Page 62 - Employee Handbook 1-2015 rev9

5. official grade report
 The city will reimburse the first $1,000 of eligible expenses at 100% and then 50% of the
next $2,000 until a $2,000 per calendar year maximum reimbursement per employee has
been reached.
 Employees who terminate employment with the City within six (6) months or less after
receiving an educational reimbursement will be required to reimburse the City for the full
amount reimbursed.

Professional Certifications and/or Licenses

 Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred for preparation of
professional certifications and/or licenses that are granted through national and/or state
agencies, governing boards, and/or professional organizations. The certification and/or
license cannot be a requirement of employee’s current position.
 Employees must complete an Application for Education Assistance and submit a letter of
recommendation from the employee’s department to the Human Resource Department
for approval PRIOR to beginning the course.
 Expenses for review courses, books/manuals/software, and exam fees are eligible for
reimbursement.
 Reimbursement shall be made for expenses incurred in the year in which the employee
has received a satisfactory score on a qualifying exam and credit has been granted toward
the certification and/or license.
 To file a claim for reimbursement of Certification/License expenses, submit the following
to the Human Resources Department at the completion of the course(s) or no later than
60 days after the end of the calendar year in which the exam was completed:
I. prior-approved Application for Education Assistance
II. itemized statement/invoice of tuition/fees
III. receipt for payment
IV. receipt for books/software
V. official grade report/score/credit issued
 The city will reimburse the first $1,000 at 100% and 50% of the next $2,000 until a
$2,000 per calendar year maximum reimbursement (per employee) has been reached.

Seminars, workshops, supplies, non-academic fees, and other charges are not eligible for
reimbursement.

Spanish Language Courses

In an effort to enhance services and programs available to our Spanish speaking residents,
the City of Winston-Salem has developed the following policy on Spanish language skill
acquisition. Employees are encouraged to develop skills in speaking Spanish, and the city will
support bona fide efforts to help accomplish this goal in the following ways:

 Educational Assistance – PRIOR to enrolling in a college/university Spanish course,
employees should apply for reimbursement through the city’s Education Assistance
program. (See complete instructions in college courses section.) This assistance

City of Winston-Salem Employee Handbook November 2014 Revision 53