ARTICLE 7 TUITION AID

Barrington School District

SECTION 1. All teachers who have completed one year of employment shall be eligible for tuition aid subject to the conditions and procedures set forth in this Article.

1.1 Applications for aid must be filed on or before the deadlines set forth in SECTION 3.

The applicant must be enrolled and accepted in a graduate program relating to the profession of education (in a college) that has been approved by the Superintendent or;

If the applicant is not enrolled in a graduate program leading to a degree, each course must be approved by the Superintendent in advance.

1.2 To receive tuition aid for courses approved as aforesaid, a teacher must successfully complete the course for credit. In graded courses they must pass with a grade of B- (or its numerical equivalent) or better.

1.3 To receive tuition aid for courses approved as aforesaid, a teacher must provide the Superintendent with proof of acceptance and participation in an approved course of study, certified information indicating date of completion, grade received and credits allowed, and proof of payment for the course taken.

SECTION 2. Tuition aid will be in an amount equal to 80% of the cost of courses approved as aforesaid, less financial aid available from any other sources, provided, however, that such aid shall be limited to a maximum of $1,000.00 per course and a fiscal year maximum of $3,000.00 per individual.

SECTION 3. Tuition aid shall not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate for the School Year.  Applications for tuition aid for first semester courses must be received no later than August 15, for second semester courses by December 15, and for summer courses by May 15.

SECTION 4. Tuition shall be allocated as follows:  First semester courses $14,000, second semester courses $14,000 plus any unused portion from previous semester, summer courses $22,000 plus any unused portion from previous semester.

SECTION 5. Applications for reimbursement received as of each application deadline specified in Section 3 shall be approved based on the following:

Priorities

1. Courses taken  to  fulfill  State  mandates  for  required certification
2. Courses  taken  for  advanced  degrees  in  teaching  field  and leadership pathways consistent with District’s strategic plan
3. Other professional education courses for self-improvement.

SECTION 6. A classroom teacher who receives certification, or obtains renewal of certification, from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) shall be reimbursed in an amount equal to 50% of the application fee less financial aid from any other sources.

SECTION 7. No teacher who has received notice of suspension or nonrenewal shall be eligible for tuition aid except for courses for which application was made and approved prior to such notice.