Course Pre-Approval/Reclassification Refresher for Certified Union Staff

The following usually goes out as a memo to certified union staff in September, but Human Resources has been getting a lot of questions and wanted to share with staff at this time. Below is a refresher for course pre-approval/reclassification.
 
What is reclassification?
Certified union staff members may advance lanes on the salary schedule with additional education (staff development, CEUs and graduate credits). For example with approved credits a staff member can move from the MA lane to the MA+30 lane.

How do I advance?
Pre-Approval:  The Course Pre-approval Form is available for download on the intranet in the human resources section. This form should be filled out prior to taking a class for any type of credit. You should keep these forms when approved by your supervisor and turn them into HR with your transcripts only when you are ready to reclassify. This form will serve for reclassification purposes and you will not need to fill out a separate form when all course are completed. Note this form must be opened and completed with Adobe Reader and not Mac Preview.

More information can be found on the Intranet, Human Resources section, under
Salary Advancement Information (Reclassification/Lane Change).

Graduate Credits: Only those graduate hours earned after the date of granting of the respective degree shall be counted toward placement on the next classification.

Staff Development Credits: The employer shall recognize state approved staff development credits for advancement on the salary schedule. Staff development credit shall be limited to seven hours on each of the following lanes:  B.A.+15, M.A.+30, and M.A.+45. The employees shall be responsible for their registration fees if the courses are to be applied toward salary advancement.

Continuing Education Units (CEU) Credits: Fifteen Heartland (CEUs) earned after July 1, 2010 will equal one graduate credit toward advancement.

TQ Classes: are allowed to be used for movement on the salary schedule, the employees shall be off contract and responsible for their registration fees.
 
Please note: Courses may not be taken during the working day (for salary advancement) if the employee is paid during that time. An exchange day, OPL, or unpaid leave would be appropriate options to avoid such a conflict.
 
What is the deadline?
Requests for reclassification under the schedule of this agreement shall be accepted until October 1 of the contract year in force and effect for graduate credit completed prior to September 1 of the contract year in force and effect. Proof of completion of work taken shall be by official transcript only and must be received by Human Resources on or before October 15 of the contract year in force and effect. Salary increases as a result of such reclassification shall be retroactive to the first day of the employee’s contract of the contract year in force and effect. Salary schedule placement disputes must be brought to the Executive Director of Human Resources by October 1 of the contract year in which the dispute arises before grievance procedures may be initiated. Action regarding adjustment on the salary schedule shall be limited to the current contract year.

Whom do I contract with questions?
Your supervisor or Samantha Perry or Tony Chiaramonte in Human Resources. 
 
Note: The reference for this administrative procedure is Article 18 of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Heartland Education Association and Heartland Area Education Agency.