The procedures and application are broad guidelines developed by Knox County Schools Human Resources Department to assist with implementation and organizational decisions. The procedures detailed therein are an attempt to address how the program guidelines should be applied. It is not possible to address every situation or circumstance under these guidelines; therefore, the administration reserves the right to make decisions regarding this benefit on a case by case basis. Knox County Schools will make every effort to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equitably. Please contact the Human Resources Department regarding any questions about the Tuition Assistance Program. 

To receive tuition assistance, employees should follow the procedures outlined therein:

• To be considered for tuition assistance, the employee must first submit a Request for Tuition   Assistance Application and provide information about the course(s) for which he/she would like to   receive assistance.
• The Executive Director of Human Resources and the Human Resources supervisors will review all    requests submitted before the established deadline. HR will advise the employee when a decision has    been made.
• Upon completion of the course(s), the employee must complete a Request for Tuition     Reimbursement form, including appropriate signatures, as well as receipts and evidence of passing    grade(s) attached.
• The Human Resources Department will then coordinate the reimbursement with the Compensation Department. 

Additional Information 

Payment of tuition of course work taken becomes the responsibility of the employee if the employee: 

• Receives a grade of C, D, F, or I
• Drops or withdraws from an approved course after tuition deadline
• Terminates employment during the semester
• Changes an approved course to an audit. 

Knox County Schools will not pay for the employee to retake the course(s). 

Course(s) must be taken outside of employee normal work schedule. 

Travel or commuting expenses are not covered under this policy. 

In the event that payment of the course becomes the responsibility of the employee, payment can be made by personal check. If requirements of this program are not met, a payroll deduction is, by this agreement, authorized to satisfy a tuition debt. It is understood that the debt may be paid through the Payroll Department. If this is not done in a timely manner, specifically within one (1) year, a payroll deduction is herewith authorized to be processed for the amount of indebtedness against the employee's paycheck. 

The request for tuition reimbursement is contingent upon the availability of funds and will be approved based on the number of employees applying for assistance. If funds are not available at the time the request is submitted, the indebtedness of the course remains the responsibility of the employee. 

Payment for any course will not exceed the amount as set forth in this agreement. 

Failure to comply with the tuition assistance program may influence future decisions concerning such tuition reimbursement. 

Any questions or comments should be directed to the Human Resources Department.