Buffalo School District, New York

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	not specified; only the employee contribution was noted Employees will contribute $500 in 2016-2017; $550 in 2017-2018; and $600 in 2018-2019. p. 2, Art. XXVI 7.a. Past Policy 100% p. 60, Art. XXVI (1). A. 1.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	not specified; only the employee contribution was noted Employees will contribute $1,100 in 2016-2017; $1,300 in 2017-2018; and $1,500 in 2018-2019 for family coverage. p. 2, Art. XXVI 7.a. Past Policy 100% p. 60, Art. XXVI (1). A. 1.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, only the employee contribution is specified Employees will contribute $500 in 2016-2017; $550 in 2017-2018; and $600 in 2018-2019 for individual coverage and $1,100 in 2016-2017; $1,30 in 2017-2018; and $1,500 in 2018-2019 for family coverage. p. 2, Art. XXVI 7.a. Past Policy no, a percentage (100%) is specified p. 60, Art. XXVI (1). A. 1.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Yes teachers receive a percentage of the difference between the final salary of the retiree and the annual salary for a teacher with a Master's degree at Step 1 for the retiree's position at the time of retirment Teachers must be between the ages of 55 and 57 and must have had a total of 12 years of service in Buffalo School District. p. 13. p. 76, Art. XXVI(1).I.
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	30 days before date of retirement but strongly encouraged to given notification on or before May 31 TR3 Contract - July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2004: p. 33, Art. XIV. M. Board Policy 6214: http://www.buffaloschools.org/documents.cfm?id=2.781
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 based on years of service Teachers with 10 or more years of service receive a payment equal to the product of 1%, the number of days of accumulated sick leave at the time of retirement, 1/200th, the teacher's final annual salary, and the number of years of service. Teachers with less than 10 years of service receive a payment equal to the product of 10%, the number of days of accumulated sick leave at the time of retirement, 1/200th, and the teacher's final annual salary. p. 66, Art. XXVI.F.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes , for those selected for the Teachers of Tomorrow Tuition Reimbursement Program The district reports that tuition reimbursement may be available to teachers depending on the availability of grants awarded to the district to pay such fees. District website: http://www.buffaloschools.org/HumanResources.cfm?subpage=171
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?	183 for elementary; 170 for secondary High school students are in attendance for 170 days which excludes days set aside for Regents exams which the district does not count as student attendance days. Past Policy elementary: 182; secondary: 171 High school students are in attendance for 171 days which excludes days set aside for Regents exams. Past Policy elementary: 182; secondary: 170 High school students are in attendance for 170 days which excludes days set aside for Regents exams. Past Policy 182 Past Policy 184 Past Policy 185 The school calendar for secondary students includes 173 instructional days and 12 days for Regents' Exams. Past Policy 184 The school calendar for secondary students includes 172 instructional days and 12 days for Regents' Exams.
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy 8410: http://www.buffaloschools.org/documents.cfm?id=2.781
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	188 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 186
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	5 This number does not include the days teachers may be required to attend High School Regents Exam days. Past Policy 4 This number does not include the days teachers may be required to attend High School Regents Exam days. Past Policy 4 Past Policy 4 Past Policy 2 Past Policy 1 Past Policy 4
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The school day shall be set by the Superintendent with approval of the Board. Board Policy 8410: http://www.buffaloschools.org/documents.cfm?id=2.781
How long is the school day for secondary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The school day shall be set by the Superintendent with approval of the Board. Board Policy 8410: http://www.buffaloschools.org/documents.cfm?id=2.781
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	no longer than 6 hours, 50 minutes until Sept. 1, 2017; after which the length of the teacher work day increases to 7 hours, 25 minutes p. 3, 13. p. 13, Art. VIII.A.1 Past Policy no longer than 6 hours, 50 minutes p. 13, Art. VIII.A.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)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	at least 30 minutes per day, during the student day pp. 18-19, Art. X.L.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	at least one 45-minute period per day p. 14, Art. X.A.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; K-3: 30; 4-6: 32; 7-12: 120-150, depending on the subject and Honors/Regents classification The standard class size should be 25 students (per July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2004 CBA). The district has proposed the formation of a committee to further study the issue of class size and make a recommendation to the Board no later than October 1, 2017, regarding the reduction of class sizes in the upper elementary and secondary grades. p. 4, 17. pp. 15-16, Art. IX. C; p. 17, Art. X. A.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that students may be placed in other classes if the class is extremely large. No citation given or found.

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?	2.8% 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)	10.0% p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% 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)	13.0% p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy 2.8% Past Policy 2.8% Past Policy 2.8% Past Policy 2.78% Past Policy 2.78%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$6,058 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $5,508 Past Policy $5,508 Past Policy 5,508 Past Policy 5,508 Past Policy 5,541
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	12: BA, BA+10, BA+20, BA+30, BA+40, BA+50, BA+60, MA, MA+10, MA+20, MA+30, PhD 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)?	26 p. 1 (pdf).
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$36,187 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $32,897 Past Policy $32,897 Past Policy 32,897 Past Policy 32,897 Past Policy 32,897
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$45,232 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $41,122 Past Policy $41,122 Past Policy 41,122 Past Policy 41,122 Past Policy 41,122
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$75,183 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $68,357 Past Policy $68,357 Past Policy 68,357 Past Policy 68,357 Past Policy 68,357
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$41,307 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $37,552 Past Policy $37,552 Past Policy 37,552 Past Policy 37,552 Past Policy 37,552
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$50,352 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $45,777 Past Policy $45,777 Past Policy 45,777 Past Policy 45,777 Past Policy 45,777
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$82,112 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $74,657 Past Policy $74,657 Past Policy 74,657 Past Policy 74,657 Past Policy 74,657
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?	$88,034; PhD; 26 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $80,041; PhD; 26 Past Policy $80,041; PhD; 26 Past Policy 80,041; PhD; 26 Past Policy 80,041; PhD; 26 Past Policy 80,041; PhD; 26
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 The district reports that teacher can not earn additional pay by working in a school classified as high needs.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district reports that teachers can not earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed hard to staff.
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?	$300 Summary of Changes document (p. 1, Salary section #1) notes that upon ratification the salary schedule increases (10% increase on September 1, 2016, 2% increase on July 1, 2017, and a 2% increase on July 1, 2018) will apply to all other areas of compensation. pp. 53-54, Art. XXV.B.18
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?	Yes, in years 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 p. 1 (pdf).

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other 1 year (dismissal allowed); 2 years (dismissal required) in accordance with state law If a teacher receives three consecutive ineffective ratings, s/he must be dismissed and a hearing must be completed within 30 days. Fraud or mistaken identity are a teacher's only defense, in accordance with state law. p. 10.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may pursue arbitration or apply provisions of state law p. 27, Art. XII.K.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	if dismissal is for performance issues, teacher may request meeting with Associate Sup't for Instructional Services and/or the Sup't of Schools, no evidence of further formal appeal p. 27, Art. XIII.K & p. 29, Art. XIII.D.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice (50%: announced observation - 80%; unannounced observation - 20% based on: Knowledge of students and student learning; Knowledge of content and instructional planning; Instructional practice; Learning environment; Assessment for student learning; Professsional responsibilities and collaboration) p. 7. Past Policy Student growth/achievement Professional practice (Content knowledge, Preparation, Classroom management, Knowledge of student development, Student assessment, Collaborative relationships, Reflective and responsive practice) A December 2015 change to state law introduced a transition period (2015-2019) during which no Common Core assessments in any form, nor state-provided growth scores on Regent exams will be used for any determination of tenure or employment while the state transitions to higher learning standards through new state assessments aligned to the new standards and a revised state growth model. Teachers will continue to be provided with state growth scores but for advisory purposes only. The new system replaces the three sub-component systems (20% state growth or Student learning objectives; 20% student achievement or growth on local assessments; 60% teaching practice) with a two category matrix system that includes student performance and classroom observation. pp. 1 & 2. Past Policy Student growth/achievement (40%: State growth and student learning objectives - 20 points; Local measures - 20 points) Professional practice (60%: Content knowledge, Preparation, Classroom management, Knowledge of student development, Student assessment, Collaborative relationships, Reflective and responsive practice) pp. 1 & 2.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Yes, if teacher received an unsatisfactory previous evaluation Teachers who were rated ineffective in the previous year, are evaluated by an independent evaluator p. 7.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	No p. 5.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Other no, state prohibits use of student surveys p. 9.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 7.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 29, Art. XIII.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly Effective, Effective, Developing, Ineffective p. 4 (pdf).
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced p. 7.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	student learning objectives assessed by state growth model (counts 50%) See also, p. 7, Buffalo Annual Professional Performance Review p. 5. pp. 9-11 (pdf).
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	3-year average of all regent exams, Grade 8 Science and Grade 4 Science (counts 50%) p. 9 (pdf). p. 7. Past Policy Student Learning Objectives based on student outcomes (if no such assessments exist [a music teacher, for example], teacher's overall rating based on classroom observations only) A December 2015 change to state law introduced a transition period (2015-2019) during which no Common Core assessments in any form, nor state-provided growth scores on Regent exams will be used for any determination of tenure or employment while the state transitions to higher learning standards through new state assessments aligned to the new standards and a revised state growth model. Teachers will continue to be provided with state growth scores but for advisory purposes only. The new system replaces the three sub-component systems (20% state growth or Student learning objectives; 20% student achievement or growth on local assessments; 60% teaching practice) with a two category matrix system that includes student performance and classroom observation. pp. 1 & 2. Past Policy Student Learning Objectives (counts 40%) p. 2. Past Policy Student Learning Objectives (20%) and other locally developed assessements (20%) In accordance with State law (NY Statute 3012-c (C) and NY DOE. Student Learning Objectives represent the State-provided measure of growth; they must be specific and measurable, based on available prior student learning data, and aligned to Common Core, State, or national standards, as well as any other schooland district priorities. Teachers? scores are based upon the degree to which their goals were attained. http://www.regents.nysed.gov/meetings/2012Meetings/March2012/312bra6.pdf
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year Teachers are evaluated annually in accordance with the New York Annual Professional Performance Review. p. 7.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2: 1 announced (counts 80% of total observation score), 1 unannounced (counts 20% of total observation score) If a teacher was rated Ineffective in the previous year, s/he is subject to an additional observation by an independent evaluator in which case the unannounced observation counts 10% and the additional observation counts 10%. The announced observation must cover one complete observation. There is no time requirement for the unannounced observation. p. 7. p. 5 (pdf).
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?	one complete lesson The announced observation must cover one complete observation. There is no time requirement for the unannounced observation. p. 6 (pdf).
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year Teachers are evaluated annually in accordance with the New York Annual Professional Performance Review. p. 7.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2: 1 announced (counts 80% of total observation score), 1 unannounced (counts 20% of total observation score) If a teacher was rated Ineffective in the previous year, s/he is subject to an additional observation by an independent evaluator in which case the unannounced observation counts 10% and the additional observation counts 10%. The announced observation must cover one complete observation. There is no time requirement for the unannounced observation. p. 7. pp. 5-7.
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?	one complete lesson The announced observation must cover one complete observation. There is no time requirement for the unannounced observation. pp. 5-7 (pdf).
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other 1 year (dismissal allowed); 2 years (dismissal required) in accordance with state law If a teacher receives three consecutive ineffective ratings, s/he must be dismissed and a hearing must be completed within 30 days. Fraud or mistaken identity are a teacher's only defense, in accordance with state law. p. 10.
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?	3 1 announced observation lasting a complete lesson; 1 unannounced observation; 1 observation by an independent evaluator p. 7. pp. 5-7 (pdf).
How long is the remediation process?	case-by-case (timeline required), up to one year in accordance with state law When a teacher finishes the year with a developing or ineffective rating, s/he is placed on a Teacher Improvement Plan in the following year. The plan must include a timeline but could be in effect for the entire year. p. 7. p. 10.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes teacher may appeal evaluation rating if rated Ineffective on the student performance but Highly Effective on the observation category or if teacher was rated Ineffective on his/her state provided growth score and Highly Effective on the other measures p. 10.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Note: If a teacher is placed on a Teacher Improvement Plan, s/he is automatically evaluated by an independent evaluator. (p. 7, Buffalo Annual Professional Performance Review)

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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
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 District reports indefinitely or until the position is eliminated, no citation given.

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?	17 (12 sick, 5 personal) An unspecified amount of paid leave is given during "abnormally severe weather conditions" when certified by the principal or division head and approved by the superintendent. p. 78, Art. XXVIII.A.(1)(a) & p. 80, Art. XXIX.A.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	17 (12 sick, 5 personal) p. 78, Art. XXVIII.A.(1)(a) & p. 80, Art. XXIX.A.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 78, Art. XXVIII.A.(1)(a).
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Personal days convert to sick days for accumulation. p. 80, Art. XXIX.A.(1).
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	220 p. 78, Art. XXVIII.A.(1)(a).
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	district may request medical documentation at any time, may request district-approved doctor p. 78, Art. XXVIII. A.(1)(e) & (f).
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid professional leave (number of days not specified); 1 year sabbatical leave at half salary (or full pay for one-half (1/2) year of leave) Sabbatical Leave may be granted to one percent (1%) of the permanent teachers who have completed seven (7) years of service within the system or have the equivalent as defined in Article XXV. p. 85, Art. XXXI. B., p. 85, Art. XXXV.
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, bereavement (5 days) p. 85-86, Art. XXXI & p. 86, Art. XXXIII.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes The Board shall not be obligated to pay the salaries of more than five (5) representatives of the Federation for each session. p. 10, Art. VI.J.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	the day before or the day after a holiday unless a request, specifying the reason, is made and approved p. 80, Art. XXIX. A.(2).
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes based on years of service Teachers with 10 or more years of service receive a payment equal to the product of 1%, the number of days of accumulated sick leave at the time of retirement, 1/200th, the teacher's final annual salary, and the number of years of service. Teachers with less than 10 years of service receive a payment equal to the product of 10%, the number of days of accumulated sick leave at the time of retirement, 1/200th, and the teacher's final annual salary. p. 66, Art. XXVI.F.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid professional leave (number of days not specified); 1 year sabbatical leave at half salary (or full pay for one-half (1/2) year of leave) Sabbatical Leave may be granted to one percent (1%) of the permanent teachers who have completed seven (7) years of service within the system or have the equivalent as defined in Article XXV. p. 85, Art. XXXI. B., p. 85, Art. XXXV.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Other mentor services are available to teachers in their first three years
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	2 days p. 24, Art. XII.A.

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 Board Policy 6213: http://www.buffaloschools.org/district.cfm?subpage=93
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?	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?	no, district evaluates transfer requests on district seniority, date of transfer request, maintaining a balanced school staff, and honoring teachers' wishes p. 30, Art. XIV.A & p. 31, Art. XIV.E.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. Building Committee members including the Delegate Chair and the other two delegates with the greatest seniority who served in that capacity prior to the BTF building election at the end of the school year shall be the last persons considered for involuntary transfer when the reduction in force occurs at the end of the school year and prior to the new school year. p. 7 (pdf), Art. XIV. p. 31, Art. XIV.G. Past Policy Yes p. 31, Art. XIV. G.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority with exceptions Building Committee members including the Delegate Chair and the other two delegates with the greatest seniority who served in that capacity prior to the BTF building election at the end of the school year shall be the last persons considered for involuntary transfer when the reduction in force occurs at the end of the school year and prior to the new school year. p. 7 (pdf), Art. XIV. p. 31, Art. XIV.G.
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?	No p. 93, Art. XXXIX.F.
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