Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia

National enrollment rank: 11

Labor context

Collective bargaining is explicitly illegal. Teachers may join professional association.
Teachers do not collectively bargain with Fairfax County Public Schools.
14,282 teachers

Student demographics

185,541 students
28% free/reduced lunch

School district teacher count, enrollment, and demographic data is from the 2014-2015 school year sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics. Due to data issues, teacher count for districts in six states (HI, MT, NE, OH, UT, and WI) is from 2013-2014.

Fast facts

Days in student school year:	180
Additional teacher work days:	elementary: 15.5; middle and secondary: 15.8
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	3.2%
Starting salary:	$47,516
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$103,854; PhD; 29
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	Achievement
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Summative evaluation once every three years; formative in off years
Non-tenured	Once a year
Sick and personal days per year:	11 (11 sick, 5 personal taken from sick leave)
Years to tenure:	3 years

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	85% Past Policy not specified; only the employee contribution for health and dental, as one lump sum, is specified Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The School Board's percentage of contribution to the health insurance premium is determined and appropriated annually as part of the budget process. Board Policy 4730.5 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The School Board's percentage of contribution to the health insurance premium is determined and appropriated annually as part of the budget process. Board Policy 4730.5
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	75% Past Policy not specified; only the employee contribution for health and dental, as one lump sum, is specified Past Policy percentage not specified; the School Board's percentage of contribution to the health insurance premium is determined and appropriated annually as part of the budget process Board Policy 4730.5 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The School Board's percentage of contribution to the health insurance premium is determined and appropriated annually as part of the budget process. Board Policy 4730.5
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	No, the district provides a chart listing both the employee and district contributions toward the premium; however, while the district's contribution amount varies for each provider and plan, it covers the same percentage of the premium, regardless of plan selected (85% for all employee-only plans and 75% for all dependent plans).
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?	Retirement: 120 days; Resignation: 10 working days notice if leaving mid-year or by June 15 if not returning the following school year (resignation) Board Regulation 4772.5, pp. 1 & 2, IV.B.1: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public# Board Regulation 4291.6, p. 1, III.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Yes the employee is not eligible for reemployment with the district; when giving references, the district will advise that the employee resigned with prejudice; district may recommend that teacher's certificate be revoked Board Regulation 4291.6, p. 2, III.B.1: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $1.25 per hour of unused sick leave Teacher must be a member of the state retirement system; a member of the district retirement system may convert his/her sick leave to service credit. Employees who are not members of any retirement system and have not transferred their sick leave pursuant to section VIII.D of Board Regulation 4819.10 will forfeit unused sick leave upon termination. Board Regulation 4819, p. 7, A & B: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Regulation 4819.10, p. 4, VIII.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes via the Academy Course Program District website: https://www.fcps.edu/careers/professional-development-opportunities/academy-course-program
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	Issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; however, support courses are offered by the district at no charge to the teacher. District website: https://www.fcps.edu/careers/professional-development-opportunities/national-board-professional-teaching-standards

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	1,215 hours Calculated by multiplying the length of the student day by the number of student days in the school year (6 hours and 45 minutes x 180 days).
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	194
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	elementary: 15.5; middle and secondary: 15.8
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	6 hours, 45 minutes (total)
How long is the school day for secondary students?	6 hours, 45 minutes (total)
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 30 minutes Board Regulation 4421.16, pp. 2 & 3, IV.B.1: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
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)	45 minutes Calculated by subtracting the student day (6 hours, 45 minutes) from the teacher work day (7 hours, 30 minutes). Board Regulation 4421.16, pp. 2 & 3, IV.B.1: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	Elementary: 5 hours per week, or 10 hours every 2 weeks; Middle: 1 period per day Board Regulation 4422.10, pp. 1 & 2, III & V: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public Past Policy 6 hours, 30 minutes every 2 weeks Board Regulation 4422.8: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public Past Policy 6 hours, 30 minutes every 2 weeks Board Regulation 4422.8, p. 2, V. A. http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public Past Policy 6 hours, 30 minutes every 2 weeks Board Regulation 4422.7
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	1 period per day Board Regulation 4422.10, p. 1, III: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	Elementary: 60 minutes per week (or 120 minutes over a 2-week period) included in the teacher's 300 minutes per week (or 600 minutes per every 2-weeks) of planning time; Secondary: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Regulation 4422.10, p. 2, III & V: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane) p. 1.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	2.4% p. 1.
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)	3.2% p. 1. p. 1. Past Policy -0.9% In 2014-2015, the district utilized two salary schedules; thus, a weighted calculation was used to determine annual salaries. In 2015-2016, NCTQ located only one salary schedule so no weighted calculation was used. p. 1. Past Policy 3.6% The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 0.7% Past Policy 0.61% Past Policy 1.0% Past Policy -2.6% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 2% 2007-2008 Salary Schedule, 2008-2009 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)	5.8% p. 1. p. 1. Past Policy 1.4% In 2014-2015, the district utilized two salary schedules; thus, a weighted calculation was used to determine annual salaries. In 2015-2016, NCTQ located only one salary schedule so no weighted calculation was used. p. 1. Past Policy 6.2% The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 3.25% Past Policy 3.7% Past Policy 0% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$7,942 Past Policy $6,511 Past Policy $6,470 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 6,344 Past Policy 5,664 Past Policy 5,490 Past Policy 5,435 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 5,435 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	6: BA, BA+15, BA+30, MA, MA+30, PhD p. 1.
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)?	Bachelor's: 23; Master's: 29 p. 1.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$47,516 p. 1. Past Policy $47,046 p. 1. Past Policy $46,756 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 45,839 Past Policy 45,161 Past Policy 44,440 Past Policy 44,000 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,389 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,789 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$53,144 p. 1. Past Policy $50,313 p. 1. Past Policy $50,803 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 49,022 Past Policy 48,546 Past Policy 48,052 Past Policy 47,577 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,956 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 50,474 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$87,346 p. 1. Past Policy $86,481 p. 1. Past Policy $85,948 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 84,263 Past Policy 81,808 Past Policy 79,233 Past Policy 78,449 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 78,449 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 78,449 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$53,384 p. 1. Past Policy $52,856 p. 1. Past Policy $52,530 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 51,500 Past Policy 50,739 Past Policy 49,928 Past Policy 49,433 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 49,823 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 50,233 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$59,358 p. 1. Past Policy $56,304 p. 1. Past Policy $56,757 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 54,859 Past Policy 54,213 Past Policy 53,541 Past Policy 53,011 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 54,391 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 55,909 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$98,769 p. 1. Past Policy $97,791 p. 1. Past Policy $97,188 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 95,282 (longevity step 3) Past Policy 92,507 Past Policy 84,733 Past Policy 83,894 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 83,894 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 88,708 2008-2009 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?	$103,854; PhD; 29 p. 1. Past Policy $101,524; PhD; 29 p. 1. Past Policy $100,898; PhD; 29 The district utilized two salary schedules; the formula used for calculations was ((2/10)July Salary + (8/10)1-step movement (using conversion chart) in November Salary). Past Policy 98,920; PhD; 29 Past Policy 96,039; PhD; 28 Past Policy 93,015; PhD; 27
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes Board Regulation 4611.10, pp. 5 & 6, VI.A & C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other One step shall be granted to teachers who demonstrate the required level of competence as determined by formal evaluation; an evaluation rating that indicates conditional reappointment shall result in a step freeze. Board Regulation 4611.10, pp. 5 & 6, VI.A & C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
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'?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, subject to budget availability at the state level, teachers earn $5,000 for the first year of the certificate and $2,500 annually for the second through ninth year. District website: https://www.fcps.edu/careers/professional-development-opportunities/national-board-professional-teaching-standards
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, career and technical teachers receive one year of credit per three years of occupational experience up to 15 years. Board Regulation 4625.13, pp. 2 & 3, III.D.1 & IV.A: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	Yes, 25, 27 and 29 years (for teachers on the BA+30 salary lane or higher) p. 1. Board Policy 4611.10, p. 6, VI.B: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public

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?	1 year (dismissal required) The teacher must be recommended for dismissal except under extraordinary circumstances. pp. 17 & 22.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	Teacher may request hearing before the board or before a hearing officer at the option of the board in accordance with VA. code 22.1-314. Board Regulation 4294.5: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	District acknowledges state law. Board Regulation 4294.5: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	June 15 Board Regulation 4294.5: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsb/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	District acknowledges state law (VA Code 22.1-303). Board Regulation 4294.5: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (40%) Professional practice (60%: Professional knowledge -10%, Instructional planning - 10%, Instructional delivery - 10%, Assessment of and for learning - 10%, Learning environment -10%, Professionalism- 10%) The district uses a performance matrix to calculate a teacher's final evaluation rating. Teachers receive a certain number of points for each standard. Those points are multiplied by one for each of the standards of professional practice (standards 1-6) and by four for the seventh standard, student growth, then added together to reach a final evaluation rating. pp. 4 & 16.
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?	No p. VII, Glossary - definition of "evaluator". Board Regulation 4440.13: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
Does the evaluation include student input?	Student input may be used as a data source to document performance. Surveys of high school teachers may be required by evaluator as a data source to document performance p. 8.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 7.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 15.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly Effective, Effective, Developing/Needs Improvement, Ineffective In addition to the summative rating, a teacher is either: recommended for reappointment; conditionally recommended for reappointment; or, not recommended for reappointment. p. 14.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced Informal observations are generally unannounced; formal observations may be announced or unannounced. p. 7.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	Achievement of student learning goals using a variety of assessments selected by teacher and evaluator (counts 40%) While there is no one required standardized measurement of growth (i.e. a state value-added tool), teachers of tested subjects may use norm-referenced tests, criterion-referenced tests, standardized achievement tests in addition to other options such as teacher/team developed tests, textbook published tests, performance assessments, etc. (see App. C for list of measurements). pp. 9-12 & App. C.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	Student learning goals (counts 40%) assessed by teacher/team developed tests (created by group of content area experts), performance-based measures (rubrics, learner portfolio, recitation, performance), criterion & norm-referenced tests, achievem't tests p. 12, App. C.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. ii.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 formal or 6 informal or combination of 1 formal and 3 informal Four data sources are required to document performance on the summative evaluation; two of the four data sources are classroom observations. Others might be student surveys, structured interviews, measurements of student progress ( see App. A for full list). One formal observation comprises one data source; 3 informal or 3 mini-observations comprise one data source. p. 6 & VIII.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	Mid-year (see footnote) Two of the four required data source (multiple measurements of performance) must be presented in the mid-year conference. Two of those data sources must be classroom observations. It is possible, therefore, that the two data sources examined at the mid-year conference might document performance outside of classroom observations. p. 18.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	June 30 p. 18.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	1 full lesson "highly recommended" p. 7.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summative evaluation once every three years; formative in off years p. ii.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 formal or 6 informal or combination of 1 formal and 3 informal Multiple (minimum 4 ) data sources are required to document performance; two of the four are classroom observations. Others might be student surveys, structured interview with evaluator, measurements of student progress ( see App. A for full list). One formal observation comprises one data source; 3 informal or 3 mini-observations comprise one data source. p. 6 & VIII.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	Mid-year (see footnote) Two of the four required data source (multiple measurements of performance) must be presented in the mid-year conference. Two of those data sources must be classroom observations. It is possible, therefore, that the two data sources examined at the mid-year conference might document performance outside of classroom observations. p. 18.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	June 30 p. 18.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	1 full lesson "highly recommended" p. 7.
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?	1 year (dismissal required) The teacher must be recommended for dismissal except under extraordinary circumstances. pp. 17 & 22.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	Yes, an Intervention Team (a teacher, a curriculum designee and an HR specialist from the Office of Equity and Employee Relations) p. 22.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other 2 formal or 6 informal or combination of 1 formal and 3 informal plus additional observations by the Intervention Team A teacher in remediation (Intervention year) undergoes the regular summative evaluation in addition to be assigned an Intervention Team pp. 6, 17, 18, 22, VIII.
How long is the remediation process?	1 year p. 22.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes teacher may appeal to supervisor of evaluator, then to the Assistant Superintendent. Board Regulation 4440.13: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
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 Board Regulation 4285.6, p. 8: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Performance is the preponderant criterion. Board Regulation 4285.6, pp. 7, 8 & 9: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Regulation 4285.6, p. 7: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	30 calendar days prior to the layoff Board Regulation 4285.6, p. 8: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Other Mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of seniority except that any teacher with a conditional reappointment/developing or needs improvement rating, has no recall rights. Board Regulation 4285.6, p. 11: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	3 years Board Regulation 4285.6, p. 14,: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public

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?	11 (11 sick days, 5 of which can be used as personal days) Board Regulation 4819.10, p. 2, V.B & p. 4, VIII.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public# Past Policy 11 (11 sick days, 3 of which can be used as personal days) The teacher may take 2 religious days but must make up the time by working in increments of at least half an hour and must be made up within 30 days of the leave. Board Regulation 4819; Board Regulation 4817: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public# Past Policy 11 (11 sick days, 3 of which can be used as personal days) The teacher may take 2 religious days but must make up the time by working at in increments of at least 1 hr/day. Board Regulation 4819. V. A. & VIII. C.; Board Regulation 4817: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public# Past Policy 11 (11 sick days, 3 of which can be used as personal days) The teacher may take 2 religious days but must make up the time by working at in increments of at least 1 hr/day. Board Regulation 4819 & 4817: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	11 (11 sick, 5 personal taken from sick leave) Board Regulation 4819.10, p. 2, V.B & p. 4, VIII.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public# Past Policy 11 (11 sick, 3 personal taken from sick leave) Board Regulation 4819: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public# Past Policy 11 (11 sick, 3 personal taken from sick leave) Board Regulation 4819. V. A. & VIII. C.: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public# Past Policy 11 Board Regulation 4819: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes Board Regulation 4819, p. 2, VI.B: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Regulation 4819.10, p. 4, VIII.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	No maximum Board Regulation 4819, p. 2, VI.B: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	Anytime upon request (almost always for absences exceeding 5 days) Board Regulation 4819, p. 3, VIII.A: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid employee organization leave and administrative leave (number of days not specified) Board Regulations 4537.3 & 4811.5: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
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 (15 days); election officers in federal, state, or local elections Board Regulation 4815.6, p. 3, III.A & Board Regulation 4833.2, V: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	Yes, the Superintendent may authorize employee organization leave days with pay each year to be distributed proportionally by membership to certified employee organizations (number of days not specified). Board Regulation 4537.5, p. 2, III.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	When the teacher's absence might cause a disruption to the program. Board Regulation 4819.10, p. 4, VIII.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Regulation 4819.10, p. 4, VIII.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $1.25 per hour of unused sick leave Teacher must be a member of the state retirement system; a member of the district retirement system may convert his/her sick leave to service credit. Employees who are not members of any retirement system and have not transferred their sick leave pursuant to section VIII.D of Board Regulation 4819.10 will forfeit unused sick leave upon termination. Board Regulation 4819, p. 7, A & B: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Regulation 4819.10, p. 4, VIII.C: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid employee organization leave and administrative leave (number of days not specified) Board Regulations 4537.3 & 4811.5: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year p. 4.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	5 days Past Policy 4 days Past Policy 5 days Past Policy 5 days Past Policy 5 days Past Policy 1 - 3 days Length of orientation depends on type of school calendar and grade level. Great Beginnings Mentor site: http://www.fcps.edu/plt/GreatBeginnings/btip/index.html

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?	3 years Board Regualtion 4120.5, p. 2, A.1.a.(1): http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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, principals shall be consulted whenever possible. Board Regulation 4111.3: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
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 Board Regulation 4240.5: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes Board Regulation 4250.7, pp. 5 & 6, III & IV: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Seniority Board Regulation 4250.7, pp. 5 & 6, III & IV: http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places teachers but method of placement is not clearly stated. Board Policy 4250.4: http:/www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#
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 Board Policy 4250.4: http:/www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/Public#

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?	N/A there is no collective bargaining in this district.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	N/A; there is no collective bargaining in this district.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	N/A; there is no collective bargaining in this district.