Staff Development Leave (a) An employee shall be granted leave without loss of pay, at her basic rate of pay, to take courses (including related examinations), conferences, conventions, seminars, workshops, symposiums or similar out-of-service programs, at the request of the Employer. The amount of pay received by an employee shall not exceed the full-time daily hours of work as outlined in Article 14.2. When such leave is granted, the Employer shall bear the full cost, including tuition fees, entrance or registration fees, laboratory fees, and course-related books. The Employer shall also reimburse the employee for approved travelling, subsistence, and other legitimate, applicable expenses.
Staff Development The County and the Association agree that the County retains full authority to determine training needs, resources that can be made available, and the method of payment for training authorized by the County. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the right of an employee to request specific training.
Professional Development Fund A budget item equal to one-half (½) of one (1) percent of employees' salaries shall be set aside annually to be used to: