Rochester City 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?	100% for those hired prior to July 1, 1991, and 95% for those hired after that date p. 72, Sec. 43.1.b & p. 76, Sec. 44.A.3 & 4.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The contract states that bargaining unit members hired prior to July 1, 1991, will have 100% of the premium covered and those hired after that date will have 95% covered. Our assumption is that this applies to employee-only coverage, not coverage for dependents. p. 72, Sec. 43.1.b & p. 76, Sec. 44.A.3 & 4.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, a percentage (100% for those hired prior to July 1, 1991, and 95% for those hired after that date) is specified p. 72, Sec. 43.1.b & p. 76, Sec. 44.A.3 & 4. Past Policy no, a percentage (85%) is specified
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year?	Yes a teacher who notifies the district by March 1 will be eligible for payment for unused sick days up to a maximum of $25,000 p. 122, Sec. 60.3.
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 $70-$115 per unused day depending on number of sick days taken each year Tenured teachers are eligible to receive this benefit after completing a minimum of ten (10) years continuous service with the District. No illness days used……….…..$115 per day One (1) illness day used……..….$95 per day Two (2) illness days used…….....$80 per day Three (3) illness days used……..$70 per day p. 122, Sec. 60.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 64, Sec. 41.10.a(8).
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes pp. 88 & 89, Sec. 49.2. & 3.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	yes, teachers who complete the certification process will be reimbursed for the cost of the certification application fees p. 104, Sec. 52.11.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	181
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary: 1,170 hours (total); secondary: 1,267 hours (total) School hours vary among elementary and secondary schools. These figures reflect the hours in the majority of schools.
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)	4
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	not specified The contract explicitly permits schools to modify instructional time to meet the needs of its learners; the minimum school day is not specified. pp. 47 & 48, Sec. 33.
How long is the school day for secondary students?	not specified The contract explicitly permits schools to modify instructional time to meet the needs of its learners; the minimum school day is not specified. pp. 47 & 48, Sec. 33.
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	elementary: 6 hours and 45 minutes; secondary: 7 hours and 15 minutes Five schools in Rochester are moving forward with the implementation of expanded learning time (ELT), adding 300 hours, in the 2013-2014 school year. http://www.timeandlearning.org/time-collaborative pp. 23 & 24, Sec. 16.2. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Five schools in Rochester are moving forward with the implementation of expanded learning time (ELT), adding 300 hours, in the 2013-2014 school year. http://www.timeandlearning.org/time-collaborative Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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)	15 minutes (before the beginning of the student day) p. 23, Sec. 16.1. Past Policy 15 minutes (before the beginning of the student day) plus one hour after the student day on Wednesdays Five schools in Rochester are moving forward with the implementation of expanded learning time (ELT), adding 300 hours, in the 2013-2014 school year. http://www.timeandlearning.org/time-collaborative Past Policy 15 minutes (before the beginning of the student day) plus one hour after the student day on Wednesdays p. 20, Sec.16.1. & p. 21, Sec. 16.3.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	30 minutes per day, during the student day p. 25, Sec. 19.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	ten (10) preparation periods for one semester and either twenty-five (25) teaching periods, five (5) administrative assignments and five (5) preparation periods or at the option of the teacher and with the approval of the principal, thirty (30) teaching periods and five (5) preparation periods for the other semester. p. 30, Sec. 23.1.a.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	elementary: planning time may be used as common planning time for up to two (2) thirty (30) consecutive minutes per week and may also be used for grade-level meetings, coordination among Special Education and General Education teachers, collaboration among teachers or similar coordinating activities; secondary: preparation periods may be used for common planning time for up to two (2) thirty (30) consecutive minutes per week and may also be used for grade-level meetings, coordination among Special Education and General Education teachers, collaboration among teachers or similar coordinating activities. p. 25, Sec. 19 & p. 30, Sec. 23.1.b. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 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-6: 26; 7-9: 28; 10-12: 29 (class limits are 28 in specified Non-Regents classes) Every effort will be made to staff kindergarten classes at a 1:21 ratio, grades 1-3 at a 1:22 ratio, and grades 4-6 at a 1:25 ratio. pp. 44 - 46 , Sec. 32.2 & 4 - 6.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	A paraprofessional is assigned to the class when class size limits are exceeded in grades K-6; issue not addressed for grades 7-12 pp. 44 & 45, Sec. 32.2. d & e.

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?	2.2%
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)	1.5%
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)	3.6%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$3,382 Past Policy $3,289 Past Policy $3,207 Past Policy 3,155 Past Policy 3,154 Past Policy 3,095
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	2: BA, MA (teachers with a master's degree are placed 2 steps higher on the salary schedule than their experience warrants)
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	Bachelor's lane: 51; Master's lane: 49 (teachers with a master's degree are placed 2 steps higher on the salary schedule than their experience warrants) Past Policy bachelor's lane: 50; master's lane: 48 Past Policy bachelor's lane: 49; master's lane: 47 Past Policy bachelor's lane: 48; master's lane: 46 Past Policy bachelor's lane: 34; 47 with longevity steps; master's lane: 34; 45 with longevity steps Past Policy bachelor's lane: 34; 46 with longevity steps; master's lane: 34; 44 with longevity steps
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$44,760 Past Policy $44,160 Past Policy $43,636 Past Policy 42,917 Past Policy 42,283 Past Policy 41,825 Past Policy 40,791 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$49,206 Past Policy $47,952 Past Policy $47,454 Past Policy 47,271 Past Policy 47,010 Past Policy 46,136
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$133,199 Past Policy $128,558 Past Policy $124,079 Past Policy 120,582 Past Policy 116,843 Past Policy 113,220
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$46,843 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy $45,756 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy $44,901 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 44,545 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 43,582 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 43,301 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants)
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$50,942 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy $50,398 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy $49,921 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 49,136 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 48,819 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 48,502 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants)
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$133,199 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy $128,558 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy $124,079 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 120,582 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 116,843 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants) Past Policy 113,220 (those with a master's degree are placed on the salary schedule two years ahead of where their experience warrants)
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?	$133,199; 51 years with a BA or 49 years with a MA (teachers with a master's degree are placed 2 steps higher on the salary schedule than their experience warrants) Past Policy $128,558; 50 years with a BA or 48 years with a MA Past Policy $124,079; 49 years with a BA or 47 years with a MA Past Policy 120,582; 48 years with a BA or 46 years with a MA Past Policy 116,843; BA; 47 or 45 years with a MA Past Policy 113,220; BA; 46 years or 44 years with a MA
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes either step advancement or an annual increment or both may be held for a negative evaluation rating p. 77, Sec. 46.1.a.(3).
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other , either step advancement or an annual increment or both may be held for a "Developing/Below Professional Standards" or "Unsatisfactory" rating p. 77, Sec. 46.1.a.(3).
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	yes, National Board certified teachers who have "professional" or "lead teacher" status will receive a $1,500 incentive each year in which they also receive a "highly effective", "effective" or "distinguished" rating p. 120, Sec. 59.1.
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"?	yes, teachers with National Board certification and inactivated "lead teachers" who transfer to teach in schools identified by the state, federal government or the Superintendent as low performing receive a $2,500 stipend p. 120, Sec. 59.1 & 2.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, special education and bilingual education teachers receive $320, speech and hearing teachers earn $375 and teachers of emotionally disturbed receive $530 The district reports taht there is a $3,400 signing bonus for 3 years for new teachers who teach hard to staff subjects, per grant funds. No citation given or found. pp. 77 & 78, Sec. 46.1.b.(1).(b) - (e).
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, National Board certified teachers who have "professional" or "lead teacher" status will receive a $1,500 incentive each year in which they also receive a "highly effective", "effective" or "distinguished" rating. National Board teachers who transfer to teach in schools identified by the state or federal government or the Superintendent as low performing will receive an additional $2,500 p. 120, Sec. 59.1 & 2.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	yes, up to 10 years of credit may be awarded upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of and with the approval of the Board of Education for related vocational experience p. 78, Sec. 46.2.a.(3).
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	yes, 35-50 years in 2015-2106, 35-51 years in 2016-2017, and 35-52 years in 2017-2018 p. 143, App. A.

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?	Timeline between remediation and dismissal not defined p. 76.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may request a panel hearing in accordance with state law or arbitration following the contractual procedure p. 55, Sec. 38.3.a.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	1st and 2nd year teachers may pursue grievance procedure up to stage 3 (appeal to Sup't) for dismissal not related to performance; teacher in 3rd year - arbitration; dismissal of 1st & 2nd yr. teacher for performance - district acknowledges state law Dismissal of the 1st or 2nd year non-tenured teacher as a result of evaluation, is governed by Sec. 3031 of New York Education law. It does not preclude the teacher from discussing the charges with any appropriate supervisory personnel. p. 18, Sec. 14.4.b; p. 52, Sec. 37.1.a & b; p. 54, Sec. 37.c.2.
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 Professional practice (Planning and preparation, Classroom environment, Instruction, Professional responsibilities) The district uses the state rubric conversion matrix which combines professional practice and student growth/achievement to reach a final rating. pp. 4 & 7.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional If a teacher was rated Ineffective in the previous year, s/he must be observed by an independent evaluator. Additionally, any teacher may choose p. 7 & 75. Past Policy No pp. 29 & 30(pdf), 4.5 & 4.6. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other yes - observation and rating by third party Independent Evaluators who are Lead-teacher mentors, required for teachers rated Ineffective in previous year; optional review of student work or portfolio by peers, for all teachers Teachers may choose one of three observation options: adminstrator observation only; 2 observations by administrator, 1 observation by Independent Evaluator; 2 observations by administrator plus structured review of student work OR teacher's portfolio by 1-2 teachers, one of whom must share the teacher's content area expertise. pp. 3, 7, 74 & 75.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 3.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 3.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly Effective, Effective, Developing, Ineffective p. 7.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced p. 3.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	student learning objectives assessed by state standardized tests which must demonstrate one year of growth (district uses the state matrix which combines observation and student growth/achievement scores) p. 6 - 7. p. 7.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	student learning objectives based on locally developed assessments which must show one year of growth (district uses the state matrix which combines observation and student growth/achievement scores) pp. 6 & 7. p. 7.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 3.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3-4: 2 formal announced, 1 unannounced observation; optional observation by an Independent Evaluator Teachers may choose one of three observation options: 3 adminstrator observations only; 3 observations by administrator, 1 observation by Independent Evaluator; 3 observations by administrator plus structured review of student work OR teacher's portfolio by 1-2 teachers, one of whom must share the teacher's content area expertise. If the teacher chooses the second or third option, the administrator observations count 80% and the Independent Evaluator's observation or the review of student work/portfolio counts 20% of the total observation component. pp. 3, 7, 74 & 75. Past Policy 2 formal plus multiple informal Teachers select how they would like to be evaluated for the Professional Practice Review (60% of composite score); Option 1- administrator observation only; Option 2 - Peer (29 points)/administrator (31 points) observation; Option 3 - administrator observations (31 points) and examination of student work or portolio at teacher's discretion (29 points) pp. 3 & 7. Past Policy 2 formal, multiple informal p. 3 Past Policy 2 formal, multiple informal p. 3 Past Policy 2 formal, multiple informal pp. 23-24
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	November 30 pp. 3 & 7. p. 50, Sec. 36.4.b.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May 15 p. 3. p. 50, Sec. 36.6.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 50, Sec. 36.4.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 3.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2-3: 1 formal announced, 1 unannounced observation; optional observation by an Independent Evaluator Teachers may choose one of three observation options: 2 adminstrator observations only; 2 observations by administrator, 1 observation by Independent Evaluator; 2 observations by administrator plus structured review of student work OR teacher's portfolio by 1-2 teachers, one of whom must share the teacher's content area expertise. If the teacher chooses the second or third option, the administrator observations count 80% and the Independent Evaluator's observation or the review of student work/portfolio counts 20% of the total observation component. pp. 3, 7, 74 & 75. Past Policy 1 formal observation, multiple informal p. 3. Past Policy 1 formal observation, multiple informal p. 3 Past Policy 1 formal observation, multiple informal p. 3 Past Policy 1 formal observation, multiple informal p 22
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	April 30 p. 3. p. 50, Sec. 36.4.b.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	June 1 p. 3. p. 50, Sec. 36.6.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes p. 50, Sec. 36.4.
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?	Timeline between remediation and dismissal not defined p. 76.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	optional, if teacher has been rated Ineffective in previous year; yes if teacher has been rated Ineffective for two consecutive years (mentor) p. 3.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other the number of required observations is not clear, however, the teacher must be observed/evaluated by an Independent Evaluator in addition to the admininstrator observations p. 3.
How long is the remediation process?	case-by-case (timeline required) The TIP/Development Plan should be developed any time after the composite score has been determined, but no later than October 1 of the new school year. p. 76.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Other teacher may appeal to appeal a rating of Developing or Ineffective to an Appeals Team comprised of one administrator and one teacher from the CIT Joint Governing Board p. 78.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Yes The teacher may request an observation or evaluation by a central staff member at any time. p. 51, Sec. 36.12.

