The purpose of this program is to encourage eligible employees to further their knowledge and effectiveness in the fields of interest to the village by providing educational assistance to such employees who participate in an approved course of study.
(A) Eligibility. Available to all employees who are classified as regular full-time and have been employed for one year or more.
(B) Approved course of study.
(1) Courses of study must be related to an employee's present or probable future assignment or be part of an approved degree program related to the occupation in which the employee is working or to which he or she can reasonably aspire in the village. A request form must be completed by the employee and signed by the employee's immediate supervisor. The Municipal Manager must approve the request prior to the employee registering for the course.
(2) Courses shall include only those offered by accredited community colleges, junior colleges, colleges or universities and other learning institutions which have been approved by management prior to the employee's enrollment. Correspondence courses are not included in this benefit. It is intended that courses be taken outside regular working hours.
(C) Tuition refund. Reimbursement will be provided at 50% for the equivalent of no more than nine quarter hours or the semester equivalent at any given time. Reimbursement shall be made for tuition only. Reimbursement will not be made for registration fees, lab fees, books, supplies, parking permits, or other items. Tuition will be reimbursed after completion of a course of study and only upon presentation of an official transcript or grade report that demonstrates that the employee received the equivalent of a “C” average or better in the courses taken. Grades of “C” will earn reimbursement at 50% of the tuition attributable to such class; grades of “B” or “A” will earn reimbursement of 75% of the tuition attributable to such class. Tuition will not be reimbursed if an employee qualifies for and receives a full scholarship. However, should an employee qualify for a program which pays partial tuition, the village will reimburse 50% of the tuition costs, subject to all other provisions in this policy, of any amount over and above what the other program might pay.
(D) Licensure testing. Licensure testing for any employee must be pre-approved by the Municipal Manager. The cost of any licensure testing, required for the employee to perform village duties, will be reimbursed by the village at the rate of 100%, provided that the employee submits adequate proof of successfully obtaining the license and proof of the payment. A request form must be completed by the employee and signed by the employee's immediate supervisor. The Municipal Manager must approve the request.
(Ord. 2005-13, passed 12-20-05; Am. Ord. 2019-06, passed 12-17-19)