Corona-Norco Unified School District, California

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	99% Benefit cost calculator: http://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/Page/23043
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	63% Benefit cost calculator: http://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/Page/23043
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes: $615 for employee; $690 for 2-party or Employee and children; $807 for family Benefit cost calculator: http://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/Page/23043
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Yes teachers with a minimum of 10 years experience who are between the ages of 52 and 59 and who gave notice by January 15, may qualify for a $12,500 early retirement bonus p. 135 (pdf), App. B.
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	retirement: advance notice that is appropriate for the position held; resignation: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district offers a one-time $12,500 retirement bonus for teachers with at least ten years experience and who are between the age of 52 and 59. To be eligible, the teacher must submit notice of retirement by January 15 of his/her final year of employment (App. B of contract). Board Policy 4192: http://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/Page/25
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?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 51, Art. 13.8.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180 Answers for this district are based upon the calendar of Track "T."
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary: 1125 hours (avg); Middle: 1152 hours (avg); Secondary: 1292 (avg School times vary slightly from school to school. Our calculations based on an average school day of 6 hours, 15 minutes x a 180 day school year in elementary; 6 hour 24 minute day x 180 days in middle; 7 hours, 4 minutes x 180 school days in secondary. All calculations are based on the track T school schedule.
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	185 Answers for this district are based upon the calendar of Track "T."
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	Elementary: 13; secondary: 12.7 Answers for this district are based upon the calendar of Track "T."
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	varies per school
How long is the school day for secondary students?	varies per school
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	varies per school Teachers are required to report to school ten minutes before the start of the student day, and remain on-site ten minutes after. The length of the student day varies per school. p. 31, Art. 10.2.
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 (10 minutes before the instructional day, 10 minutes after the instructional day) p. 31, Art. 10.2.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	elementary: up to ninety (90) minutes once per week as part of Professional Collaboration Time [for 2015-2016, Professional Collaboration Time appears to be 60 minutes]; middle: not less than forty-five (45) continuous minutes in duration for traditional daily schedules; not less than ninety (90) continuous minutes over a two day period for block schedules p. 31, Art. 10.2 & p. 37, Art. 10. Also see "Early Release Bell Schedule 2015-2016."
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	not less than forty-five (45) continuous minutes a day for traditional daily schedules; not less than ninety (90) continuous minutes over a two day period for block schedules pp. 31 & 32, Art. 10.2.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	up to ninety (90) minutes once per week [for 2015-2016, Professional Collaboration Time appears to be 60 minutes] p. 37, Art. 10.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Transitional Kindergarten: 25 (hard cap) K-3: 29; 4-6: 32; 7-8; 38 9-12; 39 With the exception of TK, these numbers reflect "targets." If the targets are exceeded, the district pays the teacher a stipend. pp. 46 & 47, Art. 12, Addendum to the MOU, April 6, 2015, 4.a-e. Past Policy preK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents K: 33; 1-3: 32; 4-6: 34; 7-12: 42 p. 31, Art. 12.1.(a)-(h) & p. 113, MOU.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Teacher receives additional compensation If class size targets are exceeded in grades k-8, the teacher receives $500/semester or up to $1000/year. Grades 7-8: Affected unit members with over 228 class contacts per six (6) periods will receive a paid stipend: 229-234 contacts will receive $600 each semester; over 234 will 32 receive $1000 each semester. Unit members with over 195 class contacts per 33 five (5) periods will receive a paid stipend: 196-200 contacts will receive $600 34 per semester; 201-210 class contacts will receive $1000 each semester. Grades 9-12: Affected individual unit members with over 195 class contacts per 5 periods will receive a paid stipend: 196-200 contacts will receive $600 each semester; 201-210 class contacts will receive $1,000 each semester. pp. 46 & 47 , Art. 12, Addendum to the MOU, April 6, 2015, 4.a-e. Past Policy Other classroom support will be provided in the form of a certified substitute p. 31, Art. 12.1.(k).

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?	3.4%
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)	1.2% Past Policy 6.7%
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)	4.7% Past Policy 10.4%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$4,142 Past Policy $4,093
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: Class A (BA), Class B (BA+45 or MA), Class C (BA+60 with MA or MA+15), Class D (BA+75 with MA or MA+30)
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: 7; Master's: 8
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$61,750 Past Policy $61,018 Past Policy $57,176
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$70,001 Past Policy $69,171 Past Policy $64,815
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$75,517 Past Policy $74,622 Past Policy $69,923
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$61,752 Past Policy $61,020 Past Policy $57,178
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$74,844 Past Policy $73,957 Past Policy $69,300
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$83,643 Past Policy $82,651 Past Policy $77,447
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?	$115,444; MA+30 or BA+75 w/ MA; 29
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 71, Art. 16.5.
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 p. 71, Art. 16.5.
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 p. 71, Art. 16.5.
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	Yes, select schools will participate in a pilot evaluation program; teachers in these schools whose students' assessment scores indicate significant growth will receive a year end stipend and all participating teachers will also be eligible for stipends (amounts not specified) pp. 69 & 70, MOU - Evaluation Pilot Program
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, if teachers and/or schools are participating in the voluntary evaluation pilot program which pays a stipend to teachers who earn National Board certification. A stipend is awarded for highly qualified teachers, which include teachers who have National Board Certified. The amount of the stipend is not specified. p. 69, Art. 15, MOU - Evaluation Pilot Program.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$242 - $3,253, depending on the size of the department p. 138 (pdf), 2015-2016 Lead Pay Schedule. Past Policy $227 - $3,048, depending on the size of the department p. 106 (pdf), 2014-2015 Lead Pay Schedule.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	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 remediation is 1 year, teacher continues in Peer Assistance and Review annually until his/her performance is deemed satisfactory p. 115, Art. 29.3(a)(12).
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	teacher and evaluator meet at start of year to agree on elements of the evaluation The district is developing a new evaluation instrument (p. 69, MOU) which will include multiple measures: Professional practice (50%) based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and/or mutually agreed upon criteria; teacher-generated SMART goals (25%) and another measure (25%) to be developed by committee. The MOU does not give a full implementation date. p. 66, Art. 15.4.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents It is clear that an administrator is responsible for the actual written evaluation of the teacher (p. 67, Art. 15.8). However, participation in the evaluation process by a peer is not addressed.
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)?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Written report conference upon request by teacher or administrator p. 66, Art. 15.6 & p. 67, Art. 15.8.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exceeds Standards, Meets Standards, Partially Meets Standards, Does Not Meet Standards p. 65 (p. 73 [pdf]), Art. 15.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 66, Art. 15.6.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents No date is given for implementation of new evaluation instrument which is under development and will include evidence of student achievement (p. 69, MOU).
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 65 (p. 73 [pdf]), Art. 15.2.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3: 1 formal, 2 informal p. 66, Art. 15.6.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	March 1 p. 66, Art. 15.2.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 66, Art. 15.6
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other once every two years, once every five years for teachers with 10+ years experience p. 65 (p. 73 [pdf]), Art. 15.3(a) & (b).
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal p. 66, Art. 15.6.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 65, Art. 15.3(d).
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes p. 66, Art. 15.6.
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 remediation is 1 year, teacher continues in Peer Assistance and Review annually until his/her performance is deemed satisfactory p. 115, Art. 29.3(a)(12).
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes (Consulting Teacher through Peer Assistance and Review) p. 113, Art. 29.1(b).
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents multiple observations by Consulting Teacher plus unspecified number of observation(s) by administrator The Consulting Teacher must provide at least 20 hours of in-classroom support. (p. 115, Art. 29.3(a)(11) p. 114, Art. 29.3(a)(4).
How long is the remediation process?	1 year Peer Assistance and Review ends on April 1, however, the teacher is not issued the final evaluation until the end of the regular evaluation process at the end of the school year. p. 115, Art. 29.3(a)(9) & (10).
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Yes if teacher received a negative evaluation Teacher may request an additional observation and evaluation from a list of 4 administrators provided by the Superintendent's designee. p. 66, Art. 15.6.

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	District acknowledges state law. p. 25, Art. 9.5.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	District acknowledges state law. p. 25, Art. 9.5.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District acknowledges state law. p. 25, Art. 9.5.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	district acknowledges state law p. 25, Art. 9.5.
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	District acknowledges state law. p. 25, Art. 9.5.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	district acknowledges state law p. 25, Art. 9.5.

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?	9.99 (9.99 sick, all of which may be used for personal necessity in accordance with Education Code Section 44981 [up to a maximum of 10 days]) Sick leave days are accumulated based on .054 day per full workday of service. Calculated based on a 185 teacher work year (.054 x 185 days = 9.99 sick leave days). p. 48, Art. 13.2.a.1 & p. 51, Art. 13.8. Past Policy 8.33 (8.33 sick, all of which may be used for personal necessity in accordance with Education Code Section 44981 [up to a maximum of 10 days]) Sick leave days are accumulated based on .045 day per full workday of service. Calculated based on a 185 teacher work year (.045 x 185 days = 8.33 sick leave days). p. 32, Art. 13.2.a.1. & p. 35, Art. 13.8.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	9.99 (9.99 sick, all of which may be used for personal necessity in accordance with Education Code Section 44981 [up to a maximum of 10 days]) Sick leave days are accumulated based on .054 day per full workday of service. Calculated based on a 185 teacher work year (.054 x 185 days = 9.99 sick leave days). p. 48, Art. 13.2.a.1 & p. 51, Art. 13.8. Past Policy 8.33 (8.33 sick, all of which may be used for personal necessity in accordance with Education Code Section 44981 [up to a maximum of 10 days]) Sick leave days are accumulated based on .045 day per full workday of service. Calculated based on a 185 teacher work year (.045 x 185 days = 8.33 sick leave days). p. 32, Art. 13.2.a.1. & p. 35, Art. 13.8.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 48, Art. 13.2.a.1.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 51, Art. 13.8.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5, district has the right to request medical certification from a district-approved doctor pp. 48 & 49, Art. 13.2.c. & d.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes unit members at schools that develop SIP plans and have requested release time for staff development and/or professional growth shall have the request honored p. 36, Art. 10.11.
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 (5-10 days), quarantine, industrial accident/illness (60 days), jury duty Teachers shall be entitled to five bereavement leave days for immediate family; the superintendent may authorize up to five additional days. p. 50, Art. 13.4; p. 51, Art. 13.6; p. 53, Art. 13.9.b & e; p. 54, Art. 13.10.a.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 40 days to be shared district-wide (no more than 10 days per unit member) pp. 15 & 16, Art. 7.9.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	when used for reasons other than what is listed in the agreement pp. 51-53, Art. 13.a-i.
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?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 51, Art. 13.8.
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?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 51, Art. 13.8.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes unit members at schools that develop SIP plans and have requested release time for staff development and/or professional growth shall have the request honored p. 36, Art. 10.11.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	1 day

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

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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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, for reasons of legal liability or action p. 65, Art. 14.9(b).
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes p. 63, Art. 14.4(b).3.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority p. 63, Art. 14.4(b).3.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places teachers but method of placement is not clearly stated. p. 64, Art. 14.5.(f).
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?	Yes pp. 108-110, Art. 27.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes, 70% of the affected Unit Members must vote yes p. 108, Art. 27.6.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	approved by a unanimous vote of the CNUSD/CNTA Site Waiver Committee; vote of affected Unit Members by secret ballot with 70% voting "yes"; submission of results to affected site Unit Members, District and CNTA by March 30 p. 108, Art. 27, 4 & 6; p. 110.