Professional Development Funds Policy

Policy Approve By
Scott McCallum, Superintendent
Policy Date (original policy date)
Revised (date text was last updated)
Policy Prepared By
Anne Baker, Director of Human Resources
Policy Category
Personnel

SUBJECT: Professional Development Funds Policy

Applies: To All Staff

I. Objective:

WSSB recognizes the value and benefit of education designed to enhance employees’ abilities to perform their job duties and maintain required certifications and licensures. WSSB will provide, within reasonable resources, professional development funds necessary to assist the employee in achieving the agency mission and accomplishing its goals.

Each department has Professional Development Funds that are managed by the department administrator/manager.  These funds are to be used to provide or attend trainings, conferences, course work and workshops that contribute value directly related to the goals, values and mission as set in the WSSB Strategic Plan.

In addition, these funds can be used to provide backfill and cover travel and per diem.  

On an annual basis and within available resources, WSSB will allocate funds to each department budget for the purpose of professional development. 

Requests for additional training dollars are to be submitted before June 1 and not to exceed $1500. 

Purpose: To provide guidelines and procedures to be followed for Professional Development Funds.

II. Policy:

Professional Development Funds

Accessing Professional Development Funds requires prior written approval. 

Prior to the start of the conference/workshop, etc., employees must submit a Request for Professional Development Form to their department director along with a copy of the agenda or course description. 

The program year for professional development assistance is July 1 to June 30.  To qualify employees must be in a regular position with WSSB.  An employee will need to reimburse the funds in the event they terminate employment prior to completion of an approved activity or if they do not complete an approved activity.