Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	75% for the first 8 years of employment and 80% thereafter p. 32, Art. 6.03. B.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	75% for the first 8 years of employment and 80% thereafter p. 23, Art. 6.03. B.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, a percentage (75% for the first 8 years of employment and 80% thereafter) is specified p. 32, Art. 6.03. B.
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?	Nontenured, May 1; Tenured, July 15 p. 19, Art. 4.14. A.
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 all teachers notifying the district by April 1 will be provided with an effective date of July 1 and will have their health insurance continued until August 31 p. 19, Art. 4.14. A.
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 , 100% per diem rate up to 3/10 of sick days, not to exceed 80 days p. 34, Art. 6.10
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 24, Art. 4.19 F.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 32, Art. 6.01. Past Policy Yes p. 23, Art. 6.01
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 35, Art. 6.16. Past Policy yes; the district will pay for up to one retake of the certification fee ($300) p. 25, Art. 6.16

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?	Elementary: 1,080 (based on 6 hours X 180 days) (total); middle and secondary: 1,170 (based on 6 hours, 30 minutes X 180 days) (total) Board Policy 6112: http://www1.pgcps.org/generalcounsel/boardpolicies/bp6000.aspx
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	192
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	14.7 Past Policy 12.9 Past Policy 13.5 Past Policy 13.5 Past Policy 12.5 Past Policy 11.5 Past Policy 11 Past Policy 11 Past Policy 11 Past Policy 10
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	elementary: 6 hours (total); middle: 6 hours, 30 minutes (total) Board Policy 6112: http://www1.pgcps.org/generalcounsel/boardpolicies/bp6000.aspx
How long is the school day for secondary students?	6 hours, 30 minutes (total) Board Policy 6112: http://www1.pgcps.org/generalcounsel/boardpolicies/bp6000.aspx
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 30 minutes p. 12, Art. 4.05. B. Board Policy 6112: http://www1.pgcps.org/generalcounsel/boardpolicies/bp6000.aspx
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)	not specified p. 12, Art. 4.05. B.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	5 hours, 50 minutes per week which includes 3 hours, 45 minutes weekly plus 25 minutes daily while students are at lunch/recess p. 12, Art. 4.05. E. 2.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	45 minutes per day p. 12, Art. 4.05. E. 1.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in the 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 Past Policy PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents K: 27.5 1-6: 32.8 7-8: 25-33.7 9-12: 25-33.6 depending on the subject PK: average class size of 20 p. 22, Art. 5.03; p. 43, Average Class Size 1973-1974 School Year
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other attempt at resolution by administration and Faculty Advisor Council (FAC) p. 32, Art. 5.03.

