Board Meeting Minutes March 26, 2021

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR WAYNE SCHOOL DISTRICT ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 26th, 2021 AT 11:05 AM at WAYNE DISTRICT OFFICE.

THOSE PRESENT:

ADMINISTRATION

Shawn Davis called the meeting to order and does roll call.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Shawn mentions that this meeting is to clarify policy DFD regarding tuition reimbursement for employees.

April Torgerson joins the meeting at 11:10 am

Randy provides background regarding two individuals who have left the district and received or requested tuition reimbursement. We need clarification on the interpretation of the policy. We have contacted our attorneys and Risk Management. The attorneys said that we are not required to reimburse tuition to former employees based on the policy. There were commitments made by prior administration but the policy states that there is an employee obligation of three years if we reimburse tuition. That would require a repayment by one prior employee and would not allow us to pay the other former employee. This is our attorney’s recommendation. They said that the application process which includes the portion about staying with the district for three years is part of the policy.

Liz Torgerson says that she feels the policy is a step-by-step process, which includes getting formal approval by administrators, the superintendent, and then finish the coursework. As part of the policy, it is posted that the employee will pay back the district if they voluntarily leave the district. She suggests we follow the policy. 

April Torgerson agrees with Liz and says that both employees need to be treated the same. She says that we need to follow the policy and ensure that any funds paid out are recovered. 

Curtis Whipple says there is responsibility for district administration to make sure that those seeking reimbursement understand the policy. 

Cory Anderson agrees and says that when we initiate the reimbursement process, this form is attached as part of the backup of the check. He says we need to follow what has been advised to us.

CLOSED SESSION

Curtis makes a motion to go into closed session per Utah Code Annotated Section 52-4-205(1)(a) at 11:20 am. April seconds. 

Open session resumes at 11:41 am.

Shawn adjourns the meeting at 11:41 am.