|
Health and Wellness
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
not specified; only the employee contribution was noted
|
| What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer? |
not specified; only the employee contribution was noted
|
| 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 only 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? |
retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ documents; resignation: 45th day before first day of instruction of the following school year, in accordance with state law
Board Policies DFE (local) & DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| 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
legal sanctions may be imposed in accordance with state law
Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
$40-$55 for unused state and local leave days depending on the total number of eligible local leave days earned; 35-50% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay or $40 for each day depending on the total number of eligible state leave days earned
An employee who has remaining at retirement at least:
-75% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $55 for each unused local leave day; 75% of state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 50 percent of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
-50-74% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $50 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 35% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
- less than 50% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $40 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned shall be paid $40 for each eligible state leave day.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
$40-$55 for unused state and local leave days depending on the total number of eligible local leave days earned; 35-50% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay or $40 for each day depending on the total number of eligible state leave days earned
An employee who has remaining at retirement at least:
-75% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $55 for each unused local leave day; 75% of state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 50 percent of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
-50-74% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $50 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 35% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
- less than 50% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $40 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned shall be paid $40 for each eligible state leave day.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
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
|
|
School Year
|
| STUDENTS: How many days are students in school? |
175
|
| STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year? |
1,225 (total)
Calculated by multiplying the number of student days by the minimum daily student hours (175 x 7).
Board Policy EC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school? |
186
Past Policy
187
Past Policy
187
Past Policy
187
|
| TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days) |
13
Past Policy
14
Past Policy
14
Past Policy
14
|
|
School Day
|
| How long is the school day for elementary students? |
7 hours (total); in accordance with state law
Board Policy EC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How long is the school day for secondary students? |
7 hours (total); in accordance with state law
Board Policy EC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch) |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings) |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Preparation Time
|
| How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive? |
at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day)
Board Policy DL (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive? |
at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day)
Board Policy DL (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
Structure of the Salary Schedule
|
| What type of salary schedule is in use? |
New hire salary schedule
|
| What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience? |
0.8% (based on new hire schedule)
|
| 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) |
2.3% (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
1.2%
|
| What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year) |
3.1% (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
2.1%
|
| What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary? |
$1,000
|
| How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule? |
3: BA, MA (stipend pay), PhD (stipend pay)
|
| 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 (based on new hire schedule)
|
|
Annual Salary
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree? |
$51,475 (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
$50,227
Past Policy
$49,325
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$53,100 (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
$52,320
Past Policy
$51,400
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$62,259 (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
$61,774
Past Policy
$61,774
|
| What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree? |
$52,475 (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
$51,227
Past Policy
$50,325
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience? |
$54,100 (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
$53,320
Past Policy
$52,400
|
| What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule? |
$63,259 (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
$62,774
Past Policy
$62,774
|
| 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? |
$63,459; PhD; 25 (based on new hire schedule)
Past Policy
$62,974; PhD; 25
Past Policy
$62,974; PhD; 25
|
|
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? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
The state gives districts the option of participating in the Educator Excellence Award Program and/or the Educator Excellence Innovation Program (Board Policy DEAA Legal) under which a teacher might receive incentive payments for performance. It is not clear if Lewisville exercises this option.
Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
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
In accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers in identified high need campuses. It is not clear if the district exercises this option.
Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'? |
Yes, special education teachers earn $2,500 annual stipends and bilingual teachers earn $3,000 annual stipends.
In accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers of reading, math, technology or science.
p. 7 (pdf).
Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level? |
$750-$2,000, depending on size of department and subject area
p. 4 (pdf).
|
|
General Salary Information
|
| Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers? |
Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record
Board Policy DBA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience? |
yes; district acknowledges state law - experience is awarded based on the Commissioner's rules
Board Policy DEAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| 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
|
|
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? |
Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal allowed)
in accordance with Texas Education Code 150.1004
p. 25.
|
| What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher? |
teacher may request hearing before the board or an attorney selected by board (board votes on attorney's recommendation)
pp. 3-5, DFBB (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed? |
no, in accordance with state law
DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract? |
10th day before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law
DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal? |
10th day before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law
DFBB (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Evaluation System
|
| What is the teacher required to be evaluated on? |
School-wide student growth/achievement
Professional practice (Active, successful student participation in the learning process, Learner-centered instruction, Evaluation and feedback on student progress, Management of student discipline, instructional strategies, time and material, Professional communication, Professional development, Compliance with policies, operating procedures and requirements)
pp. 47-51.
|
| Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators? |
No
pp. 26 & 27.
|
| Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review? |
Yes - optional observation and rating by department or grade level chair
DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
p. 27.
|
| 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)? |
Written report, conference upon request
p. 27.
|
| What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation? |
Conference with evaluator
State policy gives the teacher the right to waive the summative conference.
p. 22.
p. 5, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How many categories of ratings are there? |
4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory
p. 18.
|
| Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation? |
Yes
teachers are given a 1-week window of time
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
|
| How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects? |
n/a (effective 2016-2017, student growth counts 20%, when TX Teacher Evaluation and Support System is fully implemented)
Domain VIII is Improvement of Academic Performance Of All Students on the Campus, however, the teacher is not evaluated on objective evidence of student growth or achievement.
pp. 47-51.
TX Education Agency, TX Teacher Evaluation and Support System
|
| How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects? |
n/a
Domain VIII is Improvement of Academic Performance Of All Students on the Campus, however, the teacher is not evaluated on objective evidence of student growth or achievement.
pp. 47-51.
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Once a year
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
p. 18
p. 4, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher? |
end of 36th week of school
p. 36.
|
| What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher? |
end of year
p. 36.
|
| What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher? |
45 minutes
p. 18.
p. 4, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
|
| How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating? |
Once a year
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation? |
1
p. 18.
p. 4, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher? |
end of 36th week of school
p. 36.
|
| What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher? |
end of year
p. 36.
|
| What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation? |
45 minutes
p. 18.
p. 4, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
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? |
Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal allowed)
in accordance with Texas Education Code 150.1004
p. 25.
|
| 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? |
Other
more frequent walkthroughs and observations as needed
p. 1, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How long is the remediation process? |
case-by-case (timeline required)
p. 5, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| 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
The policy references the grievance procedure, however, it is not clear if a teacher may grieve the evaluation rating for anything other than procedural violations.
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator? |
Yes
DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Layoffs
|
| Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured? |
Other
no, if layoffs occur during school year, issue not addressed if layoffs occur at end of school year
DFF (legal) & DFFA (local). pp. 1 & 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers? |
Other
criteria applied sequentially: qualifications for current or projected assignment, performance/effectiveness, extra duty, professional teaching background, seniority
Board policy does not define the criteria used to layoff non-tenured (probationary) at the end of the year. These criteria apply only to nontenured (probationary) teachers when they are laid off during the school year as well as term contracts who are laid off at any time.
DFFA (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level? |
District level
however, seniority is the last of five criteria applied in determining order of layoffs
DFFA (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Teachers may apply for openings but there is no evidence they have recall rights.
DFFA (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Teachers may apply for openings but there is no evidence they have recall rights.
DFFA (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
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? |
8 (5 state personal, 3 local)
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year? |
8 (5 state personal, 3 local)
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
both local leave and state personal leave days carry over
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next? |
Yes
both local leave and state personal leave days carry over
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate? |
50 days for local leave, no maximum for state personal
Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave? |
3, or when deemed necessary by the superintendent/supervisor, or when there is a questionable pattern of absence
Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Professional Development Leave
|
| Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
|
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? |
assault leave, jury duty, court subpoena, military (15 days)
Board Policies DEC (legal), pp. 3 & 4& DECB (legal), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)? |
n/a; there is no collective bargaining unit
|
|
Attendance Incentives
|
| When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal? |
when the teacher tries to exceed three consecutive workdays for state personal leave
Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| 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? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
$40-$55 for unused state and local leave days depending on the total number of eligible local leave days earned; 35-50% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay or $40 for each day depending on the total number of eligible state leave days earned
An employee who has remaining at retirement at least:
-75% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $55 for each unused local leave day; 75% of state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 50 percent of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
-50-74% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $50 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 35% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
- less than 50% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $40 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned shall be paid $40 for each eligible state leave day.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much? |
Yes
$40-$55 for unused state and local leave days depending on the total number of eligible local leave days earned; 35-50% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay or $40 for each day depending on the total number of eligible state leave days earned
An employee who has remaining at retirement at least:
-75% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $55 for each unused local leave day; 75% of state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 50 percent of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
-50-74% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $50 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned
shall be paid for each eligible state leave day at a rate of 35% of the employee’s final daily rate of pay.
- less than 50% of the total number of local leave days the employee earned in the District shall be paid $40 for each unused local leave day; state leave days earned shall be paid $40 for each eligible state leave day.
Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Transfers
|
| Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions? |
issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| 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
DK (local), p. 1 & DK (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| 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? |
best interests of school district
DK (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
|
| Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority? |
Seniority is only one of the factors considered.
DK (local), pp. 2 & 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| How are teachers identified for excessing? |
multiple criteria applied in order: proper certification, academic or technical preparation needed for position, experience in district, experience in any district, evaluations (teachers on a growth plan may not be excessed)
DK (local), pp. 2 & 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
|
Placing Excessed Teachers
|
| How are excessed teachers assigned to schools? |
Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|
| 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
DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/384
|