3243 - PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS (IN-SERVICE)

Southern Local School District

Bylaws & Policies

3243 - PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS (IN-SERVICE)

The Board of Education requires that all employees be provided opportunities for the development of increased competence beyond that which they may attain through the performance of their assigned duties through attendance at professional meetings.

For purposes of this policy, a professional meeting shall be defined as any meeting that is related to the activities, duties or responsibilities of Board employees as determined by the Superintendent and through which direct value can be derived for the person in attendance for later use in the performance of District duties.

Teachers using professional leave may be excused from the performance of their duties and shall receive compensation during the days they are excused for attendance at the following professional meetings:

	A.	conferences involving other personnel from the District, county, State, region or nation
	B.	committees drawing personnel from the District, county, State, region or nation

The following conditions must be met for an employee attending professional meetings:

	A.	Requests to attend professional meetings shall be made in advance of the meeting for which approval to attend is sought.
	B.	Determination of appropriateness and authority to grant permission for attendance at a meeting will rest with the Superintendent.
	C.	The professional meeting to be attended must be related to the work of the employee.
	D.	The employee shall file with the Superintendent a report on the activities of the conference, with recommendations, if any, for use by employees and the District schools.
	E.	The Board will provide for substitute personnel in the case of meeting attendance by classroom teachers.
	F.	A professional staff member may request permission to attend and/or participate in a meeting or convention where the member's particular expertise or contribution is pertinent to the fostering of education's civic or public commitment. Under these conditions there will be no reimbursement of expenses by the Board of Education.
	G.	Anyone requesting to attend a professional meeting at personal expense shall submit a request and secure the approval of the Superintendent.

R.C. 3313.20