Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Assistance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee clarifies repayment and paycheck deduction for tuition assistance program
Summary
District staff told the committee the handbook will explicitly allow the district to deduct unpaid tuition costs from employee paychecks if an employee fails to complete a paid paraeducator certification or leaves within a year.
Speaker 1 explained the district's education‑assistance program for special‑education aides: the district pays 100% of Gateway tuition up front for eligible aides who enroll in the paraeducator certificate, and aides who complete the program receive a $2 hourly pay differential. Because a small number of participants previously failed to repay tuition after leaving employment, legal counsel advised that the handbook must explicitly authorize payroll deduction for unpaid tuition if an employee fails the course or leaves within one year of completion.
Speaker 2 asked how long the program has run; Speaker 1 said it began in 2024 and reported roughly 70% of participating aides completed the program. Committee members expressed support for the program's retention and performance benefits while noting the need for clear agreements and tracking to ensure recoveries when needed. Speaker 1 said employees sign an agreement before beginning the course that allows the district to recoup costs through payroll deduction when the handbook includes the requirement.
The committee did not vote on any repayment language; Speaker 1 said the repayment clause and corresponding employee agreement language will be included in the handbook draft sent to the full school board.
