St. Paul Public Schools, Minnesota

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	100% District provides teachers with $785 per month for use towards cafeteria benefits plan. In addition, teachers can earn up to $600 in credit, which may be used towards core cafeteria benefits, from participation in the Attendance Incentive Plan p. 19, Art. 10, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.1 & 3.2.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	97% District provides teachers with family or single plus one coverage with $1,060 per month for use towards cafeteria benefits plan. In addition, teachers can earn up to $600 in credit, which may be used towards core cafeteria benefits, from participation in the Attendance Incentive Plan p. 19, Art. 10, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.1 & 3.2. Past Policy 99.5% if member of teacher bargaining unit pp. 1 & 3. Past Policy 100% if member of teacher bargaining unit
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, $785 per month for individual coverage or $1,060 per month for single +1 or family coverage Teachers can earn up to an additional $600 in credit, which may be used towards core cafeteria benefits, from participation in the Attendance Incentive Plan (p. 19, Art. 10, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.2.). p. 19, Art. 10, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.1.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Yes , teachers who retire before age 65 and meet other specified eligibility criteria will have their health insurance premium covered until age 65 and the district will contribute $5,000 of life insurance The district will contribute the same amount as they did in the last month of employment. p. 21, Art. 10, Sec. 2, Subd. 1 & 2.
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?	Yes teachers who give notice by Dec. 1 receive $3,500, those who give notice by Feb. 1 receive $2,500; in addition, teachers who give notice by various deadlines will receive payout for unused sick leave (amounts range from $12,500-$18,500) In addition, teachers who give notice by March 1 will continue to receive the District’s monthly contribution toward health insurance for July and August. p. 20, Art. 10, Sec. 1, Subd. 5 & p. 24, Art. 10, Sec. 5, Subd. 1.2.1 & 1.2.2.
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 day, maximum of $15,000 p. 24, Art 10, Sec 5, Subd. 1.2.2.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 28, Art. 11, Sec. 9, Subd. 1.
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?	yes, a $1,000 stipend, a $300 allowance for materials and, upon teacher request, reimbursement for a one-time application with a limit of $3,000 (and teacher will forego annual stipend in first year of certification); in addition, teachers can use six hours of professional development time to complete work toward certification p. 18, Art. 9, Sec. 10.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	173 Students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are in school fewer days. Past Policy 173 for elementary; 175 for secondary Students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are in school less days. Past Policy elementary: 173; secondary: 175 Students in pre-kindergarten are in school 168 days and students in kindergarten are in school 171 days. Past Policy elementary: 173; secondary: 175 Students in pre-kindergarten are in school 166 days and students in kindergarten are in school 169 days. Past Policy elementary: 173; secondary: 175 Past Policy elementary: 173; secondary: 175 Past Policy elementary: 173; secondary: 175 Past Policy elementary: 173; secondary: 175
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	185
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	12 Past Policy elementary: 12; secondary: 10 Past Policy elementary: 14; secondary: 12 Pre-kindergarten teachers are on-site 19 days without students and Kindergarten teachers are on-site 16 days without students. Past Policy elementary: 12; secondary: 10 Pre-kindergarten teachers are on-site 19 days without students and Kindergarten teachers are on-site 16 days without students. Past Policy elementary: 14; secondary: 12 Past Policy elementary: 12; secondary: 10 Past Policy elementary: 12; secondary: 10 Past Policy elementary: 16; secondary: 14
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the school day for secondary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	not specified; length of day is student day plus reasonable time to perform teacher duties pp. 34 & 35, Art. 13, Sec. 3, Subd. 1.
How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings)	amount of time not specified; reasonable time as necessary to plan the day's work, confer with pupils and parents, and perform such other duties that are appropriate for teachers p. 34, Art. 13, Sec. 3, Subd. 1.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	50 minutes per day, in blocks of 25-60 minutes p. 35, Art. 13, Sec. 3, Subd. 3.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	5 minutes of preparation for every 25 minutes of classroom instructional time in one or two uninterrupted blocks during the student instructional day p. 35, Art. 13, Sec. 3, Subd. 4.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	amount of time not specified; the district is committed to provide more in-building teacher-directed time during Opening Week for individual planning and group planning p. 77, Statement of Intent.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: 20 (in both high and low poverty schools); K: 24 (high poverty schools), 26 (low poverty schools); 1-3: 25 (high poverty schools), 27 (low poverty schools); 4-5: 28 (high poverty schools), 29 (low poverty schools); 6-8: 33 (high poverty schools - core content classes), 35 (low poverty schools - core content classes); 9-12: 35 (high poverty schools - core content classes), 37 (low poverty schools - core content classes) p. 99, MOA - Class Size. Past Policy PK: 20; K: 25 (high poverty schools), 26 (low poverty schools); 1-3: 25 (high poverty schools), 27 (low poverty schools); 4-5: 28 (high poverty schools), 29 (low poverty schools); 6-8: 33 (high poverty schools - core content classes), 35 (low poverty schools - core content classes); 9-12: 35 (high poverty schools - core content classes), 37 (low poverty schools - core content classes) Beginning in 2015-16, the class size for high poverty elementary kindergarten will decrease to 24. p. 94, MOA - Class Size. Past Policy PK: 20 K-3: 28 4-6: 30 7-8: 35 9-12: 39 p. 93, MOU Class Size
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other when classes are approaching or exceeding the maximum range, a committee shall be formed and shall meet quarterly to determine strategies to provide additional classroom supports The committee shall be composed of: the school's principal, Assistant Superintendent, a teacher from an affected classroom, the building steward or another licensed staff person appointed by the union, and two parents appointed by the PTA or PTO (or appointed by the principal and building steward if no PTA/PTO exists). p. 100, MOA - Class Size.

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane)
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.9%
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)	4.0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 2.3% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0.5% Past Policy 0.5%
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)	6.0% Past Policy 1.9% Past Policy 4.2% Past Policy 1.9% Past Policy 2.36% Past Policy 2.82%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$13,418 Past Policy $12,898 Past Policy 12,706 Past Policy 12,706 Past Policy 11,864 Past Policy 11,805
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	10: BA, BA+15, BA+30, BA+45, BA+60/MA, MA+15, MA+30, MA+45, MA+60/Specialist, PhD/EdD
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)?	25
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$44,759 Past Policy $43,021 Past Policy 40,771 Past Policy 40,771 Past Policy 40,568 (entry level is step 5 on the salary schedule)
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$53,807 Past Policy $51,718 Past Policy 49,468 Past Policy 49,468 Past Policy 49,222 (salary for step 10 since entry level is step 5)
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$65,943 Past Policy $63,402 Past Policy 59,922 Past Policy 59,922 Past Policy 59,626
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$49,856 Past Policy $47,920 Past Policy 45,670 Past Policy 45,670 Past Policy 45,443 (entry level is step 5 on the salary schedule)
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$60,445 Past Policy $58,098 Past Policy 55,848 Past Policy 55,848 Past Policy 55,570 (salary for step 10 since entry level is step 5)
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$83,614 Past Policy $80,414 Past Policy 76,613 Past Policy 76,613 Past Policy 76,237
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?	$93,749; PhD; 25 Past Policy $90,155; PhD; 25 Past Policy 86,162; PhD; 25 Past Policy 86,162; PhD; 25 Past Policy 85,740; PhD; 25
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 13, Art. 8, Sec. 3, Subd. 1 & p. 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating p. 13, Art. 8, Sec. 3, Subd. 1 & p. 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.
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 document
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, a $3,500 annual stipend and if the certification is maintained for 10 years or more, an additional $750 will be given annually p. 18, Art. 9, Sec. 10.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Yes Uncertified teachers are placed on an unpaid leave of absence. p. 18, Art. 9, Sec. 12.
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?	Yes, 25 years p. 14, Art. 8, Sec. 5, Subd. 1.

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?	Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal required) p. 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.5).
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law (MN statute 122A.41) p. 87, MOU - Discipline, Sec. 2, Subd. 2.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	no p. 34, Art. 13, Sec. 2, Subd. 2.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	May 15 p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2.