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?	3.0% 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)	2.0% p. 1. p. 4. Past Policy 1.0% p. 4. Past Policy 2.3% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 0% This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 Past Policy 3
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)	5.1% p. 1. p. 4. Past Policy 4.0% p. 4. Past Policy 5.3% Past Policy 5.0% Past Policy 2.95% Past Policy 2.29% Past Policy 0% This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$10,393 p. 1. Past Policy $10,189 p. 4. Past Policy $10,088 Past Policy 9,446 Past Policy 9,261 Past Policy 9,261 Past Policy 9,261 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 9,261 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	6: BA, BA+30, BA+45/MA, MA+30, MA+60, 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 lane: 10; Master's lane: 18 p. 1.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$47,781 p. 1. Past Policy $46,844 p. 4. Past Policy $46,380 Past Policy 45,695 Past Policy 44,799 Past Policy 44,799 Past Policy 44,799 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 44,799 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 44,799 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$55,392 p. 1. Past Policy $54,306 p. 4. Past Policy $53,768 Past Policy 52,841 Past Policy 51,805 Past Policy 51,805 Past Policy 51,805 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 51,805 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 50,320
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$64,214 p. 1. Past Policy $62,955 p. 4. Past Policy $62,332 Past Policy 61,107 Past Policy 59,909 Past Policy 59,909 Past Policy 59,909 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 59,909 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 59,909 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$52,679 p. 1. Past Policy $51,646 p. 4. Past Policy $51,135 Past Policy 50,089 Past Policy 49,107 Past Policy 49,107 Past Policy 49,107 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 49,107 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 49,107
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$61,069 p. 1. Past Policy $59,872 p. 4. Past Policy $59,279 Past Policy 57,926 Past Policy 56,790 Past Policy 56,790 Past Policy 56,790 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 56,790 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 55,160
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$89,685 p. 1. Past Policy $87,926 p. 4. Past Policy $87,055 Past Policy 84,530 Past Policy 82,873 Past Policy 82,873 Past Policy 82,873 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 82,873 This salary schedule remains in effect for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Past Policy 82,873
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?	$103,819; PhD; 18 p. 1. Past Policy $101,783; PhD; 18 p. 4. Past Policy $100,775; PhD; 18 Past Policy 93,586; PhD; 18 Past Policy 91,752; PhD; 18 Past Policy 91,752; PhD; 18
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	No
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?	yes; teachers working in participating FIRST schools are eligible for bonuses of up to $1,500 for evaluation rating District website: http://www1.pgcps.org/first/in dex.aspx?id=89822
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	yes; teachers working in participating FIRST schools are eligible for bonuses of up to $5,000 for student achievement results District website: http://www1.pgcps.org/first/in dex.aspx?id=89822
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	yes; teachers working in participating (FIRST) schools are eligible for bonuses of up to $10,000 for student achievement results and evaluation rating District website: http://www1.pgcps.org/first/index.aspx?id=89822
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, teachers in designated critical subjects can receive experience credit on the salary schedule but it must be approved by the superintendent; teachers in hard to staff subject areas working in FIRST schools are eligible for a $1,500 annual stipend; special education teachers earn an annual stipend ranging from $1,659 to $2,919 depending on experience pp. 35 & 36, Art. 7.02. District website: http://www1.pgcps.org/first/index.aspx?id=89822
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 35, Art. 6.16. Past Policy yes, $5,000 for the life of the certificate p. 25, Art. 6.16
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	resource teachers earn an annual stipend ranging from $1,659 to $2,919, depending on experience Past Policy $1,155-$2,919 p. 36, Differential Schedule Past Policy 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 The provisional lane on the salary schedule (reserved for uncertified teachers) was eliminated in 2013-2014.
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, experience in employment of trades and industry teachers can receive credit but it must be approved by the superintendent pp. 35 & 36, Art. 7.02.
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation takes place in year following Ineffective rating-repercussions of 2nd Ineffective rating not defined pp. 51-55.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may request hearing before Hearing Examiner who makes recommendation to Board, Board votes on recommendation In accordance with Education Code Sec. 6-202 Board Policy 4200: http://www1.pgcps.org/generalcounsel/boardpolicies/bp0000.aspx
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 (45%) School-wide student growth/achievement (5%) Student input (surveys) (2.5%) Professional responsibilities (2.5%) Professional practice (45%: Planning and preparation [12.5%]; Classroom environment [10%]; Instruction [12.5%]; Professional responsibilities [ 10%]) p. 5.
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 All observations must be conducted by an administrator who is fully certified in the use of the observation framework. p. 18.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating Student surveys count 2.5%. p. 5.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator pp. 38-41(non-tenured) &pp. 48-50 (tenured).
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator pp. 41 & 51.
How many categories of ratings are there?	3: Highly Effective, Effective, Ineffective There are four ratings for the elements of the Charlotte Danielson observation rubric: Distinguished, Proficient, Basic, Unsatisfactory (p. 18). p. 27.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced at least one formal observation must be announced p. 17.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	elementary/middle school: student learning objectives (count 30%); standardized test results (count 15%); school progress index (counts 5%); Secondary: SLO's (30%); district alternative assessment (10%); SPI (5%); High School assessment SLO (5%) p. 5.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	All levels: 35% SLO's, 10% locally selected district assessments, 5% school progress index p. 5.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Twice a year The mid-year evaluation is an interim evaluation. p. 14.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4 formal observations Twice in each semester pp. 14 & 15.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	deadline not given but 1st observation may begin any time after September 30 (deadline for goal-setting conference), two formal observations must be completed by end of 1st semester p. 38.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	last teacher duty day for teachers p. 41.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes pp. 38-41.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other summative evaluation 1x/3years; in off years, teacher rated based on student growth and on previous years's professional practice rating This schedule is dependent on the teacher having been rated satisfactorily in the previous year. If not, the teacher is rated annually on professional practice and student growth. pp. 14 & 15.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 formal observations p. 14.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	end of 1st semester p. 48.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	last duty day for teachers p. 50.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes pp. 48-50.
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation takes place in year following Ineffective rating-repercussions of 2nd Ineffective rating not defined pp. 51-55.
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?	5 one of the observations must be by someone other than the teacher's supervisor pp. 51-55.
How long is the remediation process?	1 year pp. 51-55.
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?	Other teacher may request a new review, however, it is not clear if review would be performed by a new evaluator In any year, a principal may determine or a tenured teacher may request that the evaluation be based on a new review of professional practice along with student growth. p. 16.

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes p. 18, Art. 4.12.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. p. 18, Art. 4.12.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level pp. 18 & 19, Art. 4.12.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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. 19, Art. 4.12.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	3 years p. 19, Art. 4.12.

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?	14-19 (10-15 sick; 4 personal) After 10 years of service, teachers earn an additional one day of sick leave per year, up to 15 days. pp. 24 & 26, Art. 4.19 F. & J.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	14-19 (10-15 sick, 4 personal) All teachers get 4 personal days and start off with 10 sick leave days. After ten years of service, teachers earn an additional day of sick leave per year, up to 15 days. pp. 24 & 26, Art. 4.19 F. & J.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 26, Art. 4.19 J.2.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Personal days convert to sick days for accumulation. p. 24, Art. 4.19 F.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. 26, Art. 4.19 J.2.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	3 p. 26, Art. 4.19 J.3
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 6 paid days (1 day professional growth leave and 5 days association leave); 1 year Sabbatical leave at half salary Additional days may be granted by the superintendent and will not be unreasonably denied. With permission, teachers may leave early after students have been dismissed to attend a university course. Employee of 7 consecutive years to be eligible for sabbatical leave; during sabbatical, employee shall receive one-half the salary of the year in which the leave is granted, not to exceed the MA + 30 hours maximum scale, with the deduction of such additional sums as may be required by the recipient to maintain membership status in the retirement system social security, their membership in professional organizations, and any previously committed insurance premiums. p. 8, Art. 3.03; p. 24, Art. 4.19 G
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?	court witness (2 days), jury, bereavement (2-4 days), military (15 days), worker's compensation (90 days) pp. 23-24, Art. 4.19 B-E
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 150 days granted for teachers collectively (includes a maximum of 5 days for an individual teacher) p. 8, Art. 3.03
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	last 5 days of any school term, day before or after a holiday, emergency make-up days, staff development days p. 26, Art. 4.19 F
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	No , $600-750 stipend not funded in 2013-2014 p. 37, Art. 7.07
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 p. 37, Art. 7.07
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 24, Art. 4.19 F.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes , 100% per diem rate up to 3/10 of sick days, not to exceed 80 days p. 34, Art. 6.10
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 24, Art. 4.19 F.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 6 paid days (1 day professional growth leave and 5 days association leave); 1 year Sabbatical leave at half salary Additional days may be granted by the superintendent and will not be unreasonably denied. With permission, teachers may leave early after students have been dismissed to attend a university course. Employee of 7 consecutive years to be eligible for sabbatical leave; during sabbatical, employee shall receive one-half the salary of the year in which the leave is granted, not to exceed the MA + 30 hours maximum scale, with the deduction of such additional sums as may be required by the recipient to maintain membership status in the retirement system social security, their membership in professional organizations, and any previously committed insurance premiums. p. 8, Art. 3.03; p. 24, Art. 4.19 G
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Unspecified
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	3 days

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?	District acknowledges state law. Board Policy 4118: http://www1.pgcps.org/generalcounsel/boardpolicies/bp0000.aspx
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. 16, Art. 4.09. B. 4.
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 p. 16, Art. 4.10. A. 3. Past Policy no, after the principal designates "acceptable" candidates, the district fills vacancies from a list of most senior applicants p. 11, Art. 4.10. B. Past Policy no, after the principal designates "acceptable" candidates, the district fills vacancies from a list of most senior applicants p. 11, Art. 4.10. B.
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?	to maintain ratios related to race and/or sex p. 17, Art. 4.11. A. Past Policy yes, reasons not specified p. 12, Art. 4.11. B. Past Policy yes, reasons not specified p. 12, Art. 4.11. B.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Other Seniority first, followed by performance pp. 17 & 18, Art. 4.11. A. 3.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	multiple criteria including seniority and performance and evaluations in previous year pp. 17 & 18, Art. 4.11. A. 3.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Other They are referred to two schools with vacancies; if not accepted, then the teachers are reassigned. p. 18, Art. 4.11.A.8.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Other if teacher fails to select one of the two schools to which s/he is referred, s/he is placed by HR; issue not addressed if there are no vacancies beyond this point p. 18, Art. 4.11.A.8.

Contract Waivers questions

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