Toledo 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?	not specified; premium contribution may be applicable depending on plan selected p. 172, Art. LX.1.A.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	percentage not specified; premium contribution may be applicable depending on plan selected p. 172, Art. LX.1.A.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no p. 172, Art. LX.1.A.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Only a March 1 deadline is specified as the deadline to give notice for a retirement bonus (p. 227).
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 March 1 is the deadline for the retirement bonus p. 228.
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 70% of daily rate for 20 or more years of service; 33 1/3% of daily rate for 8 - 19 years of service p. 106, Art. XXXV.Salary Schedule, Benefits.G.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes since personal leave does not accumulate, the teacher would only be able to receive pay for the 2-3 unused personal leave days they had earned for their last year of employment upon retirement, at the daily substitute rate. pp. 92 & 93, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.A & D.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes , for teachers required to re-certify as a result of new state requirements p. 108, Ar. XXXV.N.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	yes, the district in collaboration with the union will work with a university to provide credits to teachers working towards NBPTS certification; the board will assist teachers with portfolio preparation by making available equipment and expertise; additionally, teachers are awarded a minimum of 3 release days to document teaching practices and develop a portfolio p. 81, Art. XXVIII.G.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	176 The start date for kindergarten is 4 days after the start date for grades 1-12; there are fewer student days for kindergarten. Past Policy 180 The start date for kindergarten is 4 days after the start date for grades 1-12; there are less student days for kindergarten. Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Elementary and middle school students receive two less instructional days due to parent conferences for a total of 178. 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 180 2010-2011 School Year Calendar
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary: 1,056 (instructional); secondary: 1,100 (instructional) Calculated based off of: 6 hours x 177 days = 1,080 hours for elementary; 6 hours and 15 minutes x 177 days = 1,125 hours for secondary. p. 76, Art. XXVII.A. & B. Past Policy elementary: 1,080 (instructional); secondary: 1,125 (instructional) Calculated based off of: 6 hours x 180 days = 1,080 hours for elementary; 6 hours and 15 minutes x 180 days = 1,125 hours for secondary. p. 76, Art. XXVII.A. & B. Past Policy elementary: 1,080 (instructional); secondary: 1,125 (instructional) Calculated based off of: 6 hours x 180 days = 1,080 hours for elementary; 6 hours and 15 minutes x 180 days = 1,125 hours for secondary. p. 76, Art. XXVII.A. & B. Past Policy 1,170 p. 97, Art. XXVII A
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	183
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	7 Past Policy 3 The start date for kindergarten is four days after the start date for grades 1-12; kindergarten teacher work days may vary from teachers of grades 1-12. Past Policy 3 Past Policy 3 Past Policy 3 Past Policy 3 Past Policy 3 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 3 2010-2011 School Year Calendar
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	6 hours (instructional) This calculation is based on the teacher work day minus the 15 minutes requirement before the start of the student day. p. 76, Art. XXVII.A.
How long is the school day for secondary students?	6 hours, 15 minutes (instructional) This calculation is based on the teacher work day minus the 15 minutes requirement before the start of the student day. p. 76, Art. XXVII.B.
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	elementary: 6 hours, 15 minutes (excluding lunch); secondary: 6 hours, 30 minutes (excluding lunch) p. 76, Art. XXVII.A. & B.
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)	15 minutes before the student day p. 76, Art. XXVII.A. & B.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	180 minutes per week (in blocks of 30 minutes or more) p. 23, Art. IV.G.7.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	not specified (planning time for high school shall follow past practices) p. 24, Art. IV.G.11.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; elementary: 28; secondary: 26 for core subject classes; 31 for others p. 47, Art. XI.E.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Teacher receives additional compensation Teachers receive $125 per student, per instructional hour for elementary students or per class period for middle and high school students, per year for classes that exceed the limit. pp. 47-49, Art. XI.E.1-12.

