Career Ladder Program

The purpose of the Career Ladder program is to provide full time employees in units 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 the opportunity to further their education by taking college courses and/or obtaining a college degree in an area of study or discipline that could lead to career advancement within the District. Employees must be accepted in a District approved program leading to a degree.

A. Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree: Employees can receive up to 12 credit hours of paid tuition per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) at the current State University or New York or Community College tuition rates. The District covers only tuition. Any associated fees and text books are the employees’ responsibility.

The total cost to the district for Units 6, 9, 10, and 11 can not exceed $10,000 per unit, per year, under all tuition cost plans.

B. The District will pay tuition costs directly to the college/university as long as the employee maintains a B average for graduate courses or a C average for undergraduate courses.

If a B/C average is not maintained the employee must reimburse the District the amount the District paid the college for that course or pay for his/her next college course. If the employee maintains the appropriate B/C average on a subsequent course he/she must submit the transcript and receipt for the course to the Career Ladder Coordinator for reimbursement at the SUNY or community college rate. The employee will be eligible to have future tuition costs billed directly to the District upon completion of either process.

C. To remain eligible for the Career Ladder the employee must submit final grades for each course to the career Ladder program.

D. Procedure: Direct Pay: The Employee must complete the Application for Approval of Direct Pay and submit it to the Career Ladder Coordinator for approval. If approved, he/she will be given a letter to the Bursar (a voucher) that must be submitted to the college. The College/University will then bill the District directly

Reimbursement: The District will reimburse full time employees tuition cost at any accredited college or university up to the SUNY rate. The employee must submit an Application for Reimbursement, transcript with final grade of at least B for graduate or C for undergraduate courses, and proof of payment.

E. If you transfer into a bargaining unit not eligible for career ladder benefits or you are no longer employed by the SCSD before the class begins, the SCSD will not be responsible for tuition.