenced work under a tenure contract. e. Upon satisfactory compliance by the teacher with all of the terms and conditions set forth in the preceding subsections, such teacher shall be paid his/her reimbursement entitlement on either October 1 for the prior Spring and Summer course work taken, or April 1 for the prior Fall course work taken; provided that the teacher is still in the employ of the Board on such date. Such payment shall be further conditioned on said teacher remaining in the employ of the Board for the remainder of the current school year. In cases where the event that such teacher shall leave the employ of the Board prior to the expiration of the school year in which such reimbursement entitlement has been paid, such teacher shall be obligated to refund to the Board the entire reimbursement entitlement paid to him/her during such school year, and for such purpose, the Board shall be empowered to deduct said sum from such teacher's salary payments. f. No teacher shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement in connection with tuition costs incurred which is paid by the Veteran's Administration or any other outside agency. g. A WTEA/Administration professional development committee will convene as necessary, but not less than twice per year to review professional development activities for district credit towards lane changes. 2. Tuition costs incurred by a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours of tuition cost will secretary shall be reimbursed by the Board of Education under the following terms and conditions: Tuition costs eligible for reimbursement must be for courses in any contract year. D. Upon submission and approval the field of employment. In addition, courses not in the field of employment, or closely related, may be approved for reimbursement at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Courses taken for which reimbursement is requested must be approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee in advance of enrollment. Reimbursement will not be made until satisfactory evidence of having received a course passing grade is presented. Reimbursement for actual tuition costs incurred by a secretary shall be limited to be taken, a teacher may request a signed purchase order for the nine total tuition costs of twelve (912) credit hours per year, which will allow reimbursed at the university/college to bill the district for the cost of tuition reimbursement approved by the SuperintendentNew Jersey State College aggregated rate. 3. The university/college must be willing to process a purchase order. If a purchase order procedure is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted for course tuition payment will be reimbursed to the teacher within a reasonable amount of time (normally within two weeks). Should the teacher drop the course, or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will be reimbursed to the district by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up to nine (9) credit hours will be reimbursed in the next year, and each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursed. If the teacher leaves the employment Upon finalization of the district prior to full reimbursement, the district's reimbursement obligation will be terminated. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefits. F. If the district requires a teacher to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related to the district's mission and goals, it will be at the expense N.J. Professional Standards Board’s plan for implementation of the district. G. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not Continuing Education Program, meetings shall be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, held between representatives of the Board (who may be the Superintendent and business manager) of Education and the Association will meet W.T.E.A. to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for determine the next year. Any recommendation reached will be submitted application of these standards to the Boarddistrict. The Board will make Discussions shall include, but not be limited to; the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. use of existing Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetingsDays and time spent on various planning committees, conferences, clinics, workshops, or seminars of an educational nature with the written approval of the Superintendent/designee. 1. Teachers who use their personal vehicle for assigned business will be reimbursed employee release time for such use at the current IRS mileage rate for travel. 2. Teachers who are authorized to attend such activities will be reimbursed for registration fees, travel expenses, mealscommittee work, and lodging that have received prior approval. Meals any other considerations deemed appropriate by the W.T.E.A. and lodging requests may be denied even if teachers are authorized to attend. Notice will be provided to teachers in a timely manner and will clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendancethe Washington Township Board of Education.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Tuition will be paid or reimbursed up The Board agrees to pay the current University of Maine credit hour rate for professional course(s) taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. Prior approval by the Superintendent and letter grade of B or better in each course is required. In cases where a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours full costs of tuition cost will be reimbursed and any reasonable expenses incidental thereto incurred in connection with any contract year. D. Upon submission and approval of a course to be takencourses, workshops, seminars, conferences, in-service training sessions or other educational matters which a teacher may request a signed purchase order for the nine (9) credit hours per year, which will allow the university/college to bill the district for the cost of tuition reimbursement approved by the Superintendent. The university/college must be willing to process a purchase order. If a purchase order procedure is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted for course tuition payment will be reimbursed to the teacher within a reasonable amount of time (normally within two weeks). Should the teacher drop the course, required or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will be reimbursed to the district by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up to nine (9) credit hours will be reimbursed in the next year, and each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursed. If the teacher leaves the employment of the district prior to full reimbursement, the district's reimbursement obligation will be terminated. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefits. F. If the district requires a teacher requested to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related to by the district's mission and goals, it will be at the expense of the district. G. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations administration or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who may be the Superintendent and business manager) and the Association will meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next year. Any recommendation reached will be submitted to the Board. The Board will make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings, conferences, clinics, workshops, or seminars of an educational nature with which has the prior written approval of the Superintendent/designee., other than those required by law. The Board agrees to reimburse each teacher for tuition fees to a maximum of the cost of twelve (12) graduate credits per year at the average cost of the graduate tuitions at three universities (Millersville University, Penn State University and Temple University) for the term of the contract. Tuition fees shall include the amount of additional charges at Millersville University which are required to be paid by the teacher. For example, a fee per credit of $18.00, would be equal to reimbursement of $54.00 for a three-credit course. A teacher taking graduate level course work at an accredited provider would be eligible for reimbursement for any related fee at a rate to match the academic fee at Millersville. Tuition reimbursement shall be based upon the grade received utilizing the following schedule: Grade Reimbursement A 100% of credit allotment B 100% of credit allotment C 75% of credit allotment D, F, WP, WF 0% of credit allotment and 0% of fees 1. A. Teachers who use their personal vehicle for assigned business have permanent certification will be reimbursed for such use at graduate credits in accordance with the current IRS mileage rate for travel. 2. Teachers who are authorized following provisions: 1 Such credits must be graduate credits obtained pursuant to attend such activities will be reimbursed for registration feesa degree program established by an accredited, travel expenses, mealsdegree granting institution, and lodging that such credits shall have received the prior approval. Meals approval of the Superintendent, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, or 2 Such credits must be obtained from an accredited institution, and lodging requests such credits shall have the prior approval of the Superintendent, which approval may be denied even if teachers withheld and which approval or disapproval shall not be the subject of a grievance or subject to the grievance procedure. 3 Such credits must be completed satisfactorily according to the standards of the institution. 4 Credit fees for the research and writing of a doctoral dissertation are authorized limited to attenda three-year period commencing with the first request for payment of such fees. Notice will At the discretion of and with the prior approval of the Superintendent, a fourth year may be provided to teachers in a timely manner and will clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendancepermitted.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Tuition will be paid or reimbursed up to the current University of Maine credit hour rate for professional course(s) taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. Prior approval by the Superintendent and letter grade of B or better in each course is required. In cases where a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours of tuition cost will be reimbursed in any contract year. D. Upon submission and approval of a course to be taken, a teacher may request a signed purchase order for the nine (9) credit hours per year, which will allow the university/college to bill ▇▇▇▇ the district for the cost of tuition reimbursement approved by the Superintendent. The university/college must be willing to process a purchase order. If a purchase order procedure is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted for course tuition payment will be reimbursed to the teacher within a reasonable amount of time (normally within two weeks). Should the teacher drop the course, or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will be reimbursed to the district by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up to nine (9) credit hours will be reimbursed in the next year, and each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursed. If the teacher leaves the employment of the district prior to full reimbursement, the district's reimbursement obligation will be terminated. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefits. F. If the district requires a teacher to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related to the district's mission and goals, it will be at the expense of the district. G. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who may be the Superintendent and business manager) and the Association will meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next year. Any recommendation reached will be submitted to the Board. The Board will make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings, conferences, clinics, workshops, or seminars of an educational nature with the written approval of the Superintendent/designee. 1. Teachers who use their personal vehicle for assigned business will be reimbursed for such use at the current IRS mileage rate for travel. 