Sec. 25-11.07. Education Incentive Plan.
a. Coverage.This Section shall apply to all full-time positions in the Classified Service except:
1.All Management positions as so designated in the City’s classification system; and
2.Those classes of employment requiring a postsecondary degree as an entrance requirement for employment; and
3.Employees hired by the City after July 1, 1990 and, in the case of uniform Fire personnel, employees hired by the City after October 1, 1990.
b. Compensation.Covered employees who comply with the eligibility provisions of this Section shall, upon application, receive compensation equal to:
1.2.5% of their base monthly salary upon satisfactory completion of thirty (30) units of college level, job-related courses.
2.5% of their base monthly salary upon satisfactory completion of sixty (60) units of such job-related course work; or by presentation of certification indicating attainment of an Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or higher degree. Covered sworn police personnel may qualify for the 5% increment through attainment of an Advanced Certificate from the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
c.The total maximum salary increment attainable under the Plan shall be 5%.
d.College-level units earned prior to employment with the City or during the first year of City employment shall be counted toward the attainment of the above unit requirements provided the other requirements of this Rule are satisfied. However, any education required as a condition of employment shall be excluded.
e.Proof of completion of course work requirements shall be submitted to the department head indicating the specific courses and credits completed, together with transcripts or other documentation as may be required by the Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07). This information shall be submitted on forms provided by the Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07). The Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07) shall approve or disapprove eligibility for additional compensation and transmit the necessary documentation and recommendations to the Finance Department. Following appropriate processing by the Finance Department, the documentation and recommendations provided by the Department shall be submitted to the Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07). The Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07) shall be responsible for insuring full compliance with the provisions of this Section and for processing the transaction in the manner provided below.
f.Additional compensation due under this Section shall commence the first pay period following submission and approval of the above documentation, provided said documentation is received and approved by the Personnel Department on or before the close of the payroll period.
g.Additional compensation shall cease as of the effective date of appointment to a position not covered by the Plan.
h. Qualifying Course Work.
1.All course work undertaken in connection with the Plan must have the prior approval of the department head. In addition, all courses must be taken during the employee’s off-duty hours for which the employee is not receiving any form of compensation from the City.
2.Qualifying course work must be both job related and at a college level in accordance with the definitions provided below. Plan credits shall not be given for work experience, even though an academic institution may have given credit for such experience, until such time as a qualifying degree is granted by such institution. However, the Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07) may grant approval, for covered general employees, for a course of instruction which does not lead to the accumulation of college units, but which clearly will increase the employee’s job-related skills and knowledge. The equivalency of such instructional hours to a college unit shall be in the range of 36 to 54 hours equalling one college unit. Such equivalency values shall be established by the Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07) in consultation with the department head prior to the commencement of the course work, and the employee shall be so advised.
i. Definitions.
1.“Base Pay” shall mean the monthly salary as set forth for the range and step of the eligible person in the annual salary schedule and shall specifically exclude any form of premium pay, other direct compensation and supplemental benefit.
2.“Satisfactory Completion” shall mean a grade of “C” or better in each course. Not more than one third of the total number of units considered for Educational Incentive pay may be on a “credit only” or “pass/fail” basis (limit of 10 out of 30 units; 20 out of 60 units). Units earned with a “Credit Minus” or “Fail” (D or F) grade will not be eligible under the Educational Incentive Plan. Repeated courses will not be counted except when the course is repeated to earn a satisfactory grade not earned when the course was initially taken.
3.“College Level” shall mean any post-high school educational institution accredited by the California State Department of Education, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or equivalent organizations in other states or countries, or which has the prior approval of the Human Resources Director (Ord. 3385, 2007)
4.“Job Related” shall mean any college-level course related to technical or specialized aspects of the employee’s position, as well as courses meeting general educational degree requirements which are reasonably job-related. Course work may also be included if it can be reasonably demonstrated that it will prepare the employee for promotional consideration for an existing City classification. The Human Resources Director (Ord 3385; 02/07) shall determine the eligibility of all courses. In the case of doubt prior to taking a course, the employee shall request the written determination of the department head in advance of enrollment in the course.
5.“Unit” shall mean a unit as established by the educational institution.