Cobb County School District, Georgia

National enrollment rank: 24

Labor context

Collective bargaining is explicitly illegal. Teachers may join professional association.
Teachers do not collectively bargain with Cobb County School District.
7,203 teachers

Student demographics

111,751 students
45% 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:	180
Additional teacher work days:	Elementary & middle: 16; secondary: 13.5
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	2.4%
Starting salary:	$42,364
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$89,264; PhD; 29
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:	12.5 (12.5 sick days, 3-4 of which can be used as personal days)
Years to tenure:

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

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 is noted. District website: http://bit.ly/2rOh5jd
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	Not specified; only the employee contribution is noted. District website: http://bit.ly/2rOh5jd
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 the employee contributions. District website: http://bit.ly/2rOh5jd
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 1; Retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 17. Board Administrative Rule GAO-R: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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?	District acknowledges state law. district acknowledges O.C.G.A. 20-02-0853. Administrative Rule GARH-R: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 3, I.B.1: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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 the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	District acknowledges state law 160-5-1-.02. Board Policy AF-R & AF: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	190
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	Elementary & middle: 16; secondary: 13.5
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	District acknowledges state law 160-5-1-.02. Board Policy AF-R & AF: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
How long is the school day for secondary students?	District acknowledges state law 160-5-1-.02. Board Policy AF-R & AF: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	8 hours p. 13.
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. Teachers work a minimum of 7.5 hours each day and spend another 30 minutes a day in parent conferences, planning conferences, teacher preparation, related school activities, extracurricular activities and staff meetings. p. 13.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents. Teachers work a minimum of 7.5 hours each day and spend another 30 minutes a day in parent conferences, planning conferences, teacher preparation, related school activities, extracurricular activities and staff meetings. p. 13.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents. Teachers work a minimum of 7.5 hours each day and spend another 30 minutes a day in parent conferences, planning conferences, teacher preparation, related school activities, extracurricular activities and staff meetings. p. 13.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents. Teachers work a minimum of 7.5 hours each day and spend another 30 minutes a day in parent conferences, planning conferences, teacher preparation, related school activities, extracurricular activities and staff meetings. p. 13.

Class Size questions

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

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane)
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.5%
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)	2.4% Past Policy 4.8% Past Policy 3.6% Past Policy -1.6% Decrease in pay is due to the increase in the number of furlough days. Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy -2.6% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 2.1-2.2% 2007-2008 Salary Schedule, 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	4.0% Past Policy 6.6% Past Policy 5.3% Past Policy -0.2% Decrease in pay is due to the increase in the number of furlough days. Past Policy 1.47% Past Policy 1.47% Past Policy 1.5% This answer does not account for a reduction in pay due to furlough days. 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$7,215 Past Policy $7,039 Past Policy $6,701 Past Policy 6,460 Past Policy 6,565 Past Policy 6,565 Past Policy 6,635 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 6,635 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA, Specialist, PhD
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)?	29
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$42,364 Past Policy $41,330 Past Policy $39,347 Past Policy 37,932 Past Policy 38,548 Past Policy 38,548 Past Policy 38,958 This answer does not account for a reduction in pay due to furlough days. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 38,958 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 39,962 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$45,091 Past Policy $43,991 Past Policy $41,880 Past Policy 40,374 Past Policy 41,029 Past Policy 41,029 Past Policy 41,465 This answer does not account for a reduction in pay due to furlough days. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 41,465 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 42,534 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$63,568 Past Policy $62,018 Past Policy $59,042 Past Policy 56,919 Past Policy 57,842 Past Policy 57,842 Past Policy 58,457 This answer does not account for a reduction in pay due to furlough days. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 58,457 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 59,964 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$46,841 Past Policy $45,698 Past Policy $43,506 Past Policy 41,941 Past Policy 42,622 Past Policy 42,622 Past Policy 43,075 This answer does not account for a reduction in pay due to furlough days. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 43,075 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,185 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$51,333 Past Policy $50,081 Past Policy $47,678 Past Policy 45,964 Past Policy 46,709 Past Policy 46,709 Past Policy 47,206 This answer does not account for a reduction in pay due to furlough days. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,206 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,423 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$72,116 Past Policy $70,357 Past Policy $66,981 Past Policy 64,573 Past Policy 65,620 Past Policy 65,620 Past Policy 66,318 This answer does not account for a reduction in pay due to furlough days. 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 66,318 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 68,028 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the maximum annual salary available to teachers? What are the education requirements for this salary? In what year of service will a teacher receive this salary?	$89,264; PhD; 29 Past Policy $87,087; PhD; 29 Past Policy $82,908; PhD; 29 Past Policy 79,928; PhD; 29 Past Policy 81,224; PhD; 29 Past Policy 81,224; PhD; 29
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes See also 2016-2017 Employee Handbook, page 21. Board Policy GBA-R, p. 4, G.9: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating See also 2016-2017 Employee Handbook, page 21. Board Policy GBA-R, p. 4, G.9: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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?	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?	$690 base supplement + $43 x number of teachers in division; teachers may be asked by the principal to work an additional three days and teachers will be compensated at the daily rate; those with 5 or more years experience will get a 20% increase above the base supplement Past Policy 3 days at daily rate + $673 base supplement + $42 x number of teachers in division; those with 5 or more years experience will get a 20% increase above the base supplement Past Policy 3 days at daily rate + $647 base supplement + $40 x number of teachers in division; those with 5 or more years experience will get a 20% increase above the base supplement Past Policy 3 days at daily rate + $641 base supplement + $40 x number of teachers in division; those with 5 or more years experience will get a 20% increase above the base supplement Past Policy 3 days at daily rate + $641 base supplement + $40 x number of teachers in division Those with 5 or more years experience will get a 20% increase above the base supplement. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record pp. 14 & 19.
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 4 weeks (dismissal allowed) At a minimum, a Remediation Plan or