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?	2.0%
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)	5.6% Past Policy 2.5% In 2014-2015, two salary schedules were in use over the school year, so our 2014-2105 analysis was based on a weighted average of the two schedules. In the 2015-2016 school year, only a single schedule was in use. Past Policy 1.0% Past Policy 0.5% Past Policy 0% Past Policy -2.5% Past Policy -1.0% 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)	7.7% Past Policy 4.6% In 2014-2015, two salary schedules were in use over the school year, so our 2014-2105 analysis was based on a weighted average of the two schedules. In the 2015-2016 school year, only a single schedule was in use. Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 2.5% Past Policy 2.01% Past Policy -0.54% Past Policy 0.4% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$4,407 Past Policy $4,173 Past Policy $4,071 Past Policy 4,031 Past Policy 4,010 Past Policy 4,010 Past Policy 3,603, teachers with a master's degree in the liberal arts field they are teaching (excluding a degree in education) receive an additional $3,460 per year 2010-2011 Salary Schedule; Toledo CBA 2008-2010: p. 132, Art. XXXV; p. 165, Art. XXXVIII
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	6: BA, BA+15, MA, MA+15, MA+60, 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)?	29
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$37,447 Past Policy $35,466 Past Policy $34,599 Salary is based on the average of two salary schedules (one effective 01/01/14 and the other effective 01/01/15). Assumption is that teachers are paid over 12 months; thus, each schedule is in use for 6 months. Past Policy 34,257 Past Policy 34,086 Past Policy 34,086 Past Policy 35,313 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$40,126 Past Policy $38,003 Past Policy $37,074 Salary is based on the average of two salary schedules (one effective 01/01/14 and the other effective 01/01/15). Assumption is that teachers are paid over 12 months; thus, each schedule is in use for 6 months. Past Policy 36,707 Past Policy 36,524 Past Policy 36,524 Past Policy 36,828 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?	$64,896 Past Policy $61,464 Past Policy $59,961 Salary is based on the average of two salary schedules (one effective 01/01/14 and the other effective 01/01/15). Assumption is that teachers are paid over 12 months; thus, each schedule is in use for 6 months. Past Policy 59,367 Past Policy 59,071 Past Policy 59,071 Past Policy 61,198 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$39,233 Past Policy $37,157 Past Policy $36,248 Salary is based on the average of two salary schedules (one effective 01/01/14 and the other effective 01/01/15). Assumption is that teachers are paid over 12 months; thus, each schedule is in use for 6 months. Past Policy 35,889 Past Policy 35,710 Past Policy 35,710 Past Policy 36,996 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$42,402 Past Policy $40,159 Past Policy $39,177 Salary is based on the average of two salary schedules (one effective 01/01/14 and the other effective 01/01/15). Assumption is that teachers are paid over 12 months; thus, each schedule is in use for 6 months. Past Policy 38,789 Past Policy 38,596 Past Policy 38,596 Past Policy 38,687 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?	$70,645 Past Policy $66,907 Past Policy $65,271 Salary is based on the average of two salary schedules (one effective 01/01/14 and the other effective 01/01/15). Assumption is that teachers are paid over 12 months; thus, each schedule is in use for 6 months. Past Policy 64,625 Past Policy 64,303 Past Policy 64,303 Past Policy 66,618 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
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?	$75,041; PhD; 29 Past Policy $71,071; PhD; 29 Past Policy $69,332; PhD; 29 Salary is based on the average of two salary schedules (one effective 01/01/14 and the other effective 01/01/15). Assumption is that teachers are paid over 12 months; thus, each schedule is in use for 6 months. Past Policy 68,646; PhD; 29 Past Policy 68,304; PhD; 29 Past Policy 68,304; PhD; 29 Past Policy 70,055; PhD; 30
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, teachers working as reading specialists or who teach reading as part of the elementary curriculum and who hold a graduate degree in reading or in curriculum and instruction and who possess a reading license earn an annual stipend of $3,460; special education teachers with a master's in special education earn an annual stipend of $700 pp. 104 & 105, Art. XXXV.A & B.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, $2,153 per year p. 128, Art. XXXVII.I. Past Policy yes, $2,900 per year p. 165, Art. XXXVIII.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$1,803-$1,875, depending on the subject area p. 83, Art. XXIX.C & pp. 128 & 129, Art. XXXVII.I. Past Policy $1,242-$2,696, depending on the size of the deparment p. 106, Art. XXIX. C.
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, but only for Career Technology teachers; 10 years pp. 105 & 106, Art. XXXV.F.
