Horizontal Movement: Supporting Professional Advancement
Fort Lee Public Schools is committed to recognizing and supporting the continued professional growth of our staff. Through the Horizontal Movement process, eligible employees may advance across the salary guide based on approved educational achievements in accordance with the terms of their collective bargaining agreement.
Before enrolling in coursework intended for salary guide advancement, staff should carefully review their current contractual agreement to ensure that planned coursework meets eligibility requirements, lane movement criteria, and submission deadlines. Contract language may change over time, so referencing the most current agreement is essential.
Please note that completing coursework alone does not automatically result in salary guide movement. Employees are responsible for submitting all required documentation, including official transcripts and supporting materials, by July 31 in order to be considered for salary guide advancement in the upcoming school year. While every effort is made to implement approved salary adjustments by the first paycheck in September, the district has until December 1, per contractual guidelines, to finalize horizontal movement.
Below you will find step-by-step instructions and procedural guidance to assist you through the Horizontal Movement process.
The Human Resources Department is happy to support you at any point along the way.
Horizontal Movement Form Submission -
For those planning to apply for horizontal movement, please adhere to the following directions:
1. Log into your Genesis Employee Portal.
2. Click on the Documents tab.
3. Click on the Employee Forms tab.
4. Confirm that you are selecting the correct school year cycle based on when your qualifying coursework was completed. Coursework completed on or before June 30 should be submitted under that current school year.
5. Make sure the Self Serve Forms tab is highlighted.
6. Click on “Fill Other Form in Self Serve Folder”, select "Horizontal Movement form" from the dropdown menu, and click on “Choose and Fill Form.”
7. Read ALL information on the form carefully, as it contains important contractual and procedural details.
8. Complete all required fields and upload all required supporting documentation, which includes official transcripts.
9. Once complete, click “Sign and Submit.
Official transcripts should be sent to the Director of Human Resources directly. Once they are received, a PDF copy will be emailed to you, which you should then upload to the corresponding Horizontal Movement Form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)
1. What is horizontal movement?
Horizontal movement refers to advancement across salary guide columns based on approved educational credits, degree attainment, or other qualifying academic achievements as defined by your collective bargaining agreement.
2. Do all courses qualify for horizontal movement?
No. Coursework must meet contractual eligibility requirements. Staff should carefully review their negotiated agreement before enrolling.
3. Does completing coursework automatically result in salary advancement?
No. All required documentation, approvals, and official transcripts must be properly submitted and verified before movement can be processed.
4. How often is horizontal movement granted?
Once per year.
5. Is there a limit to the number of credits I can apply toward horizontal movement each year?
No. Unlike tuition reimbursement, horizontal movement is not subject to an annual credit cap.
6. Do administration or supervision courses count toward horizontal movement even though they are not eligible for tuition reimbursement?
Yes
7. When should I submit my Horizontal Movement form?
The Horizontal Movement form should be submitted only once per year, after all qualifying coursework for school year has been completed. The deadline for submission is July 31 for salary guide movement in the upcoming school year.
8. What should I do if I am not sure if my horizontal movement request will be approved?
Feel free to contact the HR Department if you are not sure your request will be approved.
DISCLAIMER
This list of FAQ's is not comprehensive. For complete and authoritative set of guidelines, staff must refer to their current collective bargaining agreement and all applicable Board approved procedures.