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 (35%) Student input (surveys-used to inform the evaluation, not weighted individually) Professional Development Plan ("Individualized Professional Development Plan" - not weighted, reviewed at end of year, informs the final rating) Peer Collaboration (not weighted-reviewed at end of year, informs the final rating) Professional practice (65%: Elements of effective instruction-45%, Environment for learning-35%, Professional responsibilities-20%) The percentages assigned to each weight are not given in the district materials, however, Teacher Development and Evaluation Overview acknowledges state law which requires that student growth counts 35% (MN Statute 122A.41). (See also Peer Collaboration, Student Engagement and Individual Professional Development Plan)
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Routine observation and evaluation is performed by the supervising administrator (Art 18 of contract); it is not clear if third parties might be called in at some point. p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other peer observations of tenured teacher used for formative purposes Past Policy other peer observations used for formative purposes The results of a peer observation are not shared with the principal. The role of the peer collaborator is to facilitate a reflective conversation between the teacher and peer observer. Past Policy other peer observations used for formative purposes-teacher uses results to guide development of goals Teachers are not required to share results of peer observations with principal, however, s/he must provide documentation that peer observation did occur. Past Policy No Past Policy No
Does the evaluation include student input?	Other student engagement surveys used by teacher to inform the development of teacher's growth and practice Minnesota requires that student engagement be a component of evaluations. In St. Paul, student engagement includes a student survey, conducted twice a year in the same class, professional learning community discussions around the results of the survey and a reflection completed by the teacher, all of which is reviewed at the end of year review.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Other summative evaluation of tenured teacher is reviewed at the post-observation conference; issue not addressed for non-tenured teacher All elements of the evaluation of a tenured teacher during the summative evaluation are reviewed at the post-observation conference. The teacher receives a written report which is reviewed and signed.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Distinguished, Proficient, Developing, Below Standard The ratings apply to the Standards of Effective Teaching observation rubric. There is no overall score on the summative evaluation. The summative evaluation, instead, includes the SET score plus additional data from student engagement surveys, student achievement and information from teacher's Individual Professional Development Plan. At the end of the evaluation tool is a place for Areas of Strength, Areas of Growth, and Next Steps. If the teacher is rated Below Standard at any point, s/he may be placed on an improvement plan. pp. 1 & 2.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other yes for tenured, issue not addressed for non-tenured teachers p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	student achievement measured through assessments analyzed in professional learning communities (PLCs)
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	student learning goal learning assessed in professional learning communities (count 35%) Minnesota statute (MN 122A.41) requires that teacher evaluations include data from valid and reliable assessments aligned to state and local academic standards and uses state and local measures of student growth and literacy that may include value-added models or use student learning goals to determine 35% of teacher evaluation results. St. Paul has developed a model to meet this requirement that uses student achievement measured through assessments analyzed in Professional Learning Communities. Student achievement reflection
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other 1st year teacher: 3x/year; 2nd and 3rd year teacher: 2x/year p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2. Past Policy Three times a year p. 3. Past Policy Other 1st year teachers - 3 times; 2nd and 3rd year teachers - 2 times p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2. Past Policy Other 1st year teachers - 3 times; 2nd and 3rd year teachers - 2 times Effective 2014-2015, nontenured teachers must be evaluated 3x/yr in accordance with MN. statute 122A.41, Subd. 2 and 5. p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2 Past Policy Other 1st year teachers - 3 times; 2nd and 3rd year teachers - 2 times p. 86
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1st year teacher: 3 formal observations; 2nd and 3rd year teacher: 2 formal observations p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2. Past Policy 1 formal observation for each of the three required evaluations Observations may be announced or unannounced at the administrator's discretion. p. 3. Past Policy 1st year teachers - 3 times; 2nd and 3rd year teachers - 2 times p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2. Past Policy 1st year teachers - 3 times; 2nd and 3rd year teachers - 2 times p. 52, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 2 Past Policy 1st year teachers - 3 times; 2nd and 3rd year teachers - 2 times p. 86
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once every three years
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal required) p. 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.5).
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	optional (Consulting Teacher if teacher elects to participate in Peer Assistance and review OR, if evaluator assigns teacher a mentor which is one of many available supports for the teacher) p. 52 & 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.
How long is the remediation process?	case-by-case (timeline required) p. 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.6)
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 Placement on an improvement plan, which occurs after continuous below standard evaluations, is not grievable but it is not clear if a teacher may grieve an evaluation rating in general. p. 53, Art. 18, Sec. 1, Subd. 3.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes Exceptions may be made for teachers in Montessori, Immersion and American Indian Studies programs. (Subd. 4-6) p. 42, Art. 14, Sec. 6, Subd. 1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. Exceptions may be made for teachers in Montessori, Immersion and American Indian Studies programs. (Subd. 4-6) p. 42, Art. 14, Sec. 6, Subd. 1.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 37, Art. 14, Sec. 2, Subd. 10.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	30 days prior to layoffs in accordance with MN statute 122A. 41 p. 42, Art. 14, Sec. 6, Subd. 2.
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. 43, Art. 14, Sec. 7, Subd. 2.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	39 months p. 44, Art. 14, Sec. 7, Subd. 7.

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?	12 (12 sick days, 5 of which can be used as personal days) p. 25, Art 11, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.1 & p. 28, Art. 11, Sec. 9, Subd. 1.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (12 sick days, 5 of which can be used as personal days) p. 25, Art 11, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.1 & p. 28, Art. 11, Sec. 9, Subd. 1.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 25, Art. 11, Sec. 1, Subd. 2.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 28, Art 11, Sec. 9, Subd. 1.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	issued not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	number of days not specified; the teacher shall, if requested, furnish such certificates and evidence of facts as may be required for verification p. 26, Art. 11, Sec. 1, Subd. 4.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes professional leave (number of days not specified); 5 paid days for leave for union activities per teacher per year (200 days shared among the district total); 1 year sabbatical leave (50% salary) In order to be eligible for sabbatical leave, a teacher shall have actively served in the Saint Paul Public Schools for seven (7) full school years or more. The number of sabbatical leaves granted in any year shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the number of teachers. p. 8, Art. 6, Sec. 5; p. 27, Art. 11, Sec. 6; p. 29, Art. 11, Sec. 11.
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?	quarantine (10 days), bereavement (1-5 days), court case, jury duty, school-related injuries (5 days), military leave (15 days), military family leave (5 days), citizenship leave (3 days) Five bereavement days granted because of the death of a teacher's spouse, child or step-child, parent or step-parent, and immediate household members. Three days granted because of other member's of the teacher's immediate family (sister, stepsister, brother or step-brother, grandparent, grandchild, parent-in-law, son-in-law or daughter-in-law). One bereavement day shall be granted because of death of other close relatives (uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, brother-in-law and sister-in-law). If traveling farther than 200 miles, then two additional bereavement leave days may be used, however those days will be subtracted from available sick leave. p. 27, Art. 11, Sec. 3; p. 27, Art. 11, Sec. 4; p. 27, Art. 11, Sec. 5; p. 27 & 28, Art. 11, Sec. 7; pp. 27, Art. 11, Sec. 8, Subd. 1; p. 28, Art. 11, Sec. 10; p. 30, Art. 11, Sec. 12.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 200 days total to be distributed among employees, no more than 5 days per teacher per year p. 8, Art. 6, Sec. 5.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	unpaid short-term leave will not be granted during the first and last two weeks of school for students nor directly before and after breaks and holidays pp. 31 & 32, Art. 12, Sec. 1, Subd. 8.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes $200-$600 in cafeteria plan credits for teachers who use 5 or fewer sick days per year Teachers must have a minimum of 30 days in their sick leave bank in order to participate in the attendance incentive. p. 26, Art. 11, Sec. 2.
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. 28, Art. 11, Sec. 9, Subd. 1.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $100 per day, maximum of $15,000 p. 24, Art 10, Sec 5, Subd. 1.2.2.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 28, Art. 11, Sec. 9, Subd. 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 professional leave (number of days not specified); 5 paid days for leave for union activities per teacher per year (200 days shared among the district total); 1 year sabbatical leave (50% salary) In order to be eligible for sabbatical leave, a teacher shall have actively served in the Saint Paul Public Schools for seven (7) full school years or more. The number of sabbatical leaves granted in any year shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the number of teachers. p. 8, Art. 6, Sec. 5; p. 27, Art. 11, Sec. 6; p. 29, Art. 11, Sec. 11.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year Teachers that participate in the Mentor Mentee Program during their first year of employment will then work with a Peer Assistance and Review Consulting Teacher during year two or year three prior to achieving tenure in the district.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	1 day

Tenure questions

Role of Tenure on Teacher Assignment and Employment
What is the minimum number of years of experience that a teacher must have in a district before tenure is granted?	3 years p. 34, Art. 13, Sec. 2, Subd. 2.
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?	no p. 39, Art. 14. Sec. 4. Subd. 3.7.
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. 39, Art. 14. Sec. 4. Subd. 3.5.
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, reasons not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 41, Art. 14. Sec. 5. Subd. 7.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes p. 40, Art. 14. Sec. 5. Subd. 1.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority p. 40, Art. 14. Sec. 5. Subd. 1.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places excessed teachers based on their preferences in order of seniority. p. 40, Art. 14. Sec. 5. Subd. 3.
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. 47, Art. 16, Sec. 1.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 47, Art. 16, Sec. 1.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	district and union mutually agree p. 47, Art. 16, Sec. 1.