Pinellas County Schools, Florida

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	approximately 80%, depending on the plan selected p. 49, Art. 48.A.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	approximately 80%, depending on the plan selected p. 49, Art. 48.A.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, an approximate percentage (80%, depending on the plan selected) is specified p. 49, Art. 48.A.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Yes 40% salary (after 6 years of service) to 100% salary (after 30 years of service) p. 21, Art. 20.A.1.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 10, Art. 8.B.1.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District website notes a Critical Teacher Shortage Tuition Reimbursement Program, but there are no details provided on the program, aside from its name.
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?	180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	elementary: 1,080 (instructional); secondary: 1,170 (instructional) Calculated by multiplying the number of student days by the length of the student day (180 days x 6 hours [elementary], or 6.5 hours [secondary]). p. 26, Art. 27.2.A.1.
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)	12
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	6 hours (instructional) p. 26, Art. 27.2.A.1. Past Policy not specified; established for each school, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and approval of the School Board, and in accordance with state law p. 646, Board Policy 8220. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the school day for secondary students?	6 hours, 30 minutes (instructional) pp. 26 & 27, Art. 27.2.A.1. Past Policy not specified; established for each school, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and approval of the School Board, and in accordance with state law p. 646, Board Policy 8220. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 30 minutes, except days when students are not in attendance when the workday is 7 hours p. 26, Art. 27.1.A. Past Policy 7 hours, 30 minutes, except on Fridays and days preceeding holidays when the workday is 7 hours p. 35, Art. XXXIX. A. 1 & 2. Past Policy 7 hours, 30 minutes An exception is made for a 7 hour workday on Fridays and days preceeding holidays. The maximum amount of instructional time per day for secondary teachers is 5 periods. p. 27, Art. XXXIX. A. Past Policy 7 hours, 30 minutes An exception is made for a 7 hour workday on Fridays and days preceeding holidays. The maximum amount of instructional time per day for secondary teachers is 5 periods. p. 27 Art. XXXIX. A.
How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings)	elementary: 1 hour, 30 minutes; secondary: 1 hour p. 27, Art. 27.2.A.2.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	minimum of 30 minutes daily during the student day and the equivalent of 2 hours per week outside the student day p. 29, Art.27.2.B.2.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	1 full period or its equivalent during the pupil day and a minimum of 2 hours per week outside the instructional day p. 29, Art.27.2.B.3.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	collaborative planning is grade level/content area specific and occurs on "a consistent basis." Teachers may participate in a Professional Learning Community, Collaborative Planning, Lesson Study or Coaching Cycle during their Uninterrupted Planning Time should they choose. p. 27, Art. 27.2.A.5.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	district acknowledges state law p. 391 (pdf), Board Policy 5120, (17) Program Capacity.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	District acknowledges policy mandated by state law p. 391 (pdf), Board Policy 5120, (17) Program Capacity.

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	New hire salary schedule All annual contract teachers are on the performance salary schedule. Professional service contract and continuing contract teachers can opt into the performance pay or can remain on the grandfathered, traditional salary schedule. Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf).
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.5% (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf).
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)	2.6% (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy 2.5% Past Policy 4.6% Past Policy -0.07% Past Policy -1.68% Past Policy 0.3% Past Policy -$290 Past Policy 0%
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)	4.0% (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy 4.1% Past Policy 6.2% Past Policy 1.48% Past Policy -0.2% Past Policy 1.99%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$2,180 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf).
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA (stipend pay), Specialist (stipend pay), PhD (stipend pay) (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf).
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)?	31 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy 29 Past Policy 28 Past Policy 31 Past Policy 30 Past Policy 29 Past Policy 29
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$41,155 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $40,745 Answer is based only on the base salary for all teachers; it does not include the additional pay that highly effective and effective teachers earn, which raises their base pay. Past Policy $40,294 Past Policy 40,000 Past Policy 37,000 (includes $2,852 in referendum supplement dollars effective 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2013 that were approved by the voters of Pinellas County) Past Policy 36,925 Past Policy 37,013 Past Policy 37,010 Past Policy 37,300
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$42,511 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $40,700 Past Policy 40,000 Past Policy 37,542 (includes $2,852 in referendum supplement dollars effective 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2013 that were approved by the voters of Pinellas County) Past Policy 37,673 Past Policy 38,515 Past Policy 38,505 Past Policy 38,795
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$65,711 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $62,400 Past Policy 61,300 Past Policy 60,079 (includes $2,852 in referendum supplement dollars effective 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2013 that were approved by the voters of Pinellas County) Past Policy 59,910 Past Policy 59,998 Past Policy 59,580 Past Policy 59,870
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$43,335 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $42,474 Past Policy 42,180 Past Policy 39,180 (includes $2,852 in referendum supplement dollars effective 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2013 that were approved by the voters of Pinellas County) Past Policy 39,105 Past Policy 39,193 Past Policy 39,190 Past Policy 39,480
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$44,691 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $42,880 Past Policy 42,180 Past Policy 39,722 (includes $2,852 in referendum supplement dollars effective 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2013 that were approved by the voters of Pinellas County) Past Policy 39,853 Past Policy 40,695 Past Policy 40,685 Past Policy 40,975
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$67,891 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $64,580 Past Policy 63,480 Past Policy 62,259 (includes $2,852 in referendum supplement dollars effective 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2013 that were approved by the voters of Pinellas County) Past Policy 62,090 Past Policy 62,178 Past Policy 61,760 Past Policy 62,050
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?	$70,211; PhD; 31 (based on new hire placement schedule) Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $67,351; PhD; 29 Answer is based only on the base salary for all teachers; it does not include the additional pay that highly effective and effective teachers earn, which raises their base pay. Past Policy $66,900; PhD; 29 Past Policy 65,800; PhD; 28 Past Policy 64,579; PhD; 31 (salary includes $2,852 in referendum supplement dollars effective 7/1/2012 to 6/30/2013 that were approved by the voters of Pinellas County) Past Policy 64,410; PhD; 30
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 54, App. A. p. 1 (pdf).
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other Teachers on the performance salary schedule who are rated highly effective and effective will receive salary adjustments. Veteran district teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive an annual salary increase of $1,651 in 2016-2017 and veteran teachers rated Effective will receive $1,238.25. p. 54, App. A. p. 1 (pdf).
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	highly effective and effective teachers in Turnaround Schools are eligible for retention bonuses of $3,000 - $6,000 pp. 64 & 65, App. D. Past Policy performance pay based on individual teacher value-added data is available only to teachers working at specified schools; teachers with highly effective or effective evaluations in School Improvement Grant schools are eligible for $500-$2,500 bonuses; teachers with highly effective or effective evaluations in Teacher Incentive Fund schools are eligible for $1,000-$5,000 bonuses pp. 49 & 50, App. E & F. 2.
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	yes, teachers who meet school wide goals (including improving school letter grades, meeting AMO targets, increasing value-added scores, etc.) are eligible for bonuses of $1,000 or $2,000 p. 65, App. D.
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	highly effective and effective teachers in Turnaround Schools are eligible for retention bonuses of $3,000 - $6,000 pp. 64 & 65, App. D.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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, vocational and/or technical shop and technical laboratory instructors can receive up to 6 years of credit; and the district may grant additional years of experience for related work experience when agreed to by the parties and when that work experience meets specified criteria pp. 48 & 49, Art. 47.D, H & I.
