An added value to our professional development CO-SERS (513 - Staff Development and 527 - Culture, Opportunity, and Belonging) is the ability for member districts to submit claims for reimbursement on substitutes or stipends for certified staff who attend professional development sponsored by Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. Payment of the substitute or stipend is to be made by the district and submitted to BOCES for reimbursement.
What is allowable for reimbursement?
According to NYSED, activities are allowable for reimbursement if they involve teachers participating in shared activities under the W-FL BOCES Staff Development or Culture, Opportunity, and Belonging CO-SERS. Districts must belong to the Staff Development Core to receive reimbursement.
- W-FL BOCES regional professional learning and workshops through the Staff Development Department
- W-FL BOCES-facilitated professional learning in districts
- Reimbursement can also be submitted for any follow-up work occurring as a result of the initiating shared activity through BOCES and occurring within 18 months of that original activity
Substitute expenses would be for coverage for a certified staff member that attends a professional learning event taking place during the regular school day.
Stipend reimbursement would be for attendance of certified staff at events taking place:
- Before or After School
- Weekends
- Summer
What is NOT allowable?
It is clear that allowable activities are those that directly involve W-FL BOCES staff or consultants. Since this falls under the professional development CO-SERS, certain activities are clearly not allowable. Such activities include, but are not limited to: CSE/CPSE Meetings, Pre-K or Kindergarten Screening, Assessment Proctoring, Pre-Observation and/or Post-Observation Conferences, Report Card Preparation, IEP Preparation or Writing, Child Study Team Meetings, Association Meetings, or other activities that would not normally be considered to be professional development.
When should forms be submitted?
We encourage districts to submit forms throughout the school year. The last submission of the school year must occur before June 10th. Work occurring after June 10th, can be submitted, but it will be processed in the following school year.
Reimbursement Form: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1750420607/wflbocesorg/wubefcfea3ybntfarsox/StipendReimbursementForm2025fillable.pdf
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