Common use of PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT Clause in Contracts

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Section 1. The KLEA, the Board, and the Administration of the Keystone Local School District recognize the value of continued education by members of the teaching staff. The parties mutually agree that the learning process and the quality of education will be substantially enhanced when members of the staff acquire additional expertise in their teaching fields and when they have familiarized themselves with the most up-to-date teaching techniques. Section 2. All certificated employees of the school district shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement subject to the following conditions: A. The teacher shall have at least one (1) year of professional service in the Keystone Local School District. B. The course work shall have the prior approval of the Superintendent. C. Reimbursement may be for graduate or undergraduate courses which are directly related to the teacher’s teaching assignment and/or other certification areas of the individual’s teaching certificate and for other course work specifically approved by the Superintendent. D. The teacher must receive a grade of “B-” or better and/or if a pass/fail course, receive a passing grade to be eligible for reimbursement. E. To be eligible to receive payment for courses taken in the spring or during the summer, the teacher must teach in Keystone Local Schools the year following receiving course credit or must have been granted a leave of absence or have been RIF’ed or non-renewed. F. The maximum number of quarter hours per teacher to be included under this policy shall be eighteen (18) completed quarter hours or twelve (12) completed semester hours from July 1 to June 30 of any school year. G. Tuition reimbursement under this Article shall be made during two (2) pay periods per year. The amount of money available for each pay period shall be divided equally between the two pay periods. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of July 1 and December 31 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in March. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of January 1 and June 30 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in September. Any funds remaining after the teachers have received tuition reimbursement from the September pay period shall automatically rollover to the March tuition reimbursement pay period. Only approved applications accompanied with all required documentation submitted at least 15 work days prior to the payment date for each pay period shall be processed for payment. Requests that fail to provide materials before the 15-day submission date shall be processed during the next reimbursement pay period (i.e. March or September). The maximum amount that may be reimbursed is limited under this Article to the number of hours stated; the hourly rates listed; and the limit of the fund. The maximum amount reimbursed to each teacher may be less than the amounts and hours stated herein because of the number of teachers completing coursework. Section 3. The Board of Education will reimburse a certificated employee for tuition costs for graduate or undergraduate courses at a maximum rate of $175 per semester hour or proportionate share and a maximum rate of $125 per quarter hour, or proportionate share, less if actual cost, upon proof of successful completion of each course and submission of a transcript or record of same. The amount of money available for this purpose shall not exceed $25,000. (See Appendix D).

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Section 1. The KLEAFEA, the Board, and the Administration of the Keystone Firelands Local School District recognize the value of continued education by members of the teaching staff. The parties mutually agree that the learning process and the quality of education will be substantially enhanced when members of the staff acquire additional expertise in their teaching fields and when they have familiarized themselves with the most up-to-date teaching techniques. Section 2. All certificated employees of the school district School District shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement subject to the following conditions: A. a. The teacher shall have at least one three (13) year years of professional service in the Keystone Firelands Local School District. B. b. The course work shall have the prior approval of the Superintendent.. (Appendix H) C. c. Reimbursement may be for graduate courses. Undergraduate or undergraduate non-credit courses which will only be reimbursed if they directly serve a specific District need and are directly related to the teacher’s teaching assignment and/or other certification areas of the individual’s teaching certificate and for other course work specifically approved by the Superintendent. D. d. The teacher must receive a grade of “B-” or better better, and/or if a pass/fail course, receive a passing grade to be eligible for reimbursement. E. e. To be eligible to receive payment for courses taken in the spring or during the summer, the teacher must teach in Keystone Firelands Local Schools the following school year following receiving course credit or must have been granted a leave of absence or have been RIF’ed or non-renewedRIF’ed. F. f. The maximum number of quarter semester hours per teacher to be included under this policy shall be eighteen (18) completed quarter hours or twelve (12) completed semester hours or equivalent quarter hours from July September 1 to June 30 September 1 of any school year. Certification of grades and tuition costs must be received in the Treasurer’s Office by September 15. G. Tuition reimbursement under this Article shall be made during two (2) pay periods per year. The amount of money available for each pay period shall be divided equally between the two pay periods. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of July 1 and December 31 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in March. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of January 1 and June 30 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in September. Any funds remaining after the teachers have received tuition reimbursement from the September pay period shall automatically rollover to the March tuition reimbursement pay period. Only approved applications accompanied with all required documentation submitted at least 15 work days prior to the payment date for each pay period shall be processed for payment. Requests that fail to provide materials before the 15-day submission date shall be processed during the next reimbursement pay period (i.e. March or September). The maximum amount that may be reimbursed is limited under this Article to the number of hours stated; the hourly rates listed; and the limit of the fund. The maximum amount reimbursed to each teacher may be less than the amounts and hours stated herein because of the number of teachers completing coursework. Section 3. g. The Board of Education will reimburse a certificated certified/licensed employee for tuition costs for graduate or undergraduate under-graduate courses at a maximum the rate of one hundred fifty dollars ($175 150) per semester hour or proportionate share and a maximum rate of one hundred twenty dollars ($125 120) per quarter hour, or proportionate share, less if actual cost, upon proof of successful completion of each course and submission of a transcript or record of same. . h. The amount of money available for this purpose provision shall be fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) per year. Any unused amount from each year shall be added to the following year with the total in any one given year not to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). 3. If requests for reimbursement exceed the aggregate amount of dollars available for that school year, available funds shall be pro-rated among all seeking reimbursement, based solely upon the number of semester hours or equivalent quarter hours earned. The cost of the aforementioned hours shall not exceed $25,000be relevant in such calculation; however, no employee shall be reimbursed more than the actual cost of the tuition. (See Appendix D)Tuition reimbursement shall be made to qualified employees no later than October 31 each year. Reimbursement will be made based on IRS regulations in effect at the time of payment. Any teacher receiving reimbursement for course work will be notified at the time of payment as to the current IRS regulations. 4. All checks for tuition reimbursement will be issued separately.

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Section 1A. The parties support the principle of continued training of teachers, participation by teachers in professional organizations in the areas of their specialization, leaves for work on advanced degrees or special studies, foreign travel, and participation in community, state, and federal educational projects. B. An annually adjusted tuition reimbursement cap (currently $2,345.03) will be utilized for full time bargaining unit members in a planned degree program. This cap is calculated by finding the average cost of three (3) graduate credits at Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, and Grand Valley State University and will be announced by September 15 annually. The KLEA, tuition reimbursement year aligns with the Board, fiscal year calendar (7/1 to 6/30 annually). Any payment for reimbursement prior to 6/30 of a given year will count toward that year. Any payment 7/1 or after will apply to the new year. Reimbursement payments shall be made to each eligible bargaining unit member on the 15th of a given month. The request for reimbursement must be received by the 10th of a given month to be paid in that month. The bargaining unit member shall submit to the Assistant Superintendent the District tuition reimbursement form and proof of payment for the Administration course they are requesting reimbursement for (this can be before the course begins as long as the member has already paid for the course). Failure to complete (or pass) the course will result in the bargaining unit member refunding the District any payment made for the course (proof of completion will be required at the end of the Keystone Local School District recognize the value of continued education by members of the teaching staffclass). The parties mutually agree that the learning process and the quality of education will Tuition for part time teachers shall be substantially enhanced when members of the staff acquire additional expertise in their teaching fields and when they have familiarized themselves with the most up-to-date teaching techniques. Section 2. All certificated employees of the school district paid on a prorated basis, i.e. a 60% teacher shall be eligible for 60% of the annual allotment. The Board of Education shall not be responsible for tuition reimbursement subject payment if courses are taken under a scholarship, grant, or are reimbursed in any way from another source. The bargaining unit member must return to employment with the Jenison School system to be eligible for any tuition reimbursement. If a teacher is reimbursed for summer classes (submitted July 1 of a given year or after) and does not return to JPS for that fall, they will need to reimburse the District for any payments made to the following conditions: A. The teacher shall have at least one (1) year of professional service in the Keystone Local School District. B. The course work shall have the prior approval of the Superintendentbargaining unit member. C. Reimbursement Teachers may request special consideration of payment for a non-degree seeking course. All other stipulations listed above remain. Such a request should be for graduate or undergraduate courses which are directly related made to the teacher’s teaching assignment and/or other certification areas of Assistant Superintendent. Reimbursement will not be made unless the individual’s teaching certificate and for other course work specifically was approved by the Superintendentprior to its begin date. D. The teacher must receive a grade of “B-” or better and/or if a pass/fail course, receive a passing grade return to employment with the Jenison School system to be eligible for any tuition reimbursement. E. To Teachers may be eligible to receive payment granted release-time for courses taken the purpose of observation in the spring other educational systems or during the summer, attendance at in-service meetings and educational conferences. A formal request should be received from the teacher must teach not less than five (5) school days in Keystone Local Schools the year following receiving course credit or must have been granted a leave of absence or have been RIF’ed or non-renewedadvance. A report will be submitted for all such days granted. F. The maximum number of quarter hours per teacher to be included under this policy shall be eighteen (18) completed quarter hours or twelve (12) completed semester hours from July 1 to June 30 of any school year. G. Tuition reimbursement under this Article shall be made during two (2) pay periods per year. The amount of money available for each pay period shall be divided equally between the two pay periods. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of July 1 and December 31 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in March. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of January 1 and June 30 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in September. Any funds remaining after the teachers have received tuition reimbursement from the September pay period shall automatically rollover to the March tuition reimbursement pay period. Only approved applications accompanied with all required documentation submitted at least 15 work days prior to the payment date for each pay period shall be processed for payment. Requests that fail to provide materials before the 15-day submission date shall be processed during the next reimbursement pay period (i.e. March or September). The maximum amount that may be reimbursed is limited under this Article to the number of hours stated; the hourly rates listed; and the limit of the fund. The maximum amount reimbursed to each teacher may be less than the amounts and hours stated herein because of the number of teachers completing coursework. Section 31. The Board of Education will reimburse a certificated employee shall pay registration fees for tuition costs for graduate or undergraduate courses at a maximum rate of $175 per semester hour or proportionate share seminars, workshops, and conferences approved by the administration. 2. A conference request form, which includes rationale and a maximum rate list of $125 per quarter houranticipated expenses, or proportionate share, less if actual cost, upon proof of successful completion of each course and submission of a transcript or record of samewill be submitted online for approval prior to all conferences. The amount of money available for this purpose shall not exceed $25,000. (See Appendix D)This form can be found on the District website under staff resources.

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Section 1. The KLEA11:1 Any member may petition the Board for a leave of absence with or without pay, the Board, and the Administration for a period of the Keystone Local School District recognize the value of continued education by members of the teaching staff. The parties mutually agree that the learning process and the quality of education will be substantially enhanced when members of the staff acquire additional expertise in their teaching fields and when they have familiarized themselves with the most up-to-date teaching techniques. Section 2. All certificated employees of the school district shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement subject time not to the following conditions: A. The teacher shall have at least exceed one (1) year for the purpose of professional service in educational improvement that would benefit the Keystone Local School District. B. school. The course work Board shall have the prior approval absolute discretion to grant or deny such petition and shall be under no obligation to set forth any explanations or reasons for such granting or denial. The granting or denial of such petition as aforesaid shall not be subject to the Superintendentgrievance and/or arbitration provisions of this agreement. C. Reimbursement may be 11:2 The Board will provide tuition reimbursement for graduate or undergraduate courses which are directly related up to the teacher’s teaching assignment and/or other certification areas of the individual’s teaching certificate and for other course work specifically approved by the Superintendent. D. The teacher must receive a grade of “B-” or better and/or if a pass/fail course, receive a passing grade to be eligible for reimbursement. E. To be eligible to receive payment for courses taken in the spring or during the summer, the teacher must teach in Keystone Local Schools the year following receiving course credit or must have been granted a leave of absence or have been RIF’ed or non-renewed. F. The maximum number of quarter hours per teacher to be included under this policy shall be eighteen (18) completed quarter hours or twelve (12) completed semester hours from July 1 to June 30 of any school year. G. Tuition reimbursement under this Article shall be made during two (2) pay periods per year. The amount of money available for credits in each pay period shall be divided equally between the two pay periods. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of July 1 and December 31 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in March. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of January 1 and June 30 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in September. Any funds remaining after the teachers have received tuition reimbursement from the September pay period shall automatically rollover to the March tuition reimbursement pay period. Only approved applications accompanied with all required documentation submitted at least 15 work days prior to the payment date for each pay period shall be processed for payment. Requests that fail to provide materials before the 15-day submission date shall be processed during the next reimbursement pay period (i.e. March or September). The maximum amount that may be reimbursed is limited under this Article to the number of hours stated; the hourly rates listed; and the limit of the fund. The maximum amount reimbursed to each teacher may be less than the amounts and hours stated herein because of the number of teachers completing coursework. Section 3. The Board of Education will reimburse a certificated employee for tuition costs for graduate or undergraduate courses contract years, at a maximum rate of $175 400 per semester hour credit reimbursement at an accredited college or proportionate share university provided: (a) Non-tenured teachers who have already received the approval of the Superintendent and who were enrolled in a Masters Program prior to June 30, 2006 will be grand-parented and allowed to be reimbursed for courses included in the Masters Program. After July 1, 2006, for the first three (3) years of employment, non-tenured teacher’s coursework must be those in his/her subject matter area of teaching or closely related to it, as determined from the course description. Tenured teacher’s coursework must be those leading to a degree or certification in education, including guidance or administration, or in subject matter courses in the teacher’s area of teaching or closely related to it, as determined from the course description. (b) Twelve (12) credits may be taken at any time during the contract year. (c) There shall be a maximum rate Board budget of $125 per quarter hour45,000 in each year of the contract. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and submitted and approved or disapproved according to the following schedule: Summer Session course work requests will be approved or disapproved during the period of February 16th through May 31st; Fall Semester course work requests shall be approved or disapproved during the period of June 1st through September 30th; and Spring Semester course work requests will be approved or disapproved during the period of October 1st through February 15th. (d) Verification that course criteria have been met must be obtained from the Chief School Administrator or his/her designee prior to course registration. (e) Transcripts must be submitted showing a grade of “B” or better as proof of course completion. (f) Employees must remain in the District for one (1) year after successfully completing coursework or shall be required to reimburse the District for all funds received during the last twelve (12) months of course reimbursement. An employee whose contract is not renewed will not be responsible to reimburse the District for completed coursework. 11:3 The Board, with the prior approval of the Chief School Administrator, shall reimburse members for the cost of registration and travel expense for attendance by employees at professional workshops and conventions. The Board with the prior approval of the Chief School Administrator may request employee attendance at such professional meetings as part of the employee’s Professional Growth Plan. When 11:4 Any member receiving a grant from the federal or state government, foundation, or proportionate shareuniversity for summer study may be paid a stipend by the Board, less if actual costwhich stipend, when combined with the grant, will provide compensation equal to the member’s per diem salary for the next succeeding school year (based upon proof the number of successful completion days of each course contracted employment) plus reasonable living and submission travel expenses for every day of participation in the grant program. 11:5 The Board shall subscribe to professional journals requested by the Association at a transcript or record cost not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000 per year), which journals shall be maintained in a professional library provided by the Board. 11:6 The Board shall reimburse members in an amount not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of samethe cost of membership fees in professional education associations, except NEA, NJEA and their affiliates and unions, and limited to one membership per member. The amount of money available for this purpose total cost to the Board shall not exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($25,0003,000) per annum. Reimbursement shall be prorated among members at an equal percentage of reimbursement if the total reimbursement requested exceeds Three Thousand Dollars (See Appendix D$3,000). All requests for such reimbursement must be submitted to the Board in writing by the Association not later than September 30 of each year. 11:7 The Board may approve up to two (2) summer educational grants for teachers. Requests must be submitted to the Chief School Administrator prior to April 30. A grant will not exceed Two Thousand One-Hundred Dollars ($2,100). Summer educational grants funded but unused in one year may be granted in subsequent years. The primary criteria for grants will be that the course or courses of study are in keeping with district goals.

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Section SECTION A: COURSE REIMBURSEMENT 1. The KLEASubject to the provisions of Section A.2. below, the Board, and Board will pay the Administration tuition cost of three (3) courses taken at the Keystone Local School District recognize the value of continued education by members of the teaching staff. The parties mutually agree that the learning process and the quality of education will be substantially enhanced when members of the staff acquire additional expertise in their teaching fields and when they have familiarized themselves with the most up-to-date teaching techniques. Section 2. All certificated employees of the school district shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement subject to the following conditions: A. The teacher shall have at least one (1) year of professional service in the Keystone Local School District. B. The course work shall have the prior approval of the Superintendent. C. Reimbursement may be for graduate or undergraduate courses level which are directly related to the teacher’s their teaching assignment and/or other certification areas of the individual’s teaching certificate duties as determined and for other course work specifically approved by the Principal and Superintendent. D. . Priority for these funds will be given to teachers enrolled in degree programs. The maximum amount of reimbursement for each course shall be at the current University of New Hampshire instate credit rate. In order to receive course payment as stated above, a teacher must receive written approval from the Superintendent prior to course registration. 2. The Board will expend no more than $29,000 in each year of this agreement for course payments. The course amounts will be allocated for two time periods. a. Two-thirds of the funds will be disbursed during the summer/fall semester. The remaining one-third and any unused portion from the summer/fall semester will be disbursed during the winter/spring semester. Applications for course payments will be accepted beginning April 1 st for the coming summer/fall semester and November 1 st for the coming winter/spring semester. Applications for course payment will not be accepted for the respective semesters prior to these dates. The winter/spring semester shall be considered as those courses which commence after December 151h. Regardless of the designation by the college or university, the summer/fall semester shall be considered as those courses which commence after July 1 st or courses that start in June, but end after July 1, for which funds shall be disbursed in the new fiscal year. b. Should additional funds be unencumbered in the tuition reimbursement pool by May 151h, teachers may request reimbursement for a fourth course, provided the course was approved by the Principal and Superintendent prior to being taken. This additional reimbursement will be on a first come, first served basis. Teachers may not apply for this additional reimbursement prior to May 15th. c. Payment shall not be disbursed until after the teacher has received written approval from the Superintendent prior to course registration and the teacher has submitted to the SAU business office proof that he/she earned a final grade of “B-” B- or better and/or if or a final grade of pass in a pass/fail course, receive . 3. Any teacher who does not earn a passing grade to of 8- or better or a grade of pass in a pass/fail course will not be eligible for reimbursementreimbursement for that course. E. To be eligible to receive payment for courses taken in the spring or during the summer, the teacher must teach in Keystone Local Schools the year following receiving course credit or must have been granted a leave of absence or have been RIF’ed or non-renewed. F. The maximum number of quarter hours per teacher to be included under this policy shall be eighteen (18) completed quarter hours or twelve (12) completed semester hours from July 1 to June 30 of any school year. G. Tuition reimbursement under this Article shall be made during two (2) pay periods per year. The amount of money available for each pay period shall be divided equally between the two pay periods. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of July 1 and December 31 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in March. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of January 1 and June 30 in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made the second pay period in September. Any funds remaining after the teachers have received tuition reimbursement from the September pay period shall automatically rollover to the March tuition reimbursement pay period. Only approved applications accompanied with all required documentation submitted at least 15 work days prior to the payment date for each pay period shall be processed for payment. Requests that fail to provide materials before the 15-day submission date shall be processed during the next reimbursement pay period (i.e. March or September). The maximum amount that may be reimbursed is limited under this Article to the number of hours stated; the hourly rates listed; and the limit of the fund. The maximum amount reimbursed to each teacher may be less than the amounts and hours stated herein because of the number of teachers completing coursework. Section 3. The Board of Education will reimburse a certificated employee for tuition costs for graduate or undergraduate courses at a maximum rate of $175 per semester hour or proportionate share and a maximum rate of $125 per quarter hour, or proportionate share, less if actual cost, upon proof of successful completion of each course and submission of a transcript or record of same. The amount of money available for this purpose shall not exceed $25,000. (See Appendix D).

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Section 1A. COURSE REIMBURSEMENT – Full reimbursement will be made for up to nine (9) credits per contract period. To be eligible, a teacher must be enrolled in an advanced degree program. Reimbursement for four (4) credits per contract period will be made to any teacher who is not in a degree program. Cost reimbursement shall not exceed the University of New Hampshire’s rate. The KLEA, the Board, and the Administration cost of the Keystone Local School District recognize texts for the value of continued education by members of the teaching staff. The parties mutually agree that the learning process and the quality of education will be substantially enhanced when members of the staff acquire additional expertise in their teaching fields and when they have familiarized themselves with the most up-to-date teaching techniques. Section 2. All certificated employees of the school district shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement subject to the following conditions: A. The teacher shall have at least one (1) year of professional service in the Keystone Local School District. B. The course work shall have the prior approval of the Superintendent. C. Reimbursement may be for graduate or undergraduate courses which are directly related to the teacher’s teaching assignment and/or other certification areas of the individual’s teaching certificate and for other course work specifically approved by the Superintendent. D. The teacher must receive a grade of “B-” or better and/or if a pass/fail course, receive a passing grade to be not eligible for reimbursement. E. To be eligible to receive payment for courses . Courses taken in the spring or during the summer, summer session may be applied to the teacher must teach in Keystone Local Schools the previous year following receiving provided course credit or must have approval has been granted a leave of absence or have been RIF’ed or non-renewed. F. The maximum number of quarter hours per teacher to be included under this policy shall be eighteen (18) completed quarter hours or twelve (12) completed semester hours from July 1 to by June 30 of any the current school year. However, in no event shall the School District pay more than a total of $100,000 per contract year for all teachers under Article VIII(A) of the contract. In the event a teacher is denied reimbursement for a course or courses because the $100,000 cap on course reimbursement has been exhausted in one year, that teacher will be given first preference for reimbursement for a course or courses the following year. G. Tuition 1. Conferences, workshops or seminars whose cumulative costs for registration, tuition, and materials is in excess of $600 per contract year, regardless of course credit assignment, will be considered for reimbursement under this Article VIII(A) after the employee has been reimbursed the maximum of $600 per contract year under Article IX and only with the permission of the superintendent. However, in no event shall the District pay more than $15,000 per contract year for conferences, workshops or seminars out of the $100,000 amount for course reimbursement per contract year permitted under Article VIII(A).” B. SALARY SCHEDULE ADVANCEMENT - College and/or university credits may be applied to both Professional Development clock hours and toward advancement on the salary schedule. Salary track changes will be made twice yearly (August and January). Teachers will notify the Superintendent of the pending change one year in advance. (By September 1 and February 1 of the preceding year). Teachers who earn a master's degree shall carry with them all credits from their salary schedule bachelor lane status that are not applied to the master's degree. The non- applied credits shall be made during two (2) pay periods per year. The amount used for the purpose of money available for each pay period shall be divided equally between the two pay periods. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of July 1 and December 31 salary schedule placement in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made lanes that follow the second pay period in March. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of January 1 and June 30 master's lane in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made same manner they were applied in the second pay period in September. Any funds remaining after the teachers have received tuition reimbursement from the September pay period shall automatically rollover to the March tuition reimbursement pay period. Only approved applications accompanied with all required documentation submitted at least 15 work days prior to the payment date for each pay period shall be processed for payment. Requests that fail to provide materials before the 15-day submission date shall be processed during the next reimbursement pay period (i.e. March or September). The maximum amount that may be reimbursed is limited under this Article to the number of hours stated; the hourly rates listed; and the limit of the fund. The maximum amount reimbursed to each teacher may be less than the amounts and hours stated herein because of the number of teachers completing courseworkbachelor's lane. Section 3. The Board of Education will reimburse a certificated employee for tuition costs for graduate or undergraduate courses at a maximum rate of $175 per semester hour or proportionate share and a maximum rate of $125 per quarter hour, or proportionate share, less if actual cost, upon proof of successful completion of each course and submission of a transcript or record of same. The amount of money available for this purpose shall not exceed $25,000. (See Appendix D).

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT. Section 1(a) fund consisting of of the gross basic of teachers to whom this agreement applies, calculated at the start of each academic year, will be used for the professional improvement of teachers to improve the quality and relevance of education to students in the Northwest Territories. Any money remaining in the fund, at either the Central or Regional level at the end of either the fiscal or academic year, shall not lapse but shall be retained for future use. Any money remaining in the fund is added to the money that is provided by the formula. Surplus funds are not used to reduce the amount of money provided by the On or before September of each year, the Professional Improvement Fund will be credited with an amount equal to the final adjusted contribution for the previous school year. The KLEADepartment of Education, Culture and Employment will calculate the Board, and amount in based on the Administration number of the Keystone Local School District recognize the value of continued education by members of the teaching staff. The parties mutually agree that the learning process and the quality of education will be substantially enhanced when members of the staff acquire additional expertise in their teaching fields and when they have familiarized themselves with the most up-to-date teaching techniques. Section 2. All certificated employees teachers actually on strength on September of the school district year, and make an adjustment that will be paid into the fund by December of the school year for any additional monies owed. If the amount paid into the fund on September exceeds the amount based on the September 30" calculation, the Professional Improvement Fund will reimburse the difference based on an invoice submitted by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. There shall be eligible for tuition reimbursement a Central Committee consisting of two members named by the Department of Education, Culture Employment, one of whom may be a member of the Association, and two members named by the Association which shall administer the fund. The Committee shall operate by consensus, and shall determine its own procedure, subject to the following conditions: A. The teacher shall have at least one (1) year of professional service general directions and requirements provided for in the Keystone Local School District. B. The course work shall have the prior approval of the Superintendent. C. Reimbursement may be for graduate or undergraduate courses which are directly related to the teacher’s teaching assignment and/or other certification areas of the individual’s teaching certificate and for other course work specifically approved by the Superintendent. D. The teacher must receive a grade of “B-” or better and/or if a pass/fail course, receive a passing grade to be eligible for reimbursement. E. To be eligible to receive payment for courses taken in the spring or during the summer, the teacher must teach in Keystone Local Schools the year following receiving course credit or must have been granted a leave of absence or have been RIF’ed or non-renewed. F. The maximum number of quarter hours per teacher to be included under this policy shall be eighteen (18) completed quarter hours or twelve (12) completed semester hours from July 1 to June 30 of any school year. G. Tuition reimbursement under this Article shall be made during two (2) pay periods per yearArticle. The amount of money available for each pay period fund shall be divided equally between into two parts: Up to of the two pay periods. For teachers completing approved coursework between the time period of July 1 and December 31 money in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall fund will be made directly administered by the second pay period in MarchCentral Committee to provide such things as: (a) a minimum of three leaves with allowances and a minimum of three leaves without allowances. For teachers completing approved coursework between These leaves must be granted providing there are qualified applicants for such leaves; funding to support the time period publication of January 1 and June 30 journals; extra ordinary funding to meet regional needs; any other matter that in the year tuition reimbursement is being requested, payment shall be made Committee's opinion furthers the second pay period in September. Any funds remaining after the teachers have received tuition reimbursement from the September pay period shall automatically rollover to the March tuition reimbursement pay period. Only approved applications accompanied with all required documentation submitted at least 15 work days prior to the payment date for each pay period shall be processed for payment. Requests that fail to provide materials before the 15-day submission date shall be processed during the next reimbursement pay period (i.e. March or September). The maximum amount that may be reimbursed is limited under this Article to the number of hours stated; the hourly rates listed; and the limit objects of the fund. The maximum amount reimbursed balance of the money in the fund shall be allocated to the regions on the following basis: Balance in fund = per teacher Total of Teachers Zone receives x of teachers) Zone receives x of teachers) Zone consists of: South Slave Divisional Education Council Commission Francophone de Division Zone consists of: Beaufort Delta Divisional Education Council Divisional Education Council Divisional Education Council Community Services Board Note: The parties agree in principle to the existing two committee structure in the South Slave Division. In each teacher Division there shall be a four person committee operating by consensus in a progressive and collegial manner, consisting of two appointees of the Superintendent and two appointees of the Regional Executive. This Committee shall distribute money received from the central fund and coordinate and approve professional improvement activities. Where the Committee has approved an Application for professional improvement, the Employer shall not unreasonably withhold approval for leave. In the event of an impasse, the issue in dispute may be less than the amounts referred, by any two appointees, to an appeal committee comprised of an Assistant Deputy Minister of Education, Culture Employment or designate and hours stated herein because a representative of the number Association who shall decide the matter within calendar days of such referral. Without restricting the generality of the term Professional Improvement, such improvement shall be determined by the teachers completing coursework. Section 3and may include workshops, seminars and/or conferences on a community, area, regional or territorial basis in curriculum, disciplines and specialties being taught in the schools of the Northwest Territories for the purpose of improving teachers' professional insights, knowledge and teaching skills. Such activities may be held in or out of the Northwest Territories. The Board teachers in each Region, through their Regional Executive shall decide on the conference venue, dates and format. Where the Committee has approved an application for professional improvement, the Employer will not unreasonably withhold approval for leave. Notwithstanding teachers who attend Professional Improvement workshops, conferences or seminars outside of Education will reimburse a certificated employee the Northwest Territories shall receive out of the fund, reimbursement for tuition costs for graduate or undergraduate courses at a maximum rate of $175 per semester hour or proportionate share and a maximum rate of $125 per quarter hour, or proportionate share, less if actual cost, upon proof of successful completion of each course and submission of a transcript or record of sameexpenses incurred. The amount of money available Regional Committee has the discretionary capacity to apply the Duty Travel Regulations to the extent that teachers may receive, in addition to the reimbursement for this purpose shall not exceed $25,000. (See Appendix D).travel to the Regional Headquarters, the following reimbursement for travel beyond the teachers Regional headquarters: