Continuing Education (EPM 5.20)

A. POLICY

The City firmly believes educational development of its employees is integral to the success of the City. The City encourages all employees to take courses or training to increase their competence in their present assignment or to prepare for future advancement within the City.

B. PROCEDURE

The City may offer employees flexible work schedules if the courses of study are directly related to the employee’s present job or will enhance the employee’s potential for advancement within the City.

C REIMBURSEMENT

For employees who have successfully completed their probationary period, the City may consider reimbursement of job-related college-level courses taken from an accredited educational institution if funds are budgeted and the following conditions are met:

1. The need for additional training is required by statute or law;

2. The required skills are not available in the local labor market; or

3. The employee seeking training is a qualified candidate for the training and will be able to provide training for other employees.

Any request for continuing education reimbursement must be approved in writing by the Department Director prior to the employee starting a program. The employee must provide a written request to the Department Director and include a description of the course, how it relates to the employee’s position and the approximate cost of tuition. For best planning practices, employee should begin discussions with their supervisor three (3) months prior to starting a program for any requested funds to be considered and secured. The budget process is every two (2) years and it’s important to communicate and plan for a limited budget to be approved (if any) per each calendar year.

If approved, reimbursement is based on successful completion of the course under the following parameters:

1. Letter grade of A, B, or “pass” qualifies for 100% reimbursement.

2. Letter grade of C qualifies for 85% reimbursement.

Letter grade lower than C or “fail” will not qualify for reimbursement. Employees should submit their final grades to the Department Director and HR for determination of reimbursement level.

D TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Employees who receive this benefit may be required to complete a summary of their training course and design a training session based upon their course for presentation to other employees.

Should an employee separate from employment with the City, within two (2) years of completing a course for which the employee received reimbursement, the employee may be responsible for repayment of the reimbursed funds to the City.

E. PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF)

The Public Service Laon Forgiveness (PSLF) program is available to City of Oak Harbor employees. With PSLF, employees can have their federal student loan debts forgiven after making payments for ten (10) years while working for the City of Oak Harbor or another qualifying public sector employer.

Go to NEOGOV to apply for Continuing Education approval and/or to request reimbursement for completed courses.