Cincinnati Public Schools, Ohio

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	98.52% p. 73, Sec. 700. 4. f.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	97.04% p. 73, Sec. 700. 4. f.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, a percent (98.52% for employee-only coverage and 97.04% for employee + dependent coverage) is specified p. 73, Sec. 700. 4. f.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	district acknowledges state law: June 15 (retirement and resignation) p. 20, Sec. 200. 9. Past Policy July 10 p. 21, Sec. 200. 9. Past Policy July 10 p. 21, Sec. 200. 9. Past Policy July 10 p. 18, Sec. 200. 9.
Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year?	Yes Option 1: tchr. submits notice by Sept. 30, s/he is exempt from evaluation and creation of SLO's & receives 5 additional days of sick leave conversion; Option 2: teacher submits notice by December 31, s/he receives 5 addition'l days sick leave conversion p. 41, Sec. 250
Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes half of the unused sick leave at the teacher's daily rate of pay divided by the number of days in the work year minus one day p. 79, Sec. 700. 4. s
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 36, Sec. 230. 11.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes p. 48, Sec. 270. 6. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	174
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	elementary: 910 (total, but excludes lunch); secondary: 1,001 (total, but excludes lunch) in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3318.48 p. 32, Sec. 220. 9. OH state law 3313.48: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3313.48
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	183 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 181 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 185 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 183 2010-2011 School Year Calendar
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	9
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The daily schedule shall be determined by the Instructional Leadership Team and the Local School Decision Making Committee. p. 30, Sec. 7. h
How long is the school day for secondary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; daily schedule shall not exceed 280 instructional minutes The daily schedule shall be determined by the Instructional Leadership Team and the Local School Decision Making Committee. p. 30, Sec. 7. h; p. 29, Sec. 7. f
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours p. 28, Art. 220. 7. a
How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 29, Art. 220. 7
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	4 hours, 15 minutes per week p. 28, Sec. 220. 7. c
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	1 period per day or 225 minutes per week, whichever is greater p. 30, Sec. 220. 7. f
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	the leadership team shall adopt a schedule in which teachers assigned to a team are scheduled for team planning no less than one class period/week p. 30, Sec. 220. 7. g

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents K-3: 18; 4-6: academic: 28; specialist: 34; 7-12: academic: 30; specialist/elective: 34 pp. 57 & 58, Sec. 500. 3 Past Policy PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents K-3: 18 (The limit is 25 students with an instructional aide.) 4-8: 28 9-12: 30 (academic); 34 (specialist/elective) p. 58, Sec. 500. 3
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Teacher receives additional compensation Other , a new teacher is added pp. 57 & 58, Sec. 500. 3. Past Policy A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Teacher receives additional compensation p. 58, Sec. 500. 3. Past Policy A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Teacher receives additional compensation p. 58, Sec. 500. 3. Past Policy A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Teacher receives additional compensation p. 55, Sec. 500

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane)
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	2.3%
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	0% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 4.0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy -1.92% Past Policy 0% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	2.3% Past Policy 4.3% Past Policy 6.4% Past Policy 2.3% Past Policy 2.34% Past Policy 0.23% Past Policy 2.7% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$5,357
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	5: Class II (BA), Class III (BA+150 semester hours), Class IV (MA), Class V (MA+30 semester hours), Class VI (PhD)
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	27
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$41,649 Past Policy $40,832 Past Policy 39,262 Past Policy 39,262 Past Policy 39,262 Past Policy 36,905 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$45,211 Past Policy $44,324 Past Policy 42,619 Past Policy 45,292 Past Policy 45,292 Past Policy 47,302 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$75,869 Past Policy $74,381 Past Policy 71,521 Past Policy 71,521 Past Policy 71,521 Past Policy 71,521 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$45,548 Past Policy $44,655 Past Policy 42,937 Past Policy 42,937 Past Policy 42,937 Past Policy 40,609 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$49,476 Past Policy $48,506 Past Policy 48,995 Past Policy 48,995 Past Policy 48,995 Past Policy 51,323 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$82,082
What is the maximum annual salary available to teachers? What are the education requirements for this salary? In what year of service will a teacher receive this salary?	$88,529; PhD; 27 Past Policy $86,793; PhD; 27 Past Policy 83,455; PhD; 27 Past Policy 83,455; PhD; 26 Past Policy 83,455; PhD; 26 Past Policy 81,818; PhD; 27
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 23, Sec. 210. 1. i & p. 71, Sec. 700. 2. b.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other teachers will not advance on the salary schedule until placing out of Comprehensive Assistance and Review p. 71, Sec. 700. 2. b.
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	yes; as part of the Career in Teaching program various levels are established based on factors including performance and Lead Teachers are eligible for stipends; and there are Teacher Incentive Awards (TIF) of up to $4,000 per teacher at participating schools pp. 14 & 15, Sec. 170. 1. & p. 109, MOU - Professional Development (5)
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	yes, amount not specified but human resources may use various financial incentives to hire and retain teachers in high-need schools p. 70, Sec. 700. 1. d.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, human resources may spend up to $3,000 per new hire in a shortage subject area and may use various other financial incentives to hire and retain teachers in high-need schools; in addition, teachers will receive a $2,000 technology stipend for a laptop and digital backpack p. 70, Sec. 700. 1. d.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, $1,000 p. 70, Sec. 700. 1. b
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	yes, trade and industrial career technical program teachers with work experience directly to the specific career technical field in which the person is assigned receive credit; maximum amount of years not specified p. 71, Sec. 700. 2. a. (6).
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other 2nd year non-tenured teachers may be dismissed without cause at mid-year; all other teachers, 1 year (dismissal allowed) The teacher who is rated Developing or Ineffective twice within a 3-year period, may be recommended for dismissal. p. 5, Board Policy 3220: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx p. 26, Sec. 210.2.g.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law or teacher may waive statutory rights and opt for binding arbitration (level 2 of grievance procedure) p. 51, Sec. 300. 3. d.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	yes, teacher may request hearing before board or file a grievance if nonrenewed at end of 5th year of employment p. 51, Sec. 300. d., e. & f. Board Policy 3142: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	June 1 p. 19, Sec. 200. 5 Past Policy April 30 p. 20, Art. 200, 5. Past Policy April 30 p. 20, Art. 200, 5. Past Policy April 30 p. 20, Art. 200, 5.
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	June 1 p. 19, Sec. 200. 5

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice (50%: Understanding student learning and development and respecting the diversity of the students they teach, Understanding the content area for which they have instructional responsibility, Understanding and using varied assessment to inform instruction, Evaluate and ensure student learning, Planning and delivering effective instruction that advances individual student learning, Creating learning environments that promote high levels of learning and student achievement, Collaborating and communicating with students, parents, other educators, district administrators and community to support student learning, Assuming responsibility for professional growth, performance and involvement) Board Policy 3220, pp. 1 & 2: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional District-wide mentors/teacher evaluators may perform evaluations of teachers participating in Credentialing Evaluations (applying for continuing contract or Lead Teacher status) in order to relieve the caseload of Principals/Assistant Principals. District-wide mentors may also conduct informal observations of first year teachers and provide feedback to administrators. p. 23, Sec. 210. 1. h & p. 25, 210. 2.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other district-wide mentors may conduct informal observations of first year teachers and provide feedback to administrators; they may also perform evaluations of teachers applying for continuing contract or lead teacher status (highest level on career ladder) District-wide mentors/teacher evaluators may perform evaluations of teachers participating in Credentialing Evaluations (applying for continuing contract or Lead Teacher status) in order to relieve the caseload of Principals/Assistant Principals. p. 23, Sec. 210. 1. h. & p. 25, 210. 2.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 22, Sec. 210. 1. f.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 22, Sec. 210. 1. f.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Accomplished, Skilled, Developing, Ineffective Board Policy 3220, p. 1: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced The teacher receives two formal observations, one of which is unannounced, one, unannounced. Board Policy 3220, p. 1: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	value-added measure (counts 50%) Board Policy 3220, p. 2: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	40% Student Learning Objectives; 10% Shared Attribution Board Policy 3220, p. 2: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year Effective 2014-2015, the teacher who is rated Accomplished on the previous year's evaluation may have only one observation and a conference in the current year followed by a full evaluation in the next year. Board Policy 3220, pp. 1 & 3: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4: 2 formal, 2 informal The non-tenured teacher who is applying for continuing contract status (tenure) must be formally observed four times. p. 22, Sec. 210. 1.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May 1 If a teacher will be recommended for non-renewal/termination or if s/he is undergoing the credentialing evaluation (evaluation required when applying for continuing contract or Lead Teacher status), s/he must receive the final evaluation report by the second Friday in March. p. 24, Sec. 210. 1. p. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy May 1 If an evaluation will result in remediation, the final evaluation report must be issued by 2nd Friday in March. p. 24, Art. 210, o. Past Policy May 1 If an evaluation will result in remediation, the final evaluation report must be issued by 2nd Friday in March. p. 24, Art. 210, o.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes The contract states that the observation should be of "sufficient length to justify conclusions." (p. 22, Sec. 210.1) Board Policy 3220, p. 3: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year Effective 2014-2015, the teacher who is rated Accomplished on the previous year's evaluation may have only one observation and a conference in the current year followed by a full evaluation in the next year. This teacher must have a Professional Development Plan. Board Policy 3220, pp. 1, 3 & 4: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4: 2 formal, 2 informal p. 22, Sec. 210. 1. Past Policy 2 formal p. 1, Board Policy 3220: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx Past Policy 4 Teachers undergoing the Comprehensive Evaluation, every 5 years, are observed 4 times. In the off-years, teachers are observed once. Teachers with 10+ yrs. experience who undergo the Performance Review Evaluation, are subject to 2 observations. p. 1 Past Policy 4 Teachers undergoing the Comprehensive Evaluation, every 5 years, are observed 4 times. In the off-years, teachers are observed once. Teachers with 10+ yrs. experience who undergo the Performance Review Evaluation, are subject to 2 observations. p. 1 Past Policy yes: 5 observations Cincinnati 2007-2009 CBA, p. 20, Art. 210, 1. j
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May 1 If a teacher will be recommended for non-renewal/termination or if s/he is undergoing the credentialing evaluation (evaluation required when applying for continuing contract or Lead Teacher status), s/he must receive the final evaluation report by the second Friday in March. p. 24, Sec. 210. 1. p.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes The contract states that the observation should be of "sufficient length to justify conclusions." (p. 22, Sec. 210.1) Board Policy 3220, p. 3: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other 2nd year non-tenured teachers may be dismissed without cause at mid-year; all other teachers, 1 year (dismissal allowed) The teacher who is rated Developing or Ineffective twice within a 3-year period, may be recommended for dismissal. p. 5, Board Policy 3220: https://community.cps-k12.org/sites/boardpolicies/default.aspx p. 26, Sec. 210.2.g.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes, a District-wide mentor if available or a teacher who received an advanced or accomplished rating on his/her last evaluation p. 26, Sec. 210.2.f.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	4 2 formal, 2 informal Additional observations my be required under the assistance plan (p. 24, Sec. 210.1.k) p. 26, Sec. 210.2.h.
How long is the remediation process?	1 school year p. 24, Sec. 210.k & p. 26, Sec. 210.2.g.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes p. 25, Sec. 1. q.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes p. 47, Sec. 270. 2.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Performance is the preponderant criterion. p. 47, Sec. 270. 2. & 3.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 47. Sec. 270. 2.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy as soon as possible p. 48. Art. 270. 7. d. Past Policy as soon as possible p. 48. Art. 270. 7. d. Past Policy as soon as possible p. 48. Art. 270, 7. d. Past Policy as soon as possible p. 47. Art. 270, 7. d.
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of layoffs Exceptions may be made for Montessori and Paideia trained teachers; they may be given priority over laid-off teachers. pp. 47 & 48, Sec. 270. 5. Past Policy Yes-mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of layoffs Exceptions may be made for Montessori and Paideia trained teachers. Per state law (2011 Ohio State budget: p. 190, http://www.lsc.state.oh.us/analyses129/11-hb153-129.pdf) districts whose CBA's were signed before September 2011, are not yet subject to the requirement that seniority not be the top criterion in layoffs or recalls. p. 46, Art. 270 Past Policy Yes-mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of layoffs Exceptions may be made for Montessori and Paideia trained teachers. Per state law (2011 Ohio State budget: p. 190, http://www.lsc.state.oh.us/analyses129/11-hb153-129.pdf) districts whose CBA's were signed before September 2011, are not yet subject to the requirement that seniority not be the top criterion in layoffs or recalls. p. 46, Art. 270
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	24 months p. 48, Art. Sec. 5.

Leave questions

Sick & Personal Leave
What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year?	15.5 (12.5 sick in accordance with ORC 3319.141; 3 personal) Sick leave days may be used in the event of illness in the family, or death in the family (up to 3 days). A teacher may use one day of sick leave per year for absence due to observance of a religious holiday. p. 33, Sec. 230. 1; p. 36 Sec. 230. 10 & 11
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	15.5 (12.5 sick in accordance with ORC 3319.141; 3 personal) Sick leave days may be used in the event of illness in the family, or death in the family (up to 3 days). A teacher may use one day of sick leave per year for absence due to observance of a religious holiday. p. 33, Sec. 230. 1; p. 36 Sec. 230. 10 & 11
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 33, Sec. 230. 1. a
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Personal days convert to sick days for accumulation. p. 36, Sec. 230. 11
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	200; unlimited if teacher was hired before May 22, 2004 Unused sick leave shall be cumulative without limitation, with the exception of new hires after May 22, 2004. New hires will be limited to a 200-day cap. p. 33, Sec. 230. 1. a
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	10 days during the course of the year or when abuse of leave is suspected; the district has the right to request medical certification from a district-approved doctor pp. 35 & 36, Sec. 230. 6 & 7
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 120 days to be distributed amongst all teachers in the union to attend union conventions and conferences The Committee is not required to release more than three (3) teachers from any particular school on a given day for Federation conventions or conferences. p. 16, Sec. 170. 2
Other Leave
Apart from general leave (sick, personal, and other leave for personal reasons) and professional development, what other types of paid leave does the district offer?	military (31 days), jury duty or subpoenaed court appearance, assault (45 days), civil disturbance pp. 36-38, Sec. 230. 12, 15, 16, 17
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	120 days to be distributed amongst all teachers in the union to attend union conventions and conferences The Committee is not required to release more than three (3) teachers from any particular school on a given day for Federation conventions or conferences. p. 16, Sec. 170. 2
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	if the number of teachers exceeds the limits set forth by the principal and ILT then leave may be restricted on: Mondays, Fridays, days preceding or following a recess or holiday, or any day in May or June Additional (10 rather than 5) days of notice are needed for leave taken before or after a holiday, in May or June or on Mondays or Fridays. Conference leave shall not be granted during the first week of the school year unless the Federation’s national conventionis scheduled that week. p. 36, Sec. 230. 11
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes 1 sick leave day for 96% overall attendance for the school year The sick leave day will be added to the teacher's accumulated sick leave at the end of the school year. For this purpose, only absence due to sick leave or leave without pay shall be included in calculating the teacher's attendance rate. p. 33, Sec. 230. 1. d
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 36, Sec. 230. 11.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes half of the unused sick leave at the teacher's daily rate of pay divided by the number of days in the work year minus one day p. 79, Sec. 700. 4. s
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 36, Sec. 230. 11.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 120 days to be distributed amongst all teachers in the union to attend union conventions and conferences The Committee is not required to release more than three (3) teachers from any particular school on a given day for Federation conventions or conferences. p. 16, Sec. 170. 2
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year one-to-one site mentoring from the district for new teachers is first year, state-based mentorship for years 2-4 The Ohio Resident Educator program is a four-year induction program that provides ongoing support to Ohio’s new teachers throughout their residency. (Ohio Department of Education) p. 23, Sec. 210. 1. h
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Tenure questions

Role of Tenure on Teacher Assignment and Employment
What is the minimum number of years of experience that a teacher must have in a district before tenure is granted?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	yes p. 41, Sec. 250. 2. Past Policy yes, but only during Round I. Voluntary transfers apply alongside new hires. p. 40, Part I. Sec. 250 Past Policy yes p. 39, Part I. Sec. 250
Are principals and/or site selection committees allowed to select voluntary transfer applicants to hire? If not, then how are voluntary transfers assigned to schools?	yes pp. 41 & 42, Sec. 250. 2.
Separate from excessing, does the district allow school or district administrators to involuntarily transfer a teacher to another school? If so, for what reasons is he/she allowed to initiate such a transfer?	yes, administrative transfers allowed if a teacher refuses training p. 43, Sec. 250. 2.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Seniority is only used as a tiebreaker if all other factors are equal. If training, experience and individual qualifications are substantially equal between two or more teachers, seniority shall be the determining factor. pp. 43 & 44, Sec. 250. 3.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	multiple criteria including training, experience and individual qualifications - if those are substantially equal between 2 or more teachers, by seniority pp. 43 & 44, Sec. 250.3.a(3).
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Teachers placed by mutual consent between the teacher and principal and/or site selection committee. p. 42, Art. 250. 2. E. & p. 43, Art. 250. 3.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	N/A p. 42, Art. 250. 2. E. & p. 43, Art. 250. 3.

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents