Sidney School Board modifies tuition reimbursement program

The Sidney School Board unanimously approved changes this month to the district’s tuition reimbursement program for teachers.

The program was initially started in part to encourage teachers to obtain advanced degrees so they could teach classes that allowed Sidney students to receive both high school and college credits, Sidney Public School District Superintendent Jay Ehler explained at a work session on July 7.

In last year’s budget, $20,000 was set aside to reimburse tuition fees for district teachers enrolled in master’s programs.

Under the former policy, as long as a class was needed to fulfill requirements of a graduate program of study, a teacher could submit a tuition reimbursement request form.

The new policy, however, limits reimbursement to teachers who have been requested by the superintendent to enroll in a master’s program.

Ehler told the school board he suggested the change because state funding that helped support the program is no longer available.

“We no longer get money through state aid for teachers who have masters,” he said at the work session. “That number ranged between $35,000 and $50,000 for Sidney schools before.”

The new policy allows the program to continue, he said, but limits it to teachers who have been specifically asked to pursue more education.

“I don’t want it to go away,” Ehler said.

At a board meeting on July 14, when the policy was passed, Kelly Leininger, a current Sidney teacher, asked the board for clarification about the change.

“It’s still in play, but not voluntary,” Ehler explained.

If the district identifies a need for a teacher to obtain a master’s degree to teach a dual-credit class, tuition reimbursement would be possible, he said.

“But it’s not just open enrollment for teachers to apply,” Ehler added. “That will be gone.”

The decision was ultimately based on the budget and the discontinuation of state funds to support the program, he said.

Board member Doug Means suggested teachers contact the state about restoring the funding.

“I don’t think any of us would disagree your education only helps our students’ education,” he told Leininger. “I would encourage you highly, go push this at the state level. It’s good for the students, and that’s what important to us.”