Guilford County Schools, North Carolina

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	100% p. 66. State Health Plan Website: http://bit.ly/1z6vGaE
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	78% p. 66. State Health Plan Website: http://bit.ly/1z6vGaE Past Policy 69% p. 64. Past Policy percentage not specified; employees are required to contribute to the premium for dependent health care coverage p. 64 Past Policy percentage not specified; employees are required to contribute to the premium for dependent health care coverage p. 64 Past Policy percentage not specified; employees are required to contribute to the premium for dependent health care coverage p. 62
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, $463.68 a month p. 66. State Health Plan Website: http://bit.ly/1z6vGaE Past Policy yes, $448.12 a month p. 64. Past Policy no, district does not specify a percentage or dollar amount p. 64 Past Policy no, district does not specify a percentage or dollar amount p. 64
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?	30 calendar days notice for resignation (required) and retirement (requested) pp. 55 & 77. Board Policy GBO: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
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?	Yes , teacher's license may be revoked Failure to provide a timely notice may jeopardize future reemployment possibilities. p. 55.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. Unused sick leave can be added to length of service for pension computation at retirement. p. 83.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. accumulated personal leave converts to sick leave for creditable service p. 83.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that, at this time, tuition reimbursement is not available.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that the state provides financial support to cover National Board certification fees.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	District acknowledges state law Board Policy AF: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	194
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	16 Past Policy 17 Past Policy 17 Past Policy 17 (includes 5 mandatory work days and 9 workdays when annual leave may be taken) Past Policy 17 Past Policy 8 Past Policy 8 Past Policy 15 Up to 7 of the 15 days may be used as student days to make up for emergency closings which leaves 8 guarenteed days without students. 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 12 Up to 6 of the 12 days may be used as student days to make up for emergency closings which leaves 6 guarenteed days without students. 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 14 Up to 6 of the 14 days may be used as student days to make up for emergency closings which leaves 8 guarenteed days without students. 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	district acknowledges state law Board Policy AF: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
How long is the school day for secondary students?	district acknowledges state law Board Policy AF: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 30 minutes (based on a minimum 37.5 hour work week) p. 26.
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)	determined by superintendent, starting and ending times must be uniform at each organizational level Board Policy AF: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	decided at each school Board Policy IM: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	decided at each school Board Policy IM: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy IM: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane) however, there is no additional pay for advanced degrees Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). p. 1.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.0% (based only on the bachelor's lane) Teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). p. 1.
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)	3.0% (based only on the bachelor's lanes from 2015-16 and 2016-17) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). p. 1. p. 1. Past Policy 0.7% (based only on the bachelor's lanes from 2014-15 and 2015-16) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). Past Policy 6.2% Our calculation here is based on the BA lanes from 2013-14 and 2014-15. Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). Past Policy -1.4% Past Policy -0.23% Past Policy -1.5% Past Policy -1.5% Past Policy ~0% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 2.8-6.3% The average increase is stated as 3%. 2007-2008 Salary Schedule, 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	4.1% (based only on the bachelor's lanes from 2015-16 and 2016-17) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). p. 1. p. 1. Past Policy 1.8% (based only on the bachelor's lanes from 2014-15 and 2015-16) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). Past Policy 7.4% Our calculation here is based on the BA lanes from 2013-14 and 2014-15. Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). Past Policy 0% Past Policy 1.2% Past Policy 0%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$0 (pay is not differentiated by educational attainment unless a teacher began coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) p. 1.
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	1: BA; only teachers who began coursework prior to August 1, 2013 are eligible for the MA, Advanced License or PhD lanes p. 1.
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)?	36 (based only on the bachelor's lane) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). p. 1.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$39,350 p. 1.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$41,600 p. 1. Past Policy $40,850 Past Policy $40,850 Past Policy 35,150 Past Policy 35,150 Past Policy 34,730 Past Policy 36,230 Past Policy 37,700 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 39,180 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$56,720 p. 1. Past Policy $55,720 Past Policy $55,720 Past Policy 58,900 Past Policy 58,900 Past Policy 58,200 Past Policy 58,200 Past Policy 58,200 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 58,200 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$39,350 (based only on the bachelor's lane; assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. p. 1.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$41,600 (based only on the bachelor's lane; assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. p. 1. Past Policy $40,850 (based only on the bachelor's lane; assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. Past Policy $40,850 Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. Past Policy 38,670 Past Policy 38,670 Past Policy 38,210 Past Policy 39,850 Past Policy 41,460 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 43,100 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$56,720 (based only on the bachelor's lane; assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. p. 1. Past Policy $55,720 (based only on the bachelor's lane; assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. Past Policy $55,720 Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. Past Policy 64,790 Past Policy 64,790 Past Policy 64,020 Past Policy 64,020 Past Policy 64,020 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 64,020 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
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?	$56,720; BA; 36 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule (MA, Advanced license holder or PhD). As a result, the answer here is based only on the BA lane. p. 1.
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?	yes; teachers in schools eligible for the "Mission Possible" program, designed to help recruit, retain and reward effective teaching, are eligible for performance-based bonuses. Individuals with above average value-added ratings are eligible for recruitment bonuses of $5,000-$10,000, bonuses of $2,000 - $4,000 for hard to staff positions, and bonuses of $10,000 - $20,000 for individual performance; and teachers in schools that have above average value-added ratings school-wide are eligible for bonuses of $1,000 p. 39. District website: http://www.gcsnc.com/pages/gcsnc/Departments/Human_Resources/Mission_Possible
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	yes, those in Mission Possible Schools are eligible for various bonuses: individuals with above average value-added ratings are eligible for recruitment bonuses of $5,000-$10,000, bonuses of $2,000 - $4,000 for hard to staff positions, and bonuses of $10,000 - $20,000 for individual performance; and teachers in schools that have above average value-added ratings school-wide are eligible for bonuses of $1,000 p. 39. District website: http://www.gcsnc.com/pages/gcsnc/Departments/Human_Resources/Mission_Possible
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, those working in hard-to-staff positions at Mission Possible Schools are eligible for bonuses ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. Special education teachers have their own salary schedule, providing them with higher annual salaries than other teachers. District website: http://www.gcsnc.com/pages/gcsnc/Departments/Human_Resources/Mission_Possible
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, teachers with National Board certification have their own, higher salary schedule.
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 District reports that teachers holding a provisional license are paid on the same salary schedule as all other teachers.
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 District reports that they acknowledge state law-prior work experience is analyzed; if it's deemed relevant to the subject taught, credit is awarded (http://licensurepublic.dpi.state.nc.us/Licensure%20Forms%20pdf%20format/Form%20NE.pdf)
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	no; as of 2014-15, longevity bonuses have been elminated p. 57.