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?	1 year (dismissal required) in accordance with state law District acknowledges Florida statute 1012.33 and 1012.335 which require dismissal of an annual contract teacher following 2 consecutive unsatisfactory annual performance ratings or two within 3 years or 3 consecutive needs improvements annual performance ratings. p. 38, Art. 36.A.2 & p. 39, Art. 36.E.3.b. p. 7.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law, Florida Statutes 1012.33, 1012.335 & 1012.34 All teachers hired after July 2011, work under annual contracts which are not renewed if the teacher has received two consecutive annual performance evaluation ratings of unsatisfactory, two annual performance evaluation ratings of unsatisfactory within a three (3) year period, or three (3) consecutive annual performance evaluation ratings of needs improvement or a combination of needs improvement and unsatisfactory. The dismissal process is determined at the state level. pp. 38 & 39, Art. 37.B.2 & Art. 37.E.3.b.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	tenure non-existent (probationary [1st year] teacher may be dismissed or non-renewed at any time without cause, FL statute 1012.335) The first year teacher may be dismissed without cause. All teachers hired after July 2011, work under annual contracts which are not renewed if the teacher has received two consecutive annual performance evaluation ratings of unsatisfactory, two annual performance evaluation ratings of unsatisfactory within a three (3) year period, or three (3) consecutive annual performance evaluation ratings of needs improvement or a combination of needs improvement and unsatisfactory. p. 38, Art. 36.A.2.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	tenure nonexistent, all teachers must be non-renewed 4 weeks prior to end of school year p. 38, Art. 36.C.
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	tenure nonexistent, all teachers must be non-renewed 4 weeks prior to end of school year p. 38, Art. 36.C.

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (33.3%) Professional development plan (10%, Deliberate practice plan) Professional practice (56.7%: Classroom strategies and behaviors, Planning and preparation, Reflecting on teaching, Collegiality and professionalism) pp. 2, 7, 9, 10, 113 & 114(pdf). Past Policy Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice (50%: Plans and delivers instruction, Maintains a student-centered environment, Ability to assess instructional needs, Performs professional responsibilities) pp. 1, 3 & 15.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional Principals may request assistance in observations from district-based administrators. p. 127(pdf).
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Yes - optional observation and feedback without rating to administrator Principals and Assistant Principals bear the primary responsibility for the evaluation, however, the principal may call on content specialists to observe the teacher and give them input. p. 127 (pdf).
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 7(pdf).
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Written report in accordance with Florida statute 1012.34(3)(c), unclear if conference is required p. 133(pdf).
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly effective, Effective, Needs Improvement/Developing, Unsatisfactory The Developing rating is reserved for teachers in their first three years. p. 114(pdf).
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	value-added measure (counts 33%) p. 3(pdf).
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	State assessments, end of course exams, FSA reading scores, AP and IB exams, ELA module assessments (counts 33.3%) pp. 4 & 5(pdf)
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other tenure non-existent in Florida; twice in 1st year, once a year thereafter The first year teacher is evaluated formatively within the first 60 days of employment (p. 34, contract) p. 7(pdf). p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. B.2.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1st year teacher, 4: 2 formal, 2 informal; 2nd year and beyond, 4: 1 formal, 3 informal. Tenure is non-existent in Florida. p. 7(pdf) p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. B.1 & Sec. C.1. Past Policy 2 formal observations in year one (one time for each evaluation cycle), once a year thereafter Florida does not offer tenure; all teachers are on annual contract.Teachers in the four Teacher Incentive Fund schools must be observed formally twice a year. p. 7 Past Policy 2 times in year one (once for each evaluation), once a year thereafter Florida does not offer tenure; all teachers are on annual contract. pp. 25, 28 Past Policy 4 times in year one (two for each evaluation), once a year thereafter Florida does not offer tenure; all teachers are on annual contract. p. 23-26 Past Policy multiple required, # not specified p. 4
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	1st year teacher, end of first semester; issue not addressed for all other teachers, three observations must occur no later than by end of 3rd grading period The contract states that the first formal observation should occur within the first 60 days of employment. p. 7(pdf). p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. B.2 & 4.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	4 weeks prior to end of school year p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. B.4.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 32, Art. 32, Definition C.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year Florida does not offer tenure; all teachers, hired after July 2011, are on annual contract. p. 7(pdf). p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. C.1.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4: 1 formal, 3 informal Florida does not offer tenure; all teachers hired after July 2011, work on annual contracts. p. 7(pdf). p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. C.1. Past Policy 1 formal observation Florida does not offer tenure; all teachers work on annual contracts. Teachers in the four Teacher Incentive Fund schools must be observed formally twice a year. An additional formal observation is recommended but not required for all teachers. p. 7 Past Policy 1 Florida does not offer tenure; all teachers work on annual contracts. p. 28 Past Policy 1 p. 26 Past Policy 1 p. 4
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents, 3 observations must be complete by end of 3rd grading period p. 7(pdf). p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. C.1.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	4 weeks prior to end of school year p. 34, Art. 32, Sec. B.4.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes p. 32, Art. 32, Definition C.
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) in accordance with state law District acknowledges Florida statute 1012.33 and 1012.335 which require dismissal of an annual contract teacher following 2 consecutive unsatisfactory annual performance ratings or two within 3 years or 3 consecutive needs improvements annual performance ratings. p. 38, Art. 36.A.2 & p. 39, Art. 36.E.3.b. p. 7.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	optional p. 133(pdf).
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	4 2 formal, 2 informal p. 7.
How long is the remediation process?	1 year Length of remediation plan ("Success Plan") not explicitly addressed, however, evaluation handbook does show teachers "in need of support" undergoing more frequent observations over the course of a year and, district acknowledges state law: an annual contract teacher must be dismissed following 2 consecutive unsatisfactory annual performance ratings or two within 3 years or 3 consecutive needs improvements annual performance ratings (FL statute 1012.33 & 1012.3350). p. 38, Art. 36.A.2 & p. 39, Art. 36.E.3.b. p. 7 & 133.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes the teacher may not file a grievance, but may file an appeal with the area superintendent if rating would constitute grounds for dismissal/non-renewal The teacher might appeal to a 3-member panel comprised of the Superintendent, Assistant Sup't of HR and the Superintendent's designee. p. 35, Art. 32, Sec. D & p. 36, Art. 32, Sec. F.1. p. 132(pdf).
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?	Tenure does not exist. p. 38, Art. 36, A & B.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Should the Board be unable to maintain all employees, it shall immediately meet with the Association to provide for an orderly method of reducing, retraining, and recalling affected employees. p. 23, Art. 22.B.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Should the Board be unable to maintain all employees, it shall immediately meet with the Association to provide for an orderly method of reducing, retraining, and recalling affected employees. p. 23, Art. 22.B.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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?	10 (10 sick days, 4 of which can be used as personal days; voting leave [if the teacher has no student responsibilities; amount of time not specified]) p. 8, Art. 8.A.1; p. 10, Art. 8.B.1; p. 31, Art. 27.B.14.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (10 sick, 4 personal taken from sick leave) p. 8, Art. 8.A.1 & p. 10, Art. 8.B.1.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 8, Art. 8.A.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 10, Art. 8.B.1.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 8, Art. 8.A. Past Policy no maximum p. 8, Art. VIII. Sec. A. Past Policy no maximum p. 11, Art. VIII. A. Past Policy no maximum p. 7, Art. VIII. A.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 10 days paid professional leave to attend summer session at college during pre- and/or post-school periods; paid association leave (amount unspecified) p. 11, Art. 8.B.8; p. 11, Art. 8.B.6. Past Policy Yes 10 days paid Professional Leave to attend summer session at college, during pre- and/or post-school periods; paid Association Leave (amount unspecified); Sabbatical Leave, paid at half salary (amount unspecified) Eligibility for sabbatical leave shall require a minimum of ten (10) years of Pinellas County service and, upon completion of the sabbatical, the employee must commit to return to the district for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years of service. pp. 9 & 10, Art. VIII, Sec. A. 4 & 6; p. 11, Art. VIII, Sec. B. 4 Past Policy Yes , 10 days pre- and post-school professional leave and unspecfiiced amount of union leave Leave is for attendance at summer sessions for higher education. The Association may request unspecified amount of leave for teachers. pp. 9-10, Art. VIII. Sec. A. 4, 6. Past Policy Yes , 10 days Leave is for attendance at summer sessions for higher education. The Association may request unspecified amount of leave for teachers. p. 14, Art. VIII. A. 4, 6. Past Policy Yes p. 8, Art. VIII. A. 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?	military (17-30 days paid, in accordance with the provisions of Section 250.48 of the Florida Statutes); illness in the line of duty (10 days, in accordance with Section 1012.63 of the Florida Statutes; jury duty/court subpoena (15 days) p. 10, Art. 8.B.3 & 4. Board Policies 1235, 1430.03, 1430.05, pp. 96, 123, 125 (pdf).
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes (amount of time not specified) The Association may, at its discretion, request leave for teachers to promote Association business. p. 11, Art. 8.A.6.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	when less than 2 days notice is given; in-service/staff development days; pre- and post-holidays p. 10, Art. 8.B.1.a & b.
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. p. 10, Art. 8.B.1.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 40% salary (after 6 years of service) to 100% salary (after 30 years of service) p. 21, Art. 20.A.1.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 10, Art. 8.B.1.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 10 days paid professional leave to attend summer session at college during pre- and/or post-school periods; paid association leave (amount unspecified) p. 11, Art. 8.B.8; p. 11, Art. 8.B.6. Past Policy Yes 10 days paid Professional Leave to attend summer session at college, during pre- and/or post-school periods; paid Association Leave (amount unspecified); Sabbatical Leave, paid at half salary (amount unspecified) Eligibility for sabbatical leave shall require a minimum of ten (10) years of Pinellas County service and, upon completion of the sabbatical, the employee must commit to return to the district for a minimum of two (2) consecutive years of service. pp. 9 & 10, Art. VIII, Sec. A. 4 & 6; p. 11, Art. VIII, Sec. B. 4 Past Policy Yes , 10 days pre- and post-school professional leave and unspecfiiced amount of union leave Leave is for attendance at summer sessions for higher education. The Association may request unspecified amount of leave for teachers. pp. 9-10, Art. VIII. Sec. A. 4, 6. Past Policy Yes , 10 days Leave is for attendance at summer sessions for higher education. The Association may request unspecified amount of leave for teachers. p. 14, Art. VIII. A. 4, 6. Past Policy Yes p. 8, Art. VIII. A. 6.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year p. 34, Art. 28.B.3.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Tenure questions

Role of Tenure on Teacher Assignment and Employment
What is the minimum number of years of experience that a teacher must have in a district before tenure is granted?	State only awards annual contracts. Teachers hired before July 1, 2011 work under continuing (those hired before 1984) or professional service contracts. p. 38, Art. 37.A & B. p. 230(pdf), Policy 3128.
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Tenure does not exist. first year teachers are probationary, the probationary contract may not be extended p. 38, Art. 36.A.2.

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	yes p. 19, Art. 17, Sec. B.8.
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?	policy and guidelines are established annually It is understood that all transfers shall be made in the best interests of the teacher and the district. It is understood that each position shall be filled by the best-qualified applicant. When, in the opinion of the Personnel Department, the best-qualified applicant is not the senior applicant, sufficient cause shall be given. pp. 18 & 19, Art. 17, Sec. B.2 & 7.
Separate from excessing, does the district allow school or district administrators to involuntarily transfer a teacher to another school? If so, for what reasons is he/she allowed to initiate such a transfer?	yes; in the best interests of the school system and/or when it becomes necessary to comply with legislative requirements p. 20, Art. 18, Sec. B.1.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Other guidelines established by board and association should recognize teacher's seniority as well as protection of essential ongoing supplementary responsibilities and curricular responsibilities; racial composition takes precedence over seniority p. 20, Art. 18, Sec. B. 5 & 6.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	multiple criteria applied in order: #1-racial composition of staff, #2-seniority with exceptions (protection of ongoing supplementary responsibilities and critical curricular responsibilities) p. 20, Art. 18, Sec. B. 5 & 6.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	Yes p. 17, Art. 15, Sec. E.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes, approval of 2/3 of faculty p. 17, Art. 15, Sec. E.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	2/3 approvals of the faculty by vote; approval of the school administration; be endorsed by the parties pp. 17 & 18, Art. 15, Sec. E.