Jefferson Parish Public School System, Louisiana

National enrollment rank: 102

Labor context

Collective bargaining is permissible. Teachers may petition for representation but district school boards decide whether or not to engage in collective bargaining.
Teachers are AFT union members.
2,994 teachers

Student demographics

47,817 students
77% free/reduced lunch

School district teacher count, enrollment, and demographic data is from the 2014-2015 school year sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics. Due to data issues, teacher count for districts in six states (HI, MT, NE, OH, UT, and WI) is from 2013-2014.

Fast facts

Days in student school year:	176
Additional teacher work days:	9
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	0%
Starting salary:	$40,949
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$58,949; PhD; 26
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	student
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Once a year
Non-tenured	Once a year
Sick and personal days per year:	10 (10 sick, 2 personal taken from sick leave)
Years to tenure:	5 years

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	75% Rates are in effect January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015. This question was reviewed again on September 15, 2015, and the 2016 calendar year benefits were not yet available.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	71% Rates are in effect January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015. This question was reviewed again on September 15, 2015, and the 2016 calendar year benefits were not yet available.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, district provides a chart listing employer (state) and employee contributions Rates are in effect January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015. This question was reviewed again on September 15, 2015, and the 2016 calendar year benefits were not yet available.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GBO and GBQ: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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 Board Policy GBO and GBQ: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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 Board Policy GBO and GBQ: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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 Board Policy GBO and GBQ: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 25 days at the daily rate of pay paid to the employee at the time of his/her retirement Board Policy GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Policy GBRIA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents As of September 15, 2015, no tuition reimbursement information was available for the 2015-2016 school year. It's likely, however, that tuition reimbursement will be available given its existence in previous years. District website: http://jpschools.org/department/human-capital/employee-services/
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	176 Past Policy 177 Past Policy 177 Past Policy 178 Past Policy elementary: 174; secondary: 175 Past Policy 177
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	1,002 hours (total) in accordance with state law Calculated based off of: 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six-hour school days) / 60 minutes = 1,002 hours a school year. Board Policy JB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	183
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	9 Past Policy elementary: 7; secondary: 9.5 Past Policy 6 Past Policy 8.5 Past Policy elementary: 13.5; secondary: 12.5 Past Policy elementary: 6.5; secondary: 7 The answer provided is based on the school calendar. Contract language differs as it stipulates that elementary teachers receive: 4½ staff development days, 1 classroom set-up day, 3 records days and 1 parent conference day; secondary teachers receive: 4½ staff development days, 1 classroom set-up day, 1½ records days and 1 parent conference day.
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	minimum of 6 hours (total) in accordance with state law Board Policy JB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
How long is the school day for secondary students?	minimum of 6 hours (total) in accordance with state law Board Policy JB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	minimum of 6 hours, 20 minutes Calculated based off of: teachers are required to arrive 15 minutes before school starts and 5 minutes after the close of school each day (20 minutes total) plus the minimum 6 hour student day. Board Policies GBRC & JB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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)	20 minutes (at least 15 minutes before school starts and at least 5 minutes after the close of the school day) Board Policy GBRC: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	length of one class period (amount of time not specified) p. 2, Art. V.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	length of one class period (amount of time not specified) p. 2, Art. V.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	the daily planning and preparation time may be used for collaborative planning p. 2, Art. V.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	K-3: 26; 4-12: 33 Board Policy IEB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other Superintendent may authorize an enrollment freeze at a school where maximum class sizes have been reached Board Policy IEB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane)
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.2%
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)	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)	1.2%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$600
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	5: BA, MA, MA+30, Education Specialist, PhD/EdD
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	26
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$40,949
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$43,949
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$56,549
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$41,549
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$44,549
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$57,149
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?	$58,949; PhD; 26
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes in accordance with state law Board Policy GBA, pp. 2 & 3: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating in accordance with state law Board Policy GBA, pp. 2 & 3: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, stipends are available for special education teachers, based on educational attainment and experience p. 7, App. E.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, stipend pay is available (amount not specified) p. 1.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	amount not specified p. 1.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy Yes 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 Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 1.

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	8 weeks (dismissal allowed) There are two levels of the remediation plan, each lasting a minimum of 4 weeks. The teacher may be dismissed at the conclusion of level 2. By state law, Title 28, Bulletin 130, if a teacher finishes the remediation year with an unsatisfactory rating, the district shall initiate termination proceedings within six months of the unsatisfactory rating. p. 2.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may request hearing before a panel consisting of teacher's designee, principal's designee and sup't's designee which makes a recommendation to the Sup't who decides for or against dismissal Board Policy GBNB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The nontenured teacher may not request the same panel hearing as the tenured teacher but it is not clear if s/he has any recourse. Board Policies GBN, GBNB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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%: Planning and preparation, Classroom environment, Instruction) p. 1, Para. 101.A & p. 8, Para. 901.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	No p. 4, Para. 311.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Yes - optional observation and feedback without rating to administrator Instructional Coaches and Master/Mentor teachers may conduct observations to inform the evaluator's assessment. p. 4, Para. 311.
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. 2, Para. 105.3.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 9.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly Effective, Effective /Proficient, Effective /Emerging, Ineffective p. 4, Para. 309.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other one of the 2 required observations must be announced; the other may be announced or announced p. 2, Para. 105. p. 2.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	student learning targets (count 50%); effective 2017-2018: value-added measure (counts 35%); student learning targets (count 15% 2016-2017 is still a transition year. Value-added data will not be used in personnel decisions. During the transition years, teachers must set a minimum of two student learning targets which express an expectation of growth in student achievement over a period of time using common measures for assessing attainment of those goals. pp. 10 & 13. p. 3, Para. 305.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	Student Learning Targets measured by common state-assessments where available (counts 50%) Teachers must have a minimum of two student learning targets. Each SLT must be specific and measurable based on available prior student learning data and aligned to the CCSS. End of year results are typically data from the end of year assessment each teacher administers or on a state test. p. 1. p. 3, Para. 305.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 1, Para. 101.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal if teacher rated Highly Effective in previous year; otherwise, 2: 1 formal (full lesson, announced), 1 informal (unannounced) The evaluator may choose to give a teacher a window of time during which informal observation will take place or it may be completely unannounced. p. 1. p. 2.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	December 11, 2015 p. 2.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May 26, 2016 p. 2.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	1 full lesson p. 1.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 1, Para. 101.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal if teacher rated Highly Effective in previous year; otherwise, 2: 1 formal (full lesson, announced), 1 informal (unannounced) The evaluator may choose to give the teacher a window of time during which informal observation will take place or it may be completely unannounced. p. 1. p. 2.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	December 11, 2015 p. 2.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May 26, 2016 p. 2.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	1 full lesson p. 1.
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?	8 weeks (dismissal allowed) There are two levels of the remediation plan, each lasting a minimum of 4 weeks. The teacher may be dismissed at the conclusion of level 2. By state law, Title 28, Bulletin 130, if a teacher finishes the remediation year with an unsatisfactory rating, the district shall initiate termination proceedings within six months of the unsatisfactory rating. p. 2.
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 (8 weeks minimum, plan consists of two levels, each of which must be a minimum of 4 weeks) p. 2.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes p. 5, Para 317.
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?	No Board Policy GBNA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Performance is the preponderant criterion. Board Policy GBNA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	To be determined by the school board Board Policy GBNA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GBNA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	No Laid off teachers are free to apply for open positions, but they do not receive preference. Board Policy GBNA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	no recall rights Board Policy GBNA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/

Leave questions

Sick & Personal Leave
What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year?	10 (10 sick, 2 personal taken from sick leave) Two religious days, and exam/graduation days are also taken from sick leave. Board Policies GBRIA & GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/ p. 2, Art. VII.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (10 sick, 2 personal taken from sick leave) Board Policies GBRIA & GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/ p. 2, Art. VII.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes Board Policy GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Policy GBRIA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum Board Policy GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	6 days Also, in the case of repeated absences of less than six (6) days because of illness, the Board reserves the right to require verification of illness. Board Policy GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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); sabbatical leave paid at the rate of 65% of salary Sabbatical leave may be granted on the ratio of two (2) semesters for twelve (12) or more consecutive semesters of active service within the employ of the School Board or one (1) semester for six (6) or more consecutive semesters of such service. At no time may more than five percent (5%) of the total number of teachers employed in a school system be on leave. Board Policies GBRH & GBRHA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/ p. 2, Art. VII.
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?	bereavement (3-4 days), assault leave, injury from physical contact with a student (1 year), jury duty, court subpoena, military (15 days) Three days of bereavement leave is granted. If the funeral is more than 200 miles from New Orleans then one more leave day will be granted. Board Policies GBRIB, GBRIF, GBRID, & GBRIH: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/ p. 2, Art. VII.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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 Board Policies: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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 Board Policy GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Policy GBRIA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 25 days at the daily rate of pay paid to the employee at the time of his/her retirement Board Policy GBRIB: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Board Policy GBRIA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/

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); sabbatical leave paid at the rate of 65% of salary Sabbatical leave may be granted on the ratio of two (2) semesters for twelve (12) or more consecutive semesters of active service within the employ of the School Board or one (1) semester for six (6) or more consecutive semesters of such service. At no time may more than five percent (5%) of the total number of teachers employed in a school system be on leave. Board Policies GBRH & GBRHA: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/ p. 2, Art. VII.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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?	5 years The teacher achieves tenure in 5 years only if s/he was rated Highly Effective all five years. Otherwise, the teacher remains at at-will employee until s/he has achieved a rating of Highly Effective in 5 of the last 6 years. Board Policy GBL: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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?	yes, district employs mutual consent hiring practices Voluntary Transfer Process, April 8, 2015: http://jpschools.org/2015-jppss-voluntary-transfer-process/ Board Policy GBD: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How are teachers identified for excessing?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Other Superintendent places teachers with input from principals Board Policy GBD: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies: http://jpschools.org/school-board/policies/