AEL Members (Negotiated Master Agreement, Article 12)

 Other stipulations apply that are not noted in this chart. See specific information below and your negotiated agreement.

HOW TO REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT - See Overview  

Unit II - Requirements, Limitations and Programs

• Reimbursed for credits, subject to approval of the Executive Director of Human Resources and/or designee, and the coursework must be applicable to some clearly defined objective, such as a planned program leading to an advanced degree or the enhancement of expertise in the job.  Courses must be completed and tuition reimbursement must be received while the employee is on active service with the Board.
• Reimbursed for a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours of college credit per reimbursement year (see main webpage for what constitutes a reimbursement year). The rate of payment for courses completed shall be up to $250.00 per semester hour based upon actual tuition fees for general college tuition (includes partnerships).
• Reimbursed for only one (1) course per semester except by advance approval of the Superintendent. 
• Must earn a grade of B or better, except that one (1) course with a grade of “C” in an approved program of study may be reimbursed.
• Member who has resigned prior to the reimbursement will not be eligible for payment.  However, if the member is re-employed within five (5) years, the member becomes eligible for the full amount that would have been received for uninterrupted service. 

Special Program - Approved Career Related Doctoral Program

• You must apply for this program. Reimbursement at the enhanced rate beings AFTER the date of approval.  Reimbursement for Approved Career Related Doctoral Program  
• See TAX NOTE below.

Partnership/Cohort participants – PDS Program and IHE Partnerships 

• Courses that are paid by a partnership arrangement with a college, such as those courses listed in the Staff Development course booklets, may not be submitted for reimbursement.
• These courses count toward the reimbursement credit maximum per the Unit agreement.
• Any questions regarding Partnership/Cohort programs contact the Office of College/University Partnerships at 410-721-8380.

IMPORTANT TAX NOTE:  

Under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC, Subtitle A, Chapter 1, Subchapter B, Part III, Section 127), tuition reimbursement amounts over $5,250 in a calendar year are subject to tax. Tuition reimbursement above $5,250 in any calendar year will be paid as a taxable event with the appropriate taxes withheld and will be reported in Box 1 of your W-2 as part of your wages as required under Section 127 of the IRS Code.   

• Special Program: