Norfolk Public Schools, Virginia

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	98% Employees receive a Wellness Reduction Rate if they meet specified criteria. The reduction would lower the employee's contribution to the premium. Past Policy 96% Rates are for the 2015 calendar year. Past Policy not specified; the employer will pay a portion p. 27 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	96% Employees receive a Wellness Reduction Rate if they meet specified criteria. The reduction would lower the employee's contribution to the premium. Past Policy 90% Rates are for the 2015 calendar year. Past Policy not specified; the employer will pay a portion p. 27 Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	No, the district provides a chart listing employer and employee contributions.
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?	Resignation: June 15; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 14. Board Policy GCPB: http://bit.ly/15FkftF Past Policy June 30 (resignation); issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents (retirement) Board Policy GCPB notes that teachers can resign after June 15 with the approval of the Superintendent and should provide 2 weeks advance notice. p. 16. Past Policy April 15 (resignation) Board Policy GCPB: http://bit.ly/1aRrNEE Past Policy April 15 (resignation) Board Policy GCPB: http://library1.municode.com/default-now/home.htm?infobase=70010&doc_action=whatsnew
Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes p. 6, Art. 6.8.A. p. 26.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	Yes, the amount allowed for tuition reimbursement may be used toward the cost of National Board certification. p. 6, Art. 6.8.A. p. 26.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	181 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	990 hours (instructional) in accordance with the Code of Virginia Board Policy IC/ID: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	193 Past Policy 192 Past Policy 195 Past Policy 195 Past Policy 191 Past Policy 191 Past Policy 190
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	14.1
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	between 5 hours, 30 minutes and 6 hours, 30 minutes (instructional) In practice, the district's secondary school student days are ten minutes longer than the board policy's minimum requirements at 6 hours, 40 minutes, according to the district's bell schedule (http://www.npsk12.com/school-hours). Board Policy IC/ID: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
How long is the school day for secondary students?	between 5 hours, 30 minutes and 6 hours, 30 minutes (instructional) Board Policy IC/ID: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 20 minutes p. 12, Art. 9.1.
How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings)	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents At the discretion of the Superintendent, the duty day may be extended to accommodate required school-related activities provided that the total amount of time required by such extensions will not exceed 30 hours during a given school year, or 40 hours for those schools involved in school accreditation p. 12, Art. 9.1.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	3 hours, 45 minutes a week p. 13, Art. 9.2.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	One daily planning period or the equivalent in schools using block scheduling p. 15, Art. 9.9.B.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	Elementary: one 45-minute period week; secondary: district acknowledges state and local law p. 13, Art. 9.2 & p. 15, Art. 9.9.B.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy IHB: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy IHB: http://bit.ly/15FkftF

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane) p. 10.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	2.4% p. 10.
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)	2.5% p. 10. p. 10. Past Policy 2.0% p. 10. Past Policy 2.0% p. 9. Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 2.79% Past Policy 0%
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	4.9% p. 10. p. 10. Past Policy 4.4% p. 10. Past Policy 4.4% p. 9. Past Policy 4.4% Past Policy 4.52% Past Policy 2.56%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$4,535 p. 10. Past Policy $4,425 p. 10. Past Policy $4,338 p. 9. Past Policy 4,253 Past Policy 4,152 Past Policy 3,775 Beginning in 2004-2055, a differential for an advanced degree will be authorized only for a degree in the teacher's or administrator's current duty assignment.
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA, MA+30, PhD There is also a column for No Degree. p. 10.
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	25 p. 10.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$43,622 p. 10. Past Policy $42,558 p. 10. Past Policy $41,724 p. 9. Past Policy 40,906 Past Policy 40,104 Past Policy 38,012
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$46,034 p. 10. Past Policy $44,911 p. 10. Past Policy $44,030 p. 9. Past Policy 43,167 Past Policy 42,321 Past Policy 41,968
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$78,410 p. 10. Past Policy $76,498 p. 10. Past Policy $74,998 p. 9. Past Policy 73,527 Past Policy 72,085 Past Policy 59,854
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$47,105 p. 10. Past Policy $45,956 p. 10. Past Policy $45,055 p. 9. Past Policy 44,172 Past Policy 43,306 Past Policy 41,053 Beginning in 2004-2055, a differential for an advanced degree will be authorized only for a degree in the teacher's or administrator's current duty assignment.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$49,703 p. 10. Past Policy $48,491 Past Policy $47,540 Past Policy 46,608 Past Policy 45,964 Past Policy 45,326 Beginning in 2004-2055, a differential for an advanced degree will be authorized only for a degree in the teacher's or administrator's current duty assignment.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$84,671 p. 10. Past Policy $82,606 p. 10. Past Policy $80,986 Past Policy 79,398 Past Policy 77,841 Past Policy 64,642 Beginning in 2004-2055, a differential for an advanced degree will be authorized only for a degree in the teacher's or administrator's current duty assignment.
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?	$92,295; PhD; 25 Past Policy $90,044; PhD; 25 Past Policy $88,278; PhD; 25 Past Policy 86,547; PhD; 25 Past Policy 87,525; PhD and National Board Certification; 25 (based on maximum salary for PhD plus $2,675 stipend for National Board) Past Policy 70,460; PhD; 18 Beginning in 2004-2055, a differential for an advanced degree will be authorized only for a degree in the teacher's or administrator's current duty assignment. An additional $2,500.00 annual compensation is to teachers with National Board certification.
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes Teachers are placed on a Performance Improvement Plan for a number of reasons, including an overall rating of "unacceptable." pp. 19 & 20, Art. 10.7.D & E. p. 50.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating Teachers are placed on a Performance Improvement Plan for a number of reasons, including an overall rating of "unacceptable." pp. 19 & 20, Art. 10.7.D & E. p. 50.
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'?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, $2,675 annually See also p. 20 of the 2016-2017 Salary Schedule. p. 33, App. A. p. 23.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$1,168 - $1,859, depending on size of department p. 32, App. A. p. 20.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Yes Teachers with no degree are paid less. p. 10. Board Policy GC: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
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

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 30 days (teacher may be dismissed) with possibility of 60-90 day extension (teacher must be recommended for dismissal) The teacher may be recommended for dismissal after review of the 30 day improvement plan, or, remediation may be extended up to 90 days. If teacher is rated unsatisfactory following two reviews, s/he must be recommended for dismissal. pp. 76 & 77.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	May request conference with superintendant Board Policy GCG: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	June 15 or within 30 days of a requested conference with Superintendent. Board Policy GCG: http://bit.ly/15FkftF Past Policy April 15 Board Policy GCGZ: http://bit.ly/1aRrNEE Past Policy April 15 Board Policy GCGZ: http://library1.municode.com/default-now/home.htm?infobase=70010&doc_action=whatsnew
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	June 15 Board Policy GCG: http://bit.ly/15FkftF Past Policy April 15 Board Policy GCGZ: http://bit.ly/1aRrNEE Past Policy April 15 Board Policy GCGZ: http://library1.municode.com/default-now/home.htm?infobase=70010&doc_action=whatsnew

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (40%) Professional practice (60%: Professional knowledge, Instructional planning, Instructional delivery, Assessment of/for student learning, Learning environment, Professionalism) pp. 43, 68-70.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	No Central office staff may observe the teacher and offer feedback both to the teacher and the principal, but, the principal is the only one who may evaluate the teacher. p. 53.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other optional observation by department chairs The policy states that department chairs "routinely observe teachers." It is not clear if they may actually rate the teacher's performance of if they are merely offering feedback to administrator. The description of observations (p. 14) indicates that the regular required observations are performed by an administrator. p. 53.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Other Summary and analysis of student survey results by the teacher is one of the six required data sources required in teacher's documentation log Only the teacher sees the results of the student survey. S/he prepares a summary of the student survey as well as an analysis of how it will be used to inform his/her practice. This is one of the six required data sources in a teacher's documentation log. pp. 10 & 22.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 14.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 13.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exemplary, Proficient, Developing/Needs Improvement, Unacceptable pp. 58 & 59.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced Formal observations may be announced or unannounced. Informal observations might include observations outside a classroom setting (i.e. faculty meetings, etc) pp. 14 & 17.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	State student growth percentiles (counts 20%); alternative measures with evidence that the alternative measure is valid (counts 20%) p. 43.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	One or more methods grounded in validated, quantitative measures using tools already available in the school and student learning goals (counts 40%) Student goal setting or other measures should incorporate data from validated achievement measures whenever possible. pp. 43 - 46.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 18, Art. 10.6.E.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4 formal observations p. 11.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	October 31 p. 11.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May 5 p. 11.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	35 minutes or the duration of a full lesson p. 14.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summative evaluation once every three years; formative in off years pp. 12 & 13. p. 18, Art. 10.6.F.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3 formal p. 13.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	November 30 p. 13.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	Last week of school p. 13.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	35 minutes or a complete lesson p. 14.
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 30 days (teacher may be dismissed) with possibility of 60-90 day extension (teacher must be recommended for dismissal) The teacher may be recommended for dismissal after review of the 30 day improvement plan, or, remediation may be extended up to 90 days. If teacher is rated unsatisfactory following two reviews, s/he must be recommended for dismissal. pp. 76 & 77.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	Optional (assistance from a curriculum or program coordinator or support from a professional peer or supervisor) p. 76.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	30 days with possibility of 60-90 day extension The teacher is reviewed after 30 days. The improvement plan may be extended 60-90 days based on progress. p. 76.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes The teacher may request a review of evidence when rated Unacceptable. p. 77.
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 GCPAZ. B: http://bit.ly/15FkftF p. 22, Art. 10.10.B.2.b.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other Performance and seniority Board Policy GCPAZ. B: http://bit.ly/15FkftF p. 22, Art. 10.10.B.2.b.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Policy GCPAZ. B: http://bit.ly/15FkftF p. 22, Art. 10.10.B.2.c.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	As soon as budget is approved but no later than June 1 Board Policy GCG: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Other Mandatory recall of all teachers except those rated unsatisfactory in inverse order of layoffs Board Policy GCPAZ. A & B: http://bit.ly/15FkftF p. 21, Art. 10.10.A.1.e & p. 23, Art. 10.10.B.3.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	12 months Board Policy GCPAZ. B: http://bit.ly/15FkftF p. 23, Art. 10.10.B.3.

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?	13.2 (10 sick; 3 personal; 0.2 leave for parent teacher conferences) Employees of Norfolk Public Schools with children attending Norfolk Public Schools shall be allowed up to 90 minutes of leave on parent teacher conference day to meet with their child's teacher. p. 9, Art. 8.6; p. 11, Art. 8.14; p. 12, Art. 8.17.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	13 (10 sick, 3 personal) p. 9, Art. 8.6 & p. 11, Art. 8.14.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 9, Art. 8.6 & 8.7.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes can convert to sick leave for accumulation, or to additional personal leave for following year (1 day for 2 days accumulated) Unused personal leave shall be converted to sick leave. Alternatively, the employee may choose to convert the unused allotment of personal leave each June to one additional day of personal leave for each two unused days, with the maximum converted accumulation not to exceed three days. p. 11, Art. 8.14.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	No maximum p. 9, Art. 8.6 & 8.7.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5 consecutive days or for 10 days in any one semester because of the same illness; may request documentation from district-approved doctor Board Policy GCBEA-R, B.: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
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) The superintendent is authorized to grant a leave of absence without loss of pay to employees to allow them to observe methods of teaching, to attend professional meetings, or for other school purposes which will contribute to their professional growth. p. 10, Art. 8.13. Board Policy GCZB: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
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 of immediate family (5 days), bereavement of other family (3 days) jury duty, witness in court, military leave special or temporary active duty, quarantine Teachers are given three bereavement leave days in the event of death in the family. An additional two days are given in the event of death of the employee's spouse, child, parents, or adoptive parents. p. 10, Art. 8.10. Board Policies GCBEB & GCZB: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
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
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	Day before/after holiday; when the teacher gives less than 7 days notice p. 11, Art. 8.14.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Other personal leave converts to sick leave, or the employee may choose to have them accumulate (at the rate of 1 day for every 2 unused days) p. 11, Art. 8.14.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid professional leave (number of days not specified) The superintendent is authorized to grant a leave of absence without loss of pay to employees to allow them to observe methods of teaching, to attend professional meetings, or for other school purposes which will contribute to their professional growth. p. 10, Art. 8.13. Board Policy GCZB: http://bit.ly/15FkftF
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	2 days Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 3 days Past Policy 3 days Past Policy 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 Board Policy GCG: http://bit.ly/15FkftF Past Policy 3 years Board Policy GCGZ: http://bit.ly/1aRrNEE Past Policy 3 years Board Policy GCGZ: http://library1.municode.com/default-now/home.htm?infobase=70010&doc_action=whatsnew
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 Board Policy GCI-R: http://bit.ly/15FkftFE p. 16, Art. 10.1.G.
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, with the approval of HR Board Policy GCI-R: http://bit.ly/15FkftFE p. 16, Art. 10.1.E.
Separate from excessing, does the district allow school or district administrators to involuntarily transfer a teacher to another school? If so, for what reasons is he/she allowed to initiate such a transfer?	Yes, in situations where the best interests of pupils and/or teachers are involved. Board Policy GCI-R: http://bit.ly/15FkftFE p. 17, Art. 10.2.A.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. In addition to seniority, a teacher's extra-curricular responsibilities might be a factor. Board Policy GCI-R: http://bit.ly/15FkftF p. 17, Art. 10.2.B & C.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Seniority with exceptions (maintenance of extra-curricular programs) A prime consideration in effecting transfers will be to maintain in each building the people qualified and willing to teach the classes to be taught and handle the activities to be handled. Board Policy GCI-R: http://bit.ly/15FkftF p. 17, Art. 10.2.B & C.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	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 in this district
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 in this district