Minneapolis Public Schools, Minnesota

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	100% p. 130, Art. IX, Sec A, Subd. 2.a.1. p. 10.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	not specified; employees are required to contribute towards the premium for family coverage The district contributes $5,050 as of January 1, 2015, and $5,650 as of January 1, 2017, above the full cost of employee only coverage towards family coverage. p. 130, Art. IX, Sec A, Subd. 2.a.2. p. 10.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, $600 for employee only coverage and $5,050 for family coverage as of January 1, 2015, and $5,650 for family coverage as of January 1, 2017 p. 130, Art. IX, Sec A, Subd. 2.a.1-4.
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?	resignation: 30 days before separation or until a qualified replacement can be found, whichever occurs first; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 22, Sec. I, Art. III, Sec. G.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. 50% of unused sick leave at daily rate of pay p. 135, Art. IX, Sec. F.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 146, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 4.A.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes , but it is only available to teachers with general education licenses seeking special education certification p. 138, Sec. I, Art. IX, Sec. L, Subd. 3.
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?	176 Kindergarten: 175
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Not specified; determined by the board of education in accordance with state law Board Policy 6132: http://policy.mpls.k12.mn.us/
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	190 Past Policy 188 Past Policy 188 Past Policy 188 Past Policy 188 Past Policy 188 Past Policy 185
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	14 Past Policy 12 Past Policy 12 Past Policy 12 Past Policy 12 Past Policy 12 Past Policy 14
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	not specified; board of education determines length of school day in accordance with state law Board Policy 6132: http://policy.mpls.k12.mn.us/
How long is the school day for secondary students?	not specified; board of education determines length of school day in accordance with state law Board Policy 6132: http://policy.mpls.k12.mn.us/
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	8 hours The collective bargaining agreement say that the teacher work day is 8 hours, while the board policy says 7 hours and 45 minutes. p. 11, Art. II, Sec. A.1. Board Regulation 6132 A: http://policy.mpls.k12.mn.us/
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)	amount of time not specified; teachers report for duty 20 minutes before the opening of school and stay until 3:45pm Board Regulation 6132 A: http://policy.mpls.k12.mn.us/
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	275-550 minutes per week pp. 11 & 12, Art. II, Sec. A.3 & 4.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	275-550 minutes per week pp. 11 & 12, Art. II, Sec. A.4.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	for sites with two (2) prep times per day, two (2) of the ten (10) prep times will be for collaboration. 5 additional days will be added for teachers with any assignment at a high priority school for professional development and collaboration; 2 hours per month will be devoted exclusively for professional peer collaboration for occupational and physical therapists, speech clinicians, psychologists, itinerant teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing students, audiologists, and social workers p. 12, Art II, Sec. A.3; p. 77, Art. V. Sec. C; p. 204, MOA-High Priority Schools. Sec. A.a.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	K-3: 18 at High Priority Schools; 4-5: 24 at High Priority Schools; 6-12: High Priority Schools will determine their own class sizes; all non-High Priority Schools: class sizes not specified - the district will set class size priorities in consultation with MTF p. 205, MOA-High Priority Schools 2015-2017, Sec. C & p. 213, MOA-Class Size, 1.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	A new class must be formed A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Other co-teaching models, balancing among classes per grade level or subject area, adding licensed staff, additional prep time, reduction in non-instructional duties and other methods created by the site p. 205, MOA-High Priority Schools 2015-2017, Sec. C & pp. 213 & 214, MOA-Class Size, 2.

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?	1.4%
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)	2.0% Past Policy 3.5% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy n/a; the district introduced a new salary schedule and format in 2012-2013, so it cannot be compared to last year's schedule Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
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)	3.4% Past Policy 4.9% Past Policy 3.4% Past Policy 1.4% Past Policy n/a; the district introduced a new salary schedule and format in 2012-2013, so it cannot be compared to last year's schedule Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$6,592 Past Policy $6,462 Past Policy $6,305 Past Policy 6,181 Past Policy 6,181 Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	12: BA, BA+15, BA+30, BA+45, BA+60, MA, MA+15, MA+30, MA+45, MA+60, PhD or ED, PhD+ED The answer here reflects only the lanes based on educational attainment. Per the 2015-2017 CBA (p. 119, Art. VII, Sec. D, Subd. 3.), fifteen ProPay credits will qualify an individual to advance on the salary schedule. Up to a maximum of two lane changes per five years are allowed using ProPay credits and lane advancement based on ProPay credits shall be granted up to Lane U. While it's not specified, it seems likely that the unlabeled lanes (e.g., F, H, J, etc.) are for those who accumulate ProPay credits.
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)?	37
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$43,172 Past Policy $42,325 Past Policy $41,292 Past Policy 39,147 Past Policy 39,147 Past Policy 37,087 Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy 37,087 Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$48,665 Past Policy $47,710 Past Policy $46,546 Past Policy 44,298 Past Policy 44,298 (based on the new salary schedule and applicable for new hires only; veteran district teachers with a BA and 5 years experience can be at various salary levels) The district released a new salary schedule and format in the 2012-2013 school year. All teachers are now on this new schedule, but placement for veteran district teachers varies widely due to the parameters of the previous salary schedule. Past Policy 41,208 Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy 41,208 Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$72,834 Past Policy $71,405 Past Policy $69,663 Past Policy 66,962 Past Policy 66,962 (based on the new salary schedule and applicable for new hires only; veteran district teachers with a BA may be at a salary in another lane) The district released a new salary schedule and format in the 2012-2013 school year. All teachers are now on this new schedule, but placement for veteran district teachers varies widely due to the parameters of the previous salary schedule. Past Policy 72,114 Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy 72,114 Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$49,762 Past Policy $48,786 Past Policy $47,596 Past Policy 45,328 Past Policy 45,328 Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$55,256 Past Policy $54,172 Past Policy $52,850 Past Policy 50,479 Past Policy 50,479 (based on the new salary schedule and applicable for new hires only; veteran district teachers with a MA and 5 years experience can be at various salary levels) The district released a new salary schedule and format in the 2012-2013 school year. All teachers are now on this new schedule, but placement for veteran district teachers varies widely due to the parameters of the previous salary schedule. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$79,427 Past Policy $77,869 Past Policy $75,969 Past Policy 73,143 Past Policy 73,143 (based on the new salary schedule and applicable for new hires only; veteran district teachers with a MA may be at a salary in another lane) The district released a new salary schedule and format in the 2012-2013 school year. All teachers are now on this new schedule, but placement for veteran district teachers varies widely due to the parameters of the previous salary schedule. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement. Past Policy unclear Two versions of the salary schedule exist. Schedule "B" serves only for conversion purposes of newly hired teachers onto existing Schedule A; however, Schedule "A" provides no reference for salary lane placement.
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?	$92,609, PhD+ED, 37 Past Policy $90,793, PhD+ED, 37 Past Policy $88,578, PhD+ED, 37 Past Policy 85,505, PhD+ED, 37 Past Policy 85,505, PhD+ED, 37 Past Policy 103,020, unclear, unclear Past Policy 103,020, unclear, unclear
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes The salary step is retroactively applied once a teacher successfully completes PSP requirements and returns to PDP or GPDP status. p. 120, Sec. I, Art. VII, Sec. D, Subd. 10.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other step freeze for teachers in the professional support process The salary step is retroactively applied once a teacher successfully completes PSP requirements and returns to PDP or GPDP status. p. 120, Sec. I, Art. VII, Sec. D, Subd. 10.
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"?	yes, teachers in designated High Priority Schools will be compensated at their daily rate for days worked in excess of the regular duty year pp. 204 & 205, MOA-High Priority Schools 2015-2017, Sec. A.e. Past Policy issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in the 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, any teacher who achieves National Board Certification qualifies for the next salary lane p. 121, Sec. I, Art. VII, Sec. H.
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?	Yes Uncertified teachers cannot advance beyond the first step of the salary schedule. p. 119, Sec. I, Art. VII, Sec. D, Subd. 2.
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, one year of experience for every two years of related experience, not to exceed 10 years of credit; vocational teachers receive credit for trade experience pp. 118 & 120, Sec. I, Art. VII, Sec. D, Subd. 2 & Subd. 5.
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?	45 days (dismissal allowed) If the Principal or PDP Team deem that an Intensive PSP may be necessary, the Principal or PDP team or mentor, if already working with the teacher, will inform the teacher in writing of the intention to refer the teacher for a PAR assessment. The Intensive PSP is for a period of 45 days (p. 207). If the teacher fails to improve, the PAR panel determines the status of the teacher (p. 89). Participation in the Intensive PSP process is voluntary. If the teacher chooses to opt out of the Intensive PSP process, s/he is referred to the Employee Relations and MFT to ensure due process is carried out. p. 89, Sec. I, Art. V, Sec. E & p. 207, MOA, 3.c.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may request hearing before board or arbitrator in accordance with state law (MN statute 122A-41) p. 221, Sec. V, MN Statute 122A-41, Subd. 7.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	no, in accordance with state law (MN statute 122A-41) p. 218, Sec. V, MN Statute 122A-41, Subd. 2(a).
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	July 1 in accordance with state law (MN statute 122A-41) p. 219, Sec. V, MN Statute 122A-41, Subd. 4(b).
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 (Minimum 35%) Student input (surveys) Professional practice (Planning and preparation; Classroom environment; Instruction; Professional responsibilities) The weights of each component are unclear. The state requires that student growth be at least 35%. p. 220 MN Statute 122A.40. Subd. 5(9). p. 2, 11 &12.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional The teacher's primary observer (an administrator) may be accompanied by district program administrators or Administrative TOSA's (Educational Equity Coordinator). Also, a teacher's secondary observer could be instructional specialist (unclear if this might be a district position) or an Administrative TOSA. p. 5.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Yes - observation and rating of teacher in accordance with MN Statute, 122A.41, Subd. 5 A teacher has a primary (administrator) and secondary observer (PAR Mentor, certified classroom teachers, instructional specialist or Administrative TOSA (Educational Equity Coordinator). The primary observer performs the formal observation; the secondary observer performs the focused observation (observation that focuses on one area of rubric, for 1st year teachers only) and one of the two required informal observations. pp. 3-6. p. 219, MN Statute 122A.41, Subd. 5(a).
Does the evaluation include student input?	Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating pp. 11 & 12.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 4.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Written report pp. 11 & 12.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exemplary, Proficient, Developing, Requires Attention p. 58, Sec. I, Art. V, Sec. A.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced district reports notice required for formal, not for informal, no citation given The formal and focused observations (short observation focusing on one area of the rubric) are announced; the informal observation is unannounced. p. 3.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	value-added measure (counts minimum 35%) The state requires that student growth be at least 35%. It is unclear exactly what weight the district has assigned student growth. pp. 10-12. p. 220, MN statute 122A.40, Subd. 5(9).
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents It is not clear in the documentation available to NCTQ how the district assesses the growth of a teacher's students in non-tested classes. State law requires that student growth represents at least 35% of the evaluation, citing value-added, student learning goals as two possible methods of assessing student growth. pp. 10-12. p. 220, MN statute 122A.40, Subd. 5(9) & (10).
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year in accordance with MN Statute 122A.41 p. 3. p. 217, Sec. V, MN Statute 122A.41
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4: 1st year teachers - 1 focused observation, 1 formal, 2 informal; 2nd and 3rd year teachers - 1 formal, 3 informal A focused observation is a full lesson but concentrates on selected areas of the observation rubric. Focused and informal ("short") observations are performed by a secondary observer who might be a PAR mentor, a certified instructor, an instructional specialist, an inter-rater reliability observer or district administrator. p. 6.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	at discretion of school leadership In the 2015-2016 school year, there won’t be a specific timeline for each round of observations – rather, school leadership teams will schedule the appropriate number and type of observations on a timeline that works best for their school. p. 5.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	February 2016 (value-added reports issued in Fall) p. 12.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	1 full lesson district reports a full class period, no citation given p. 4.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other summative evaluation 1x/3 years; abbreviated evaluation in off years in accordance with MN Statute 122A.41 pp. 6 & 7. p. 217, Sec. V, MN Statute 122A.41.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4: 1 formal, 3 informal In the summative evaluation year, the teacher receives 1 full observation by an administrator and 2 informal ("short") observations, one by an administrator and two by a secondary observer (peer, content specialist, district administrator, inter-rater reliability observer). While the evaluation handbook states that in the abbreviated evaluation years, the teacher receives four informal observations, two by an administrator, two by a secondary observer, the association and district agreed to lower that number to two informal observations in 2015-2016. A committee will determine policy in 2016-2017 and beyond. p. 6.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	at discretion of the school leadership In the 2015-2016 school year, there won’t be a specific timeline for each round of observations – rather, school leadership teams will schedule the appropriate number and type of observations on a timeline that works best for their school. p. 5.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	February 2016 (value-added reports issued in Fall) p. 12.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	one full lesson District reports one class period, no citation given. p. 4.
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?	45 days (dismissal allowed) If the Principal or PDP Team deem that an Intensive PSP may be necessary, the Principal or PDP team or mentor, if already working with the teacher, will inform the teacher in writing of the intention to refer the teacher for a PAR assessment. The Intensive PSP is for a period of 45 days (p. 207). If the teacher fails to improve, the PAR panel determines the status of the teacher (p. 89). Participation in the Intensive PSP process is voluntary. If the teacher chooses to opt out of the Intensive PSP process, s/he is referred to the Employee Relations and MFT to ensure due process is carried out. p. 89, Sec. I, Art. V, Sec. E & p. 207, MOA, 3.c.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes, support can come from any of the following: Professional Support Plan Team (including a PAR Mentor), the Principal, District Program Facilitator, Instructional Support Coaches p. 207, MOA, 3.f.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	4 p. 207, MOA, 3.d.
How long is the remediation process?	45 days Participation in the Intensive PSP process if voluntary. If the teacher chooses to opt out of the Intensive PSP process, s/he is referred to the Employee Relations and MFT to ensure due process is carried out. p. 207, MOA, 3.c.
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 The district offers inter-rater reliability observers but the process for validating an observation or evaluation is not defined. (p. 5)

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes p. 176, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. H.2.d.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. Teachers in autism, Immersion, Montessori, native heritage language literary programs might be exempt from layoffs. p. 176, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. H.2.d. & p. 179, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. I.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 176, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. H.2.d.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports 30 days notice in accordance with MN statute 122A.40.
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 in accordance with MN Statute 122A.41. p. 179, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. J.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	24 months p. 179, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. J.c.

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?	15-30 (10 sick, 3 of which can be used as personal days; 5-20 critical illness in the family) A teacher is allowed up to 20 days per contract period for leaves for critical illness and death in the family. Two additional non-cumulative personal leave days, deducted from sick leave, may be taken and shall be granted each year. If teachers use these additional personal leave days, their pay will be reduced by $120. Teachers can take four religious days by using sick leave or by paying the daily rate for a short call substitute. p. 142, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 1.A; p. 146, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 4.A; p. 149, Art. XI, Sec. E, Subd. 2.B & C.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (10 sick, 3 personal taken from sick leave) Two additional non-cumulative personal leave days, deducted from sick leave, may be taken and shall be granted each year. If teachers use these additional personal leave days, their pay will be reduced by $120. p. 142, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 1.A & p. 146, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 4.A.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 142, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 1.A.2.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 146, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 4.A.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. 142, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 1.A.2.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	issued not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; district has the right to request medical certification from a district-approved doctor District reports after 11 days of absence, a teacher has to provide medical documentation for sick leave, and they have the right to request medical certification from a district-approved doctor. No clear citation given. p. 9, Art. I, Sec. E.3.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes sabbatical leave (half a year at full salary, or 1 year at 3/4 salary for sabbatical year and 3/4 salary the year following); 2 weeks for Standards Team Leave; 5 paid days Nat. Board Cert. Leave; leave for school purposes Must be an employee for 7 years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. pp. 149-152, Art. XI, Sec. F, Subd. 1, 3, 5 & 6.
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?	death in family (5 days per event, 20 days per contract period), quarantine (7 days), jury service, court subpoena (1 day), military reserve training (15 days), National Guard active duty (29 days), service on board or commission, election judges (2 days) Teachers serving as official election judges shall be granted leaves of absence with pay for one (1) primary election day and/or one (1) regular election day in any year in which such elections are held to serve in that capacity. pp. 148 & 149, Art. XI, Sec. E, Subd. 2.A & C & Subd. 3; pp. 153-154, Art. XI, Sec. G, Subd. 1, 2, & 4.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 100 days per year to be distributed amongst all teachers in the district p. 8, Art. I, Sec. A.6.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	to extend breaks such as winter or spring break p. 146, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 4.A.1.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes teachers may be reimbursed for 1 sick leave day each school year if the teacher reaches a certain sick leave balance threshold (the threshold amount depends on the teacher's years of service) To qualify for the wellness incentive, teachers must have a sick leave balance based on the following table, as of June 30th each year: Years of service: Sick Leave Balance 0-1 year: 40 hours (5 days) 2 years: 80 hours (10 days) 3 years: 120 hours (15 days) 4 years: 160 hours (20 days) 5 years: 200 hours (25 days) 6-10 years: 360 hours (45 days) 11-15 years: 560 hours (70 days) 16-20 years: 760 hours (95 days) 21+ years: 840 hours (105 days) p. 134, Art. IX, Sec. E.1.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Yes teachers will be eligible to cash in 1 sick leave day each school year if the teacher reaches a certain sick leave balance threshold (the threshold amount depends on the teacher's years of service) To qualify for the wellness incentive, teachers must have a sick leave balance based on the following table, as of June 30th each year: Years of service: Sick Leave Balance 0-1 year: 40 hours (5 days) 2 years: 80 hours (10 days) 3 years: 120 hours (15 days) 4 years: 160 hours (20 days) 5 years: 200 hours (25 days) 6-10 years: 360 hours (45 days) 11-15 years: 560 hours (70 days) 16-20 years: 760 hours (95 days) 21+ years: 840 hours (105 days) p. 134, Art. IX, Sec. E.1.
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. p. 146, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 4.A.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. 50% of unused sick leave at daily rate of pay p. 135, Art. IX, Sec. F.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 146, Art. XI, Sec. C, Subd. 4.A.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes sabbatical leave (half a year at full salary, or 1 year at 3/4 salary for sabbatical year and 3/4 salary the year following); 2 weeks for Standards Team Leave; 5 paid days Nat. Board Cert. Leave; leave for school purposes Must be an employee for 7 years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. pp. 149-152, Art. XI, Sec. F, Subd. 1, 3, 5 & 6.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year a mentor can be provided for years 2 and 3 as needed pp. 80 & 81.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	not specified p. 82.

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 in accordance with MN Statute 122A.41. p. 77, Sec. I, Art. V, Sec. C.
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 District reports no in accordance with state law (MN. statute 122A.41).

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	yes p. 203, Sec. IV, MOA, 2.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?	yes Under the streamlined interview and select process, effective from 2016-2018, interview teams which are established according to the process outlined in the CBA (p. 172), meet with all applicants at a central location (p. 204). p. 171, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. C.7 & p. 204, Sec. IV, MOA.4.
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, to meet district's operational needs and best interest of students, school/program, and affected teacher(s) p. 177, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. H.8.b.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes p. 170, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. A.11.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority p. 170, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. A.11.
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. 172, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. C.18-22.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	N/A p. 172, Sec. I, Art. XV, Sec. C.18-22.

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. 15, Art. II, Sec. C & p. 36 Art. IV, Sec. E, Subd. 2.A.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes for certain waiver topics (record-keeping day scheduling, length of the scheduled duty day, etc.) p. 10, Art. II & p. 11, Art. II, Sec. A.1.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	district and union must agree to waiver This process describes the district's "shared decision-making" process found in Article IV of the agreement. p. 36, Art. IV, Sec. E, Subd. 2.A.