Common use of Professional Development Pool Clause in Contracts

Professional Development Pool. 1. A pool of District funds totaling $35,000 will be set aside each school year for the purpose of continuing an ongoing staff development program. 2. It is the intent of the parties that these funds be expended for programs/activities planned and developed to meet building, program and District level goals and/or upgrading personal/professional competence. 3. Throughout the school year employees seeking to utilize funds from this pool will request mini-grants up to $850 per grant, until the May Professional Development meeting, on a form provided by the committee so that the request may be reviewed and approved or disapproved by the District Professional Development Committee. In the event the pool is depleted early and not all requests made during a given month are possible, all accurately completed mini-grant applications received prior to the deadline will be entered into a random drawing. Mini-grant applications will be randomly drawn until all remaining funds are allocated. 4. Mini-grants cannot be used to purchase technology hardware, even if a device is included in the price of a workshop/course. Mini-grants cannot be used to pay for an employee’s time to attend a workshop, course, or conference. Projects must receive the approval of the curriculum director or building principal prior to being submitted. 5. For proposals involving salary stipend requests, such proposal will state the services to be performed, the number of hours for which pay would be received for performing these services and the means by which accountability for performance of these services can be monitored. 6. In reviewing such proposals, the District Professional Development Committee, will approve or disapprove proposed expenditures consistent with negotiated intents of the parties. The existing membership will be maintained for the duration of the agreement. It is the intent of the parties that the entire bargaining unit has equal access. 7. Any funds not used or applied for by the May Professional Development Committee meeting will be available, as mini-grants of $500 or less. At the May Professional Development Committee meeting, a mini-grant application due date will be established. Certificated employees will be notified of the due date at least five school days prior to the deadline. All accurately completed mini-grant applications received prior to the deadline will be entered into a random drawing. Mini-grant applications will be randomly drawn until all remaining funds are allocated. An employee's total in annual mini-grants will not exceed $1,350. 8. Travel reimbursement will be in accordance with IRS Mileage Rate and Rochester School District's Travel Rates, Requirements and Restrictions. 9. Professional development funds may not be used for National Board Certification.