
The program supports staff members who are working on completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, mostly in the education field.
Human Resources Administrative Assistant Nallely Gonzalez said 89 staff members are participating in the program this year.
District records show some of the areas in which DPS staff members are studying include Educational Leadership, Alternative Licensure Programs in Elementary and Secondary Education, Special Education and Business.
Executive Director of Human Resources Nancy Patterson said that for next school year, the district has put stipulations in place that require staff to study in an area of need for the district or directly related to the position the staff member holds.
Patterson added they also have included a contract addendum because of teachers who would use tuition reimbursement for a couple of years and then leave the district to work elsewhere.
The contract addendum states that a participant will work for the school district for three years once they have completed their degree or certification program, or reimburse the district for the tuition paid by the district.