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?	Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal allowed) pp. 13 & 14.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may request arbitration or follow procedures prescribed by state law (Sec. 3319.16) pp. 102, Art. XXXIV.K.2 & 3.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice 50% (Instructional planning, Instruction and assessment, Professionalism) pp. 6, 17-21.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Yes - optional observation and rating of teacher Teachers must be evaluated by a credentialed evaluator who might be a peer. Teachers rated Accomplished may select their evaluator. Teachers rated skilled may have input into the selection of their evaluator. p. 15.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Student input may be used as a data source to document performance. p. 16.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 16.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 6.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Accomplished, Skilled, Developing, Ineffective p. 6.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced Formal observations must be announced. Informal observations may be unannounced. p. 16.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	value-added measure (counts 50%) p. 7.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	Approved vendor assessments (10-50%) & district measures (includes student learning objectives and shared attribution [ 0-40%]) (counts total of 50%) p. 5.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year in accordance with OH code 3319.111. p. 2. Board Policy GCN-3: http://www.boarddocs.com/oh/tps/Board.nsf/Public
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 formal observations and informal observations (number not specified, "walkthroughs") p. 16.
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 - evaluation complete; May 10 - written electronic report due p. 7.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 16.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Frequency of evaluations depends on previous evaluation rating. 1x/3yrs if rated Accomplished and student growth measure remains average or higher; 1x/2 years if rated Skilled/student growth measure avg. or higher; 1x/year if rated less than proficient Tenured teachers who are not subject to annual formal evaluations, are observed at least once annually (including an observation conference). p. 15. Board Policy GCN-3: http://www.boarddocs.com/oh/tps/Board.nsf/Public
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 formal observations and informal observations (no number specified, "walkthroughs") p. 16.
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 - evaluation complete, May 10 - written electronic report due p. 7.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes p. 16.
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?	Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal allowed) pp. 13 & 14.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	3 formal observations p. 16.
How long is the remediation process?	case-by-case (timeline required) pp. 13 & 14.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	No GCN-3 governing evaluations, retention and promotion policies, prevail over any conflicting provisions of the CBA entered into after September 24, 2012. The policy calls for the use of evaluations for retention and promotion decisions and prohibits the use of seniority as a basis for making decisions unless choosing between teachers with comparable evaluations in accordance with state law (Sec. 3319.111, F.). Board Policy GCN-3: http://www.boarddocs.com/oh/tps/Board.nsf/Public
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Performance is the preponderant criterion. GCN-3 governing evaluations, retention and promotion policies, prevail over any conflicting provisions of the CBA entered into after September 24, 2012. The policy calls for the use of evaluations for retention and promotion decisions and prohibits the use of seniority as a basis for making decisions unless choosing between teachers with comparable evaluations in accordance with state law (Sec. 3319.111, F.). Board Policy GCN-3: http://www.boarddocs.com/oh/tps/Board.nsf/Public
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 51, Art. XII.A.4.a.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	45 calendar days prior to effective date of layoffs p. 51, Art. XII.A.5.
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 p. 52, Art. XII.B.1.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	indefinitely p. 54, Art. XII.F.

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?	24-26 (15 sick; 2-3 personal; 5 serious illness/injury in family; 1-2 wedding/graduation; 1 bereavement of non-immediate family member day) Employees are granted two personal days, however an additional personal day shall be granted to those who have accrued 250 sick leave days at the time of the accrual. Employees are granted one day to attend a wedding or graduation, however one additional day may be granted if wedding/graduation leave requires travel beyond 175 miles. p. 83, Art. XXX.Sick Leave.B; p. 92, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.A; p. 93, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.E.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	17-18 (15 sick; 2-3 personal) Employees are granted two personal days, however an additional personal day shall be granted to those who have accrued 250 sick leave days at the time of the accrual. p. 83, Art. XXX.Sick Leave.B & p. 92, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.A.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 83, Art. XXX.Sick Leave.C.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No personal days not used shall be compensated at the daily substitute rate p. 93, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.D.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	370 p. 84, Art. XXX.Sick Leave.C.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	when apparent abuse exist (number of days not specified), may request documentation from district-approved doctor p. 83, Art. XXX.Sick Leave.M.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 10 days for attendance at conferences, 2 days for visiting other schools; 1 year partially-paid sabbatical leave; up to 35 delegates shall be granted paid leave to attend the conventions of the Ohio and American Federation of Teachers The salary for sabbatical leave shall be at the difference between substitute pay and the teacher's expected salary. A maximum of three sabbatical leaves shall be granted for two semesters each year, to be shared among all schools in the district. In no case shall sabbatical salary be less than fifty percent of the teacher’s expected salary. pp. 85 & 86, Art. XXX.Professional Leave.A & pp. 89 & 90, Art. XXX.Sabbatical Leave.
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?	paternity or adoption leave (3 days), fire damage to home (5 days), injury in line of duty (10 days), jury/court duty, death in immediate family (3-5 days), assault (45 days), military/reserves (31 days) Employees are granted three days of bereavement leave for death in the immediate family, however if the funeral of a member of the immediate family occurs in another city which is greater than 175 AAA miles from Toledo, an absence of five school days will be allowed. In the event of a death of a staff member, a delegation will represent the staff at the school. The size of this delegation will be determined based on the number of employees at the school. Jury duty compensation need not be remitted to the Board. Regular salary will be paid. p. 91, Art. XXX.Birth Adoption Leave, p. 91, Art. XXX.Military Leave, pp. 86 & 87, Art. XXX.A - E; p. 88, Art. XXX.Jury Duty-Court Leave; p. 88, Art. XXX.Assault Leave.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	up to 35 delegates shall be granted paid leave to attend the conventions of the Ohio and American Federation of Teachers p. 86, Art. XXX.Professional Leave.A.5.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	day before or after a holiday or break, first week of school, on or after June 1, during May p. 92, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.A.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes 1 personal day for accumulating 250 sick days; unused personal days shall be compensated at the daily substitute rate p. 92, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.A & p. 93, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.D.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Other issue not addressed for sick leave; unused personal leave is reimbursed at the end of the year p. 93, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.D.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Yes the 2-3 personal leave days earned in that year that go unused shall be compensated at the daily substitute rate pp. 92 & 93, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.A & D.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 70% of daily rate for 20 or more years of service; 33 1/3% of daily rate for 8 - 19 years of service p. 106, Art. XXXV.Salary Schedule, Benefits.G.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes since personal leave does not accumulate, the teacher would only be able to receive pay for the 2-3 unused personal leave days they had earned for their last year of employment upon retirement, at the daily substitute rate. pp. 92 & 93, Art. XXX.Personal Leave.A & D.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 10 days for attendance at conferences, 2 days for visiting other schools; 1 year partially-paid sabbatical leave; up to 35 delegates shall be granted paid leave to attend the conventions of the Ohio and American Federation of Teachers The salary for sabbatical leave shall be at the difference between substitute pay and the teacher's expected salary. A maximum of three sabbatical leaves shall be granted for two semesters each year, to be shared among all schools in the district. In no case shall sabbatical salary be less than fifty percent of the teacher’s expected salary. pp. 85 & 86, Art. XXX.Professional Leave.A & pp. 89 & 90, Art. XXX.Sabbatical Leave.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Unspecified Teacher Development and Evaluation: http://www.aft.org/position/teacher-development-and-evaluation
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	up to 5 days pp. 81 & 82, Art. XXVIII.F.

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. 32, Art. VIII.A.1.c.
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?	no, HR offers assignments up to three times; if the teacher refuses three times, he/she is not eligible for a transfer p. 33, Art. VIII.A.7.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes In the case of systen wide excessing due to reduced enrollment, seniority is based on building seniority; In the case of System Department Reductions, seniority is based on district-seniority. p. 35, Art. VIII.B.1 & p. 37, Art. VIII.D.2.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority (in the case of system-wide excessing due to reduced enrollment, seniority is based on building seniority; in the case of System Department Reductions, seniority is based on district-seniority) p. 35, Art. VIII.B.1 & p. 37, Art. VIII.D.2.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Other district office places teachers by seniority p. 35, Art. VIII.B.3.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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?	Yes p. 5, Art. I.E.3.
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?	mutual decision of the Principal and the Federation Building Committee pp. 5 & 6, Art. I.E.3.