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes p. 144, App. B.1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. p. 144, App. B.1.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 144, App. B.1.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of layoffs p. 144, App. B.3.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	district acknowledges state law district reports indefinitely, no citation given p. 144, App. B.4.

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?	13 (10 sick days; 2 personal days; 1 day for graduation of teacher, spouse, or child) p. 59, Sec. 41.5.c; p. 62, Sec. 41.9.a(6); p. 64, Sec. 41.10.a(8).
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (10 sick, 2 personal) p. 59, Sec. 41.5.c & p. 64, Sec. 41.10.a(8).
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 59, Sec. 41.5.c.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Personal days convert to sick days for accumulation. p. 64, Sec. 41.10.a(8).
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	150 days p. 59, Sec. 41.5.c.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	any time upon request of the superintendent p. 60, Sec 41.6.b.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 2 days allowed for educational exams; 1 year sabbatical leave at 60% salary; unspecified amount of time for workshops, meetings, site visits, & Union Duty Teachers must have served 5 years of employment in order to be eligible for sabbatical leave. At any time, not more than .75 percent (.75%) of the total number of teachers shall be on sabbatical leave. p. 61, Sec. 41.9; p. 63, Sec. 10.a(5); pp. 69-71, Sec. 42.5.
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?	death in immediate family (5 days per incident); death of relatives in household (3 days); death of relatives out of household (1 day); jury/witness duty; military service (2 days); reserve military duty (2 weeks); quarantine A maximum of eight (8) days total may be used, without deduction, for Class B absences (which includes bereavement leave days, educational exam absences, military leaves, absences for a graduation, and parental). p. 62, Sec. 41.9.a & 10 & p. 63, Sec. 41.10.a(2).
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes (amount of time not specified) p. 11, Sec. 9.6.a.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	the day before or after paid holidays; the day before or after scheduled recesses p. 64, Sec. 41.10.a(8).
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes $70-$115 per unused day depending on number of sick days taken each year, paid at retirement or resignation Tenured teachers are eligible to receive this benefit after completing a minimum of ten (10) years continuous service with the District. No illness days used……….…..$115 per day One (1) illness day used……..….$95 per day Two (2) illness days used…….....$80 per day Three (3) illness days used……..$70 per day p. 122, Sec. 60.3.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No p. 122, Sec. 60.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 64, Sec. 41.10.a(8).
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $70-$115 per unused day depending on number of sick days taken each year Tenured teachers are eligible to receive this benefit after completing a minimum of ten (10) years continuous service with the District. No illness days used……….…..$115 per day One (1) illness day used……..….$95 per day Two (2) illness days used…….....$80 per day Three (3) illness days used……..$70 per day p. 122, Sec. 60.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 64, Sec. 41.10.a(8).

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 2 days allowed for educational exams; 1 year sabbatical leave at 60% salary; unspecified amount of time for workshops, meetings, site visits, & Union Duty Teachers must have served 5 years of employment in order to be eligible for sabbatical leave. At any time, not more than .75 percent (.75%) of the total number of teachers shall be on sabbatical leave. p. 61, Sec. 41.9; p. 63, Sec. 10.a(5); pp. 69-71, Sec. 42.5.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year p. 97, Sec. 52.4.a.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	up to 5 days p. 23, Sec. 15.2.

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. p. 49, Sec. 35.
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	yes pp. 34 & 35, Sec. 24.e.
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, site selection committees rank interviewed transfer applicants p. 34, Sec. 24.5.c.(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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports yes, when the superintendent and union president agree contractually. No citation given or found.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes p. 32, Sec. 24.3.b.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority p. 32, Sec. 24.3.b.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places excessed teachers based on their preferences in order of seniority. p. 34, Sec. 24.5.e.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Other district assigns teachers by seniority to available vacancies if teacher fails to choose a position; unclear what happens if there are no vacancies at this point p. 35, Sec. 24.5.h.

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. 7, Sec. 4.5.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 7, Sec. 4.5.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	modifications are subject to procedures approved by the RTA Representative Assembly p. 7, Sec. 4.5.