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 case-by-case, within 1 year (dismissal required) Teachers in low-performing schools may be dismissed following a 90-day remediation. p. 19. Board Policy GBIA: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law (GS115C-325) Board Policy GBIA: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	yes, teachers in final nontenured year may request a hearing; other nontenured teachers may petition Board of Education for a hearing Petitions for a hearing are taken before a hearing panel of the Board of Education which determines if the teacher should be granted a hearing. Board Policy GBDBB-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	May 15- notice of recommendation for nonrenewal; June 15- final notice Board Policy GBDBB-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	district acknowledges state law (GS115C-325) Board Policy GBIA: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement Professional practice (Teachers demonstrate leadership, Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population, Teachers know the content they teach, Teachers facilitate learning for the students, Teachers reflect on their own practice) Teachers are rated on the six North Carolina teaching standards. The sixth standard is: Teachers contribute to the academic success of their students. pp. 35-40.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports no, no citation given
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Yes - observation and feedback to administrator with no rating; nontenured only One of the four required formal observations of a nontenured teacher must be performed by a peer. p. 17. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports no (no citation given).
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 17. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 17. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
How many categories of ratings are there?	5: Developing, Proficient, Accomplished, Distinguished, Not Demonstrated Standard 6 (contribution to academic success of students) has 3 ratings: Exceeds expected growth, meets expected growth, Does not meet expected growth. pp. 5 & 6.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other yes for the first formal observation, issue not addressed for additional formal observations or informal observations District reports no (no citation given). p. 18.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	value-added data measure (teachers must "meet expected growth" to pass the evaluation) State law requires a sixth standard on which the teacher is rated for teacher effectiveness. The teacher must have "met expected growth" in that standard to pass the evaluation. p. 6.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	NC "Measures of Student Learning" common exams for non-tested subjects, end of course/grades assessments, analysis of student work
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 17.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4 formal (3 by principal, 1 by peer) p. 17. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	November 6, 2015
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	April 22, 2016 Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	45 minutes p. 18. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year North Carolina Board of Education Policy TCP-C-004 allows for "abbreviated evaluations" of tenured teachers whereby teachers receive 2 informal observations (minimum 20 minutes each) and are only rated on standards 1, 4 & 6 (student growth). There must be a full evaluation in the licensure year. p. 17. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3: 1 formal, 2 informal or formal North Carolina Board of Education Policy TCP-C-004 allows for "abbreviated evaluations" of tenured teachers whereby teachers receive 2 informal observations (minimum 20 minutes each) and are only rated on standards 1, 4 & 6 (student growth). There must be a full evaluation in the licensure year. p. 17. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	November 6, 2015
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May 27, 2016 Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	45 minutes p. 18. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
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 case-by-case, within 1 year (dismissal required) Teachers in low-performing schools may be dismissed following a 90-day remediation. p. 19. Board Policy GBIA: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	case-by-case, within any reasonable time period reasonably calculated to correct the teacher's performance, not to exceed 1 year The timeline for teachers in low-performing schools is 90 days or before the end of the school year. For all other teachers, teachers must reach at least "proficient" within one year. p. 19. Board Policy GBI: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	No Board Policies GAE, II: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
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 to the extent that it can be done without affecting the availability of programs or services, the goal of the Board or the progress toward the goals outlined in the Superintendent’s Strategic Plan Board Procedure GBKAA-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the preponderant criterion. Board Procedure GBKAA-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Procedure GBKAA-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
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?	No The teachers' names are placed on a list of available employees, but, there is no guarantee of employment. Board Procedure GBKAA-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	n/a Board Procedure GBKAA-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW

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?	13.7-23.7 (10 sick, 2 fully paid personal days if taken on a teacher workday, 1.7-11.7 annual vacation leave), in accordance with state law If using personal days on a non-teacher workday, employees shall receive full salary less the required substitute deduction. Teachers earn between 11.7-21.7 annual vacation leave days a year, based on their years of service. (Less than 5 years: 11.7; 5-10 years: 14.2; 10-15 years: 16.7; 15-20 years: 19.2; 20+ years: 21.7.) The first 10 days of annual vacation leave are already scheduled into the school calendar; the remaining days (1.7-11.7) must be taken on non-instructional school days. pp. 82, 85, & 86. Policy ID 3.1, 4.1, 5.1.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (10 sick; 2 fully paid personal days if taken on a teacher workday), in accordance with state law If using personal days on a non-teacher workday, employees shall receive full salary less the required substitute deduction. pp. 82 & 85. Policy ID 3.1, 4.1, 5.1.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes in accordance with state law p. 82. Policy ID 4.1.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes 5 personal days accumulate, any personal days in excess of five are converted to sick leave June 30 each year p. 85.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum On June 30 accumulated annual vacation leave in excess of 30 days will be converted to sick leave so that only 30 workdays of annual vacation leave are carried each year. p. 82. Policy ID 4.1.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5 days p. 83.
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 for employees acting as a school representative (amount of time not specified); officers of professional organizations leave (amount of time not specified) Officers of professional organizations leave: local boards of education may grant leave with pay for elected officers of professional organizations, provided the organization pays the full salary and all benefit costs for the employee on leave. p. 93.
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?	episode of violence leave (1 year); military training (15 days a year); community responsibility leave (e.g. funeral of a student); jury duty & court attendance by duty Episode of Violence Leave: employees in full payroll status for 6 consecutive months who suffers an injury and is disabled while engaged in the course of his or her employment may receive full salary for one year, the continuation of the disability, or the time during which the employee is unable to engage in his or her employment because of the injury, whichever period is shorter. pp. 74, 89, 94.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	n/a; collective bargaining is not allowed in this state The district's relationship with the union does not provide for traditional union privileges that are found in other states.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	the first day the employee is required to report for the school year; on a required teacher workday; days scheduled for State testing; day before or the day after a holiday or scheduled vacation day p. 85.
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 District reports no. No citation provided or found (June 2015).
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No Policy 4.1.11.
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 p. 85.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. Unused sick leave can be added to length of service for pension computation at retirement. p. 83.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. accumulated personal leave converts to sick leave for creditable service p. 83.

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 for employees acting as a school representative (amount of time not specified); officers of professional organizations leave (amount of time not specified) Officers of professional organizations leave: local boards of education may grant leave with pay for elected officers of professional organizations, provided the organization pays the full salary and all benefit costs for the employee on leave. p. 93.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	3 years p. 42. NC New Teacher Support Program: http://ncntsp.northcarolina.edu/
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	2 days New Teacher Orientation page: http://www.gcsnc.com/pages/gcsnc/Departments/Induction_and_Success/New_Teacher_Orientation_Regist Past Policy 3 days New Teacher Orientation page: http://www.gcsnc.com/pages/gcsnc/Departments/Induction_and_Success/New_Teacher_Orientation_Regist Past Policy 3 days p. 41 Past Policy 3 days p. 41 Past Policy 3 days p. 39 Past Policy 3 days p. 27

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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 North Carolina 2013 SB 402 is abolishing tenure in North Carolina, effective 2018.

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	no, however principals must interview at least one applicant from the internal pool of applicants Board Procedure GBM-P, 3.A.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW Past Policy yes Board Procedure GBM-P: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GBM-P: http://bit.ly/lVIP1p Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GBM-P: http://bit.ly/lVIP1p Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Are principals and/or site selection committees allowed to select voluntary transfer applicants to hire? If not, then how are voluntary transfers assigned to schools?	yes Board Procedure GBM-P, 3.A.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
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, interpersonal relationships that are detrimental to school program, to enhance an employee's professional growth, "best interest" of district Board Procedure GBM-P, 3.B.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes Board Procedure GBM-P, 3.B.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW Past Policy Yes, but there are exceptions. Board Procedure GBM-P, B.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW Past Policy Yes, but there are exceptions. Board Policy GBM-P: http://bit.ly/lVIP1p Past Policy Yes, but there are exceptions. Board Policy GBM-P: http://bit.ly/lVIP1p Past Policy Yes, but there are exceptions. Board Policy GBM: http://schoolcenter.gcsnc.com/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=304844
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority Board Procedure GBM-P,3.B.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW Past Policy seniority with exceptions (effective and efficient administration of district, program needs, diversity, special needs of the school) Board Procedure GBM-P, B.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Other multiple criteria: Anticipated contribution according to training, experience, and interest of transferee; qualifications; recommendation of interviewing principal/others; desire for prof. growth, length of service Board Procedure GBM-P, 2.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW
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 Board Procedure GBM-P, B.: http://bit.ly/1uH7KEW

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?	N/A there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	n/a; there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	n/a; there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement