Detroit Public Schools Community District, Michigan

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	80% (however, Article 9, which covers insurance, is on hold in the 2016-17 tentative agreement) p. 19 (pdf), Art. 9.A.1.a.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	80% (however, Article 9, which covers insurance, is on hold in the 2016-17 tentative agreement) p. 19 (pdf), Art. 9.A.1.a.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, a percentage (80%) is specified (however, Article 9, which covers insurance, is on hold in the 2016-17 tentative agreement) p. 19 (pdf), Art. 9.A.1.a.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	resignation: April 1 and no later than 60 days prior to September 1st, in accordance with state law (MCLA 38.111); retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy 7.36: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/
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 teachers who give notice of retirement by May 1 receive payout for unused sick days Teachers are paid for up to 200 days of unused sick days - $45 per day up to 100 days and $65 per day for days 101 to 200, with a maximum payout of $11,000. pp. 21 & 22 (pdf), Art. 10.B.1.
Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline?	Yes , the teacher may forfeit continuing tenure rights Board Policy 7.36: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $45 for each unused day in their sick bank up to 100 days, $65 for 101-200 days for a maximum payout of $11,000 Employees who retire effective July 1, 2017 or August 1, 2017, and whose irrevocable Separation-from-Service forms are submitted to the District Human Resources Office no later than May 1, 2017 are eligible. pp. 21 & 22 (pdf), Art. 10.B.1. Past Policy Yes $35 for each unused day in their sick bank up to 100 days, $45 for 101-200 days for a maximum payout of $8,000 p. 23, Art. 9.B.4. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy Yes , 1/5 daily rate for days 1 to 70, 1/4 daily rate for days 71 to 130, 1/3 daily rate for days 131 to 200 p. 1 Past Policy Yes p. 53, Art. XVI, B
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 24 (pdf), Art. 11.A.3.c.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	182 for elementary Past Policy 182 for elementary; 180 for secondary Past Policy elementary: 177; secondary: 175 Past Policy elementary: 175; secondary: 173 Past Policy elementary: 174; secondary: 172 Past Policy 174 Past Policy 174 Priority schools include an extended school day/year. Past Policy 174 Priority schools include an extended school day/year. Past Policy 174
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	elementary and K-8 schools: 1,304 hours, 20 minutes (total); middle: 1,249 hours, 44 minutes (total); secondary: 1,334 hours, 40 minutes (total) Calculations based on K-8 schools: 7 hour, 10 minute day X 182 days; middle schools: 6 hour, 52 minute day X 182 days; secondary schools: 7 hour, 20 minute day X 180 days p. 11 (pdf), Art. 7.B.2.b - d. Past Policy elementary and K-8 schools: 1,304 hours, 20 minutes (total); middle: 1,249 hours, 44 minutes (total); secondary: 1,320 (total) Calculations based on K-8 schools: 7 hour, 10 minute day X 182 days; middle schools: 6 hour, 52 minute day X 182 days; secondary schools: 7 hour, 20 minute day X 180 days Past Policy K-8 schools: 1,268 hours, 30 minutes (total); middle schools: 1,215 hours, 24 minutes (total); secondary schools: 1,283 hours, 20 minutes (total) Calculations based on K-8 schools: 7 hour, 10 minute day X 177 days; middle schools: 6 hour, 52 minute day X 177 days; secondary schools: 7 hour, 20 minute day X 175 days Past Policy K-8 schools: 1,254 hours, 10 minutes (total); middle schools: 1,201 hours, 40 minutes (total); secondary schools: 1,268 hours, 40 minutes (total) Calculations based on K-8 schools: 7 hour, 10 minute day X 175 days; middle schools: 6 hour, 52 minute day X 175 days; secondary schools: 7 hour, 20 minute day X 173 days Past Policy district follows state mandated hours of instruction p. 6, Art. 6. A. 2. Past Policy 1,101 Past Policy 1,101 Past Policy 1,101
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	189 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Priority schools include an extended school day/year. Past Policy 181 Priority schools include an extended school day/year. Past Policy 182
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	7 Past Policy elementary: 5; secondary: 7 Past Policy elementary: 5.5; secondary: 7.5 Past Policy elementary: 7; secondary: 9 Past Policy elementary: 9; secondary: 11 Past Policy elementary: 9; secondary: 11 Past Policy 9 Past Policy 8 Priority schools include an extended school day/year. Past Policy 7 Priority schools include an extended school day/year. Past Policy 8
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	elementary and K-8 schools: 7 hours, 10 minutes (total); middle schools: 6 hours, 52 minutes (total) p. 11 (pdf), Art. 7.B.2.b & c.
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours, 20 minutes (total) p. 11 (pdf), Art. 7.B.2.d.
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy length of workday is determined by district; minimum of: 7 hours, 25 minutes (K-8 schools); 7 hours, 7 minutes (middle schools); 7 hours, 35 minutes (secondary) Calculated based on the length of the student day, plus the 15 minutes teachers are required to be at school prior to the start of the student day. p. 9, Art. 6.B.1.b-d. Past Policy length of workday is determined by district p. 6, Art. 6. A. 1. b - d. Past Policy length of workday is determined by district p. 6, Art. 6. A. 1. b - d. Past Policy 7 hours, 10 minutes p. 7 Past Policy 7 hours, 11 minutes p. 7 Past Policy 7 hours, 17 minutes for elementary teachers; 6 hours, 47 minutes for secondary teachers The maximum amount of instructional time per day for secondary teachers is 5 periods.
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)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 15 minutes before the start of school p. 9, Art. 6.B.1.a. Past Policy 15 minutes before the start of school p. 6, Art. 6. A. 1. a. Past Policy 15 minutes before the start of school p. 6, Art. 6. A. 1. a. Past Policy 1 hour, 2 minutes for elementary teachers; 52 minutes for secondary teachers Priority schools include an extended school day/year. p. 7 Past Policy 1 hour, 2 minutes for elementary teachers; 52 minutes for secondary teachers Priority schools include an extended school day/year. p. 7 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	elementary: three 45-minute periods per week within the regular school day, plus one 60-minute common planning period per week. middle: 55-minutes daily p. 13 (pdf), Art. 7.B.2.Duty Assignments.5.a & b. Past Policy elementary: three 45-minute periods per week within the regular school day middle: two 50-minute periods per week In elementary and K-8 schools, the District shall have the right to utilize one (1) preparation period per week as a conference period. p. 10, Art. 6.B.2.b & c. Past Policy elementary: 2 45-minute periods per week middle: 2 50-minute periods per week p. 7, Art. 6. A. 2. b. & c. Past Policy elementary: 2 45-minute periods per week middle: 2 50-minute periods per week p. 7, Art. 6. A. 2. b. & c. Past Policy 2 45-minute periods per week p. 7, Art. VI. A.2. Past Policy 5 45-minute periods per week p. 7 Past Policy 5 45-minute periods per week p. 28, Art. VII. E. 2. Past Policy four 60 minute blocks per week p. 28, Art. VII. E. 2.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	one 55-minute period daily p. 13 (pdf), Art. 7.B.2.Duty Assignments.5.c. Past Policy five 50-minute periods per week p. 10, Art. 6.B.2.d. Past Policy 5 50-minute periods per week p. 7, Art. 6. A. 2. d. Past Policy 5 50-minute periods per week p. 7, Art. 6. A. 2. d. Past Policy middle school: 2 50-minute periods per week; high school: 5 50-minute periods per week p. 7, Art. VI. A.2. Past Policy 55 minutes per day p. 27, Art. VII. E. 1.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	elementary and K-8: one 60-minute common planning period every Wednesday; middle and secondary: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 13 (pdf), Art. 7.B.2.Duty Assignments.5.a. Past Policy district may require teachers to work individually or collectively during preparation periods; teachers also have the opportunity to work collaboratively on the school improvement plan during teachers' meetings which can be held at a maximum for no more than 2 hours each Wednesday p. 10, Art. 6.B.2.a & p. 11, Art. 6.B.3. Past Policy district may require teachers to work individually or collectively during preparation periods; teachers also have the opportunity to work collaboratively, on the school improvement plan, as needed, during teachers' meetings which can be held, at a maximum, for no more than 2 hours each Wednesday p. 7, Art. 6. A. 2. a. & p. 8, Art. 6. 3. Past Policy district may require teachers to work individually or collectively during preparation periods; teachers also have the opportunity to work collaboratively, on the school improvement plan, as needed, during teachers' meetings which can be held, at a maximum, for no more than 2 hours each Wednesday p. 7, Art. 6. A. 2. a. & p. 8, Art. 6. 3. Past Policy diistrict may require teachers to work individually or collectively during preparation periods p. 7, Art. VI. A.2. Past Policy one of the elementary teachers' five planning periods may be used for collaborative planning p. 7

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; K-3: 25; 4-5: 30; 6-12: 35 pp. 34 & 35 (pdf), Art. 18.A.1 - 3.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Teacher receives additional compensation Other , district will make reasonable effort to reorganize classes pp. 34 & 35 (pdf), Art. B.1 & 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?	5.8%
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)	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)	5.8%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$5,520
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA, MA+30, PhD
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	9
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$35,683 Past Policy 35,682 Past Policy 35,682 Past Policy 39,647 Past Policy 39,647 Past Policy 39,647 Past Policy 38,297
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$44,112
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$56,099
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$37,384 Past Policy 37,383 Past Policy 37,383 Past Policy 41,536 Past Policy 41,537 Past Policy 41,537 Past Policy 40,121
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$49,876 Past Policy 49,875 Past Policy 49,875 Past Policy 55,417 Past Policy 55,417 Past Policy 55,417 Past Policy 51,012
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$65,265 Past Policy 65,264 Past Policy 65,264 Past Policy 72,516 Past Policy 72,516 Past Policy 72,516 Past Policy 70,046
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?	$66,265; PhD; 10 Past Policy 66,164; PhD; 10 Past Policy 66,164; PhD; 10 Past Policy 73,516; PhD; 10
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, teachers of speech and language impaired students and special education teachers may receive an annual bonus in an amount to be determined by the district and at the discretion of the district p. 19 (pdf), Art. 8.L.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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, the Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act Board Policy 7.31, p. 3, 4.e & f: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law (Michigan Teacher Tenure Act) Board Policy 7.34, 1.0.2: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/ p. 32 (pdf), Art. 17.B.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	district acknowledges state law, the Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act Board Policy 7.34, 1.0.2: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/ p. 32 (pdf), Art. 17.B.
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?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Yes - optional observation and rating by department or grade level chair Board Policy 7.31, p. 2, 2.2.d: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/
Does the evaluation include student input?	District acknowledges state law. Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	District acknowledges state law. Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many categories of ratings are there?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	District acknowledges state law. Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other 1st year teacher: 3x/year; district acknowledges state law for all other teachers, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code Board Policy 7.31, p. 2, 3.a: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/ p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	end of first semester (generally) Board Policy 7.31, p. 2, 3.a: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	District acknowledges state law. Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.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, the Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act Board Policy 7.31, p. 3, 4.e & f: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	2 consecutive semesters Board Policy 7.31, p. 3, 4.e: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	District acknowledges state law. Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33 (pdf), Art. 17.C.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	District acknowledges state law Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act and the Michigan Revised School Code p. 33, Art. 17.C.

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	District acknowledges state law. the Teacher Tenure Act, Michigan Revised School Code and all other applicable laws, and District policies p. 28 (pdf), Art. 14.A.1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	District acknowledges state law. the Teacher Tenure Act, Michigan Revised School Code and all other applicable laws, and District policies p. 28 (pdf), Art. 14.A.1.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District acknowledges state law. the Teacher Tenure Act, Michigan Revised School Code and all other applicable laws, and District policies p. 28 (pdf), Art. 14.A.1.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	15 calendar days p. 29 (pdf), Art. 14.B.
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Other yes, in accordance with state law, the Teacher Tenure Act, Michigan Revised School Code and all other applicable laws, and District policies p. 29 (pdf), Art. 14.C.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	3 years p. 29 (pdf), Art. 14.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?	10-12 (10-12 sick, 2 of which may be used as personal days) First-year teachers get 10 sick days, all others get 12. Two days may be used for emergency school closures and 5 per death may be used for funeral leave. p. 22 (pdf), Art. 11.A.2 & p. 24 (pdf), Art. 11.A.3.c.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10-12 (10-12 sick, 2 of which may be used as personal days) First-year teachers get 10 sick days, all others get 12. p. 22 (pdf), Art. 11.A.2 & p. 24 (pdf), Art. 11.A.3.c.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 22 (pdf), Art. 11.A.2
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 24 (pdf), Art. 11.A.3.c.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	200 p. 22 (pdf), Art. 11.A.2
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	4; 1 if absent on the first day of work; may request documentation from district-approved doctor Documentation after four consecutive days is required in order to receive his/her next paycheck. If a regular school year employee is absent for illness on the first day of the work schedule in the school year, the Medical Office must confirm the illness, or the Division of Human Resources must approve a written request for approval from the employee. This applies to absence for one (1) or more days. p. 25 (pdf), Art. 11.6.C.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes the district retains the right to determine all levels and requirements of professional development in accordance with state and district policies; 1 year sabbatical leave (percentage of pay not specified) A contract teacher may apply for a year of sabbatical leave after seven (7) years of continuous or ten (10) years of non-continuous service, three (3) years of which shall immediately precede his/her application. p. 27 (pdf), Art. 11.F & p. 35 (pdf), Art. 19.A.
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?	jury duty, childhood diseases (5 days), lice or ringworm (3 days) The sick leave bank shall not be charged for necessary absences up to five (5) days resulting from the following childhood diseases: chickenpox, conjunctivitis, measles, mumps, diphtheria, whooping cough, impetigo. In addition, the sick leave bank shall not be charged for three (3) days of absence for classroom teachers who contract head lice or ringworm on the job. The statement of a licensed physician shall be required as proof of the cause for each day of absence. p. 27 (pdf), Art. 12.E & p. 24 (pdf), Art. 11.A.4.a.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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. 24 (pdf), Art. 11.A.3.c.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $45 for each unused day in their sick bank up to 100 days, $65 for 101-200 days for a maximum payout of $11,000 Employees who retire effective July 1, 2017 or August 1, 2017, and whose irrevocable Separation-from-Service forms are submitted to the District Human Resources Office no later than May 1, 2017 are eligible. pp. 21 & 22 (pdf), Art. 10.B.1. Past Policy Yes $35 for each unused day in their sick bank up to 100 days, $45 for 101-200 days for a maximum payout of $8,000 p. 23, Art. 9.B.4. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy Yes , 1/5 daily rate for days 1 to 70, 1/4 daily rate for days 71 to 130, 1/3 daily rate for days 131 to 200 p. 1 Past Policy Yes p. 53, Art. XVI, B
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 24 (pdf), Art. 11.A.3.c.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes the district retains the right to determine all levels and requirements of professional development in accordance with state and district policies; 1 year sabbatical leave (percentage of pay not specified) A contract teacher may apply for a year of sabbatical leave after seven (7) years of continuous or ten (10) years of non-continuous service, three (3) years of which shall immediately precede his/her application. p. 27 (pdf), Art. 11.F & p. 35 (pdf), Art. 19.A.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	not specified Board Policy 7.26: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/

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. Michigan Teachers Tenure Act Board Policy 7.67: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/ p. 32 (pdf), Art. 17.B.
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Other district acknowledges state law, Michigan Teachers' Tenure Act p. 32 (pdf), Art. 17.B.

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Are principals and/or site selection committees allowed to select voluntary transfer applicants to hire? If not, then how are voluntary transfers assigned to schools?	yes p. 31, Art. 16.A.2.
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 best interest of continuity of education Board Policy 7.27: http://detroitk12.org/board/resources/documents/index/policy/1/all/all/all/
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 31 (pdf), Art. 16.B.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 31 (pdf), Art. 16.B.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 31 (pdf), Art. 16.B.
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 p. 31 (pdf), Art. 16.B.

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