2. Teachers who are authorized to attend such activities will be reimbursed for registration fees, travel expenses, meals, and lodging that have received prior approval. Meals and lodging requests may be denied even if teachers are authorized to attend. Notice will be provided to teachers in a timely manner and will clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Tuition will In our rapidly changing society teachers and/or staff must constantly review curricular content, teaching methods and materials, educational philosophy and goals, social changes, and other topics related to education. The Board recognizes that it shares with its professional staff responsibility for the upgrading and updating of teacher performance and attitudes. The Board and the Association support the principle of continuing training of teachers and/or staff and the improvement of ins truction. B. Each member of the bargaining unit shall be paid eligible for a tuition reimbursement plan with the following provisions: 1. To pay the full cost of tuition and other reasonable expenses of employees incurred in connection with any workshops, seminars, conferences, or reimbursed in service training sessions, 2. To reimburse teachers up to the current University of Maine credit hour rate for professional course(s) taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. Prior approval by the Superintendent and letter grade of B or better in each course is required. In cases where a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. A maximum of nine six (9) credit hours of tuition cost will credits at the Rowan rate per year for graduate studies. Courses taken shall be reimbursed in any contract year. D. Upon submission and approval of a course to be taken, a teacher may request a signed purchase order for the nine (9) credit hours per year, which will allow the university/college to bill the district for the cost of tuition reimbursement approved by the Superintendent. The university/No reimbursement shall be made for courses where the grade earned is not a “B” or better. 3. If the amount of reimbursement requested exceeds the allotment, the allotment will be distributed equally among all members taking classes. 4. To reimburse classroom aides up to the maximum of six (6) credits at the Rowan rate per year for college must courses. 5. Tuition reimbursement will be willing given to process a purchase orderstaff in good faith. If a purchase order procedure is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted staff member leaves the district for any reason other than illness and/or death before the 12 th month after course tuition payment completion there will be reimbursed a chargeback of the reimbursement. The chargeback criteria are as follows: i. 75% chargeback per course completed will apply for any staff member who leaves within 18 months after course completion. 6. The BOE shall equitably reimburse the costs of tuition up to and not to exceed said allotment for the calendar year (see below) as it relates to the teacher within terms and conditions of the total professional development and educational improvement benefit to any staff successfully completing a reasonable amount of time (normally within two weeks). Should course with a “B” or better or educational activity approved in writing by the teacher drop the course, or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will be reimbursed superintendent prior to the district by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up to nine (9) credit hours will be reimbursed in the next year, and each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursed. If the teacher leaves the employment start of the district prior to full reimbursement, the district's reimbursement obligation will course or activity that shall be terminated. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefits. F. If the district requires a teacher to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related to the district's mission and goals, it will be at the expense of the district. G. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who may be the Superintendent and business manager) and the Association will meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next yearcurriculum related. Any recommendation reached will be submitted to the Board. The Board will make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings, conferences, clinics, workshops, or seminars of an educational nature with the written approval of the Superintendent/designee. 1. Teachers who use their personal vehicle for assigned business will be reimbursed for such use at the current IRS mileage rate for travel. 2. Teachers who are authorized to attend such activities will be reimbursed for registration fees, travel expenses, meals, and lodging that have received prior approval. Meals and lodging requests may be denied even if teachers are authorized to attend. Notice will be provided to teachers in a timely manner and will clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendance.See tuition allotment below: 2022-2023 $17,000 2023-2024 $17,000 2024-2025 $17,000

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Tuition will be paid or reimbursed up The Board agrees to implement the following: 1. To pay full tuition not to exceed an amount equal to the current University of Maine per credit hour rate for professional course(s) taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. Prior approval by a New Jersey resident at a New Jersey state college (at the Superintendent and letter grade of B or better in each time the course is required. In cases where a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. A maximum of nine (9taken) credit hours of tuition cost will be reimbursed in together with other reasonable expenses incurred for any contract year. D. Upon submission and approval of a course to be taken, which a teacher may request a signed purchase order for take to improve the nine (9) credit hours per yearquality of instruction. Reasonable expenses shall be defined as including registration fees, which will allow the university/college to bill the district for parking fees and the cost of tuition reimbursement approved by the Superintendent. The university/college must be willing to process a purchase order. If a purchase order procedure textbooks is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted for course tuition payment will be reimbursed given to the teacher within a reasonable amount District at the conclusion of time (normally within two weeks)course work. Should the teacher drop the course, or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will A teacher’s right to reimbursement hereunder shall be reimbursed to the district by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up limited to nine (9) credits per contract year; and, in any event, a teacher shall be limited to one (1) credit hours will be reimbursed in of reimbursement at the next year, and stated rates for each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursed. If the teacher leaves the employment actually taken regardless of the district prior to full reimbursement, the district's reimbursement obligation will be terminatedrate for that credit or where taken. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to 2. All courses must receive prorated benefits. F. If the district requires a teacher to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related to the district's mission and goals, it will be at the expense of the district. G. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who may be the Superintendent and business manager) and the Association will meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next year. Any recommendation reached will be submitted to the Board. The Board will make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings, conferences, clinics, workshops, or seminars of an educational nature with the prior written approval of the Superintendent in advance of registration. Reimbursement will be made upon receipt of documentation of payment for the course and certification of satisfactory completion with a grade of “B” or better, or, where appropriate, “Pass”. The Board may also approve, in advance of registration, with the Superintendent’s recommendation, tuition reimbursement for classes that are audited and do not receive a “Pass/designeeFail” or an official grade. Documentation of successful completion of the course is required for reimbursement. The Board’s obligation under this article shall not exceed the following cap: thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000) for the 2008-2009 school year, fourteen thousand dollars ($14,000) for the 2009-2010 school year, and fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for the 2010-2011 school year. This cap may be exceeded with approval of the Board upon recommendation of the Superintendent. 1. Teachers who use their personal vehicle a. Any course a teacher may take to improve the quality of instruction may not be used for assigned business certification. b. Teacher’s will be reimbursed $25.00 to cover travel expenses for such use at the current IRS mileage rate for travelNJEA Conventions. 2B. Each unit member serving on the Local Professional Development Committee will receive release time for committee business conducted during the school day and reimbursement of sixty-five ($65) per day for committee business conducted in the summer. Teachers who are authorized The Superintendent shall strive to attend conduct the vast majority of such activities will be reimbursed for registration fees, travel expenses, meals, and lodging that have received prior approval. Meals and lodging requests may be denied even if teachers are authorized to attend. Notice will be provided to teachers meetings during the school day or in a timely manner and will clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendancethe summer.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Tuition will be paid or reimbursed up to The parties agree that the current University following is their educational improvement program: 1. To pay one-half (1/2) of Maine credit hour rate for professional course(s) taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. Prior approval by the Superintendent and letter grade of B or better in each course is required. In cases where a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours of tuition cost will be reimbursed in any contract year. D. Upon submission and approval of a course to be taken, a teacher may request a signed purchase order for the nine (9) credit hours per year, which will allow the university/college to bill the district for the cost of tuition up to 12 credits per year at the Rowan University Graduate rate at the time the course is taken in connection with courses beyond the Bachelor Degree which aid in the performing or improving of teacher duties. A year is defined as courses completed between July 1 and the following June 30. The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee has the right to review the course reimbursement requests prior to enrollment and reimbursement will be granted if approved by the Superintendent. The university/college must No specific course grade shall be willing to process required for a purchase ordertuition refund. If a purchase order procedure Claims for tuition reimbursement shall only be honored if they are made within sixty days of the conclusion of the course for which reimbursement is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted for course tuition payment will be reimbursed to the teacher within a reasonable amount of time (normally within two weeks). Should the teacher drop the course, or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will be reimbursed to the district by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up to nine (9) credit hours will be reimbursed in the next year, and each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursedsought. If the teacher leaves the employment of the district prior to full reimbursementcan establish that he/she has not yet received a grade, the district's reimbursement obligation deadline will be terminated. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefits. F. If the district requires a teacher to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related extended to the districtteacher's mission and goals, it will be at the expense of the district. G. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who may be the Superintendent and business manager) and the Association will meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next year. Any recommendation reached will be submitted to the Board. The Board will make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings, conferences, clinics, workshops, or seminars of an educational nature with the written approval of the Superintendent/designee. 1. Teachers who use their personal vehicle for assigned business will be reimbursed for such use at the current IRS mileage rate for travelgrade receipt. 2. Teachers Effective July 1, 2008, there shall be a teacher sub-group Board maximum cap covering reimbursements under A. 1. The annual cap shall be $42,000. 3. The Board shall make all tuition reimbursement payments before the end of July following when the course was successfully completed under the terms of A. 1. above as long as the grade is submitted to the District by June 15. Furthermore, any employee who are authorized to attend terminates employment with the Board of Education before such activities payment is made shall forfeit any amounts due under this subsection. 4. If all tuition reimbursement claims under A. 1. exceed the cap set forth in A. 2. above, all claims shall be prorated. For example, if the cap set forth will cover 95% of all claims, all individual claims will be reimbursed at 95% of the claim amount. 5. Board Policy 3153.1 governs repayment of tuition reimbursement monies in case of departure soon after receipt of said monies. 6. In instances where the Superintendent agrees with a request for registration feesfunding for an undergraduate course, travel expensesthe Board of Education will reimburse 100% of the tuition cost associated with taking the approved course. The Board shall not be required to reimburse teachers for undergraduate courses taken to obtain or maintain a certification or endorsement unless the Board has directed that the teacher take the course; or unless the teacher is required to take the course as a result of transfer or reassignment by the Board made after the initial hiring and assignment. 7. Coursework taken on the undergraduate level, mealsfollowing the receipt of an undergraduate degree, will not count for credential placement shifts on the guide. 8. Undergraduate coursework taken with the approval and lodging that have received prior approval. Meals and lodging requests included in the Professional Improvement Plan of the employee may be denied even if teachers are authorized to attendcounted toward the current 100 hour requirement for professional improvement. 9. Notice Workshops, seminars, in-service training sessions or other sessions approved by the Superintendent will be provided paid in full. 10. To cooperate with the Association in arranging in-service course, workshops, conferences and programs designed to teachers improve the quality of instruction. 11. To establish and maintain a professional library for use by the professional staff for professional development and educational improvement. The Board shall provide space for housing said books and materials in a timely manner convenient and will clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendancereadily accessible locations.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT. A. Tuition will be paid or reimbursed up to at the current University of Maine credit hour rate for professional course(s) taken by teachers for recertification, professional advancement, or an advanced degree in education. B. . Prior approval approval, by the Superintendent Superintendent, and letter grade of B or better in each course is required. In cases where a university/college uses a pass/fail system, a grade of pass will be accepted in lieu of grade B. C. B. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours of tuition cost will be reimbursed in any contract year. D. . Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefits. Upon submission and approval of a course to be taken, a teacher may request a signed purchase order for the nine (9) credit hours per year, which will allow the university/college to bill ▇▇▇▇ the district School District for the cost of tuition reimbursement approved by the Superintendent. The university/college must be willing to process a purchase order. If a purchase order procedure is not available through a university/college, a receipt submitted for course tuition payment will be reimbursed to the teacher within a reasonable amount of time (normally within two weeks). Should the teacher drop the course, or receive a grade less than B, the cost of tuition will be reimbursed to the district District by the teacher within thirty (30) days or the full amount will be deducted from the teacher's next paycheck. If a teacher receives prior written approval from the Superintendent for more than nine (9) credit hours in any year, up to nine (9) credit hours will shall be reimbursed in the next year, and each year thereafter, until any approved credit hours have been reimbursed. If the teacher leaves the employment of the district District prior to full reimbursement, the districtDistrict's reimbursement obligation will shall be terminated. E. Part time teachers employed by the district will be eligible to receive prorated benefitsB. Any new employee under this contract who has a conditional certificate is ineligible for reimbursement for courses required for certification. F. C. If the district requires a teacher an employee to participate in coursework, including coursework required to change positions, related to the district's mission and goals, it will shall be at the expense of the district. G. D. Tuition reimbursement for courses will not be made to teachers who have submitted their resignations or who are on a leave of absence. H. During the district's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who E. Employees may be the Superintendent and business manager) and the Association will meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next year. Any recommendation reached will be submitted to the Board. The Board will make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget. I. Professional leave may be granted to teachers for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings, attend conferences, clinics, workshops, or and seminars of an educational nature with the written approval of as approved by the Superintendent/designee. 1. Teachers Employees who use their personal vehicle for assigned business will shall be reimbursed for such use at the current IRS mileage State of Maine rate for travel. 2. Teachers Employees who are authorized to attend such activities will shall be reimbursed for registration fees, travel expenses, meals, and lodging that have received prior approval. Meals and lodging requests may be denied even if teachers employees are authorized to attend. Notice will shall be provided to teachers employees in a timely manner and will shall clearly state whether authorization has been given for attendance, requirements to receive expenses being paid, paid and what expenses will be authorized in connection with such attendance. F. During the District's annual budget process, representatives of the Board (who may be the Director of Instruction and Superintendent) and the Association shall meet to discuss an appropriate amount to be budgeted to cover projected course reimbursement cost for the next year. Any recommendation reached shall be submitted to the Board. The Board shall make the final decision as to the amount to be included in the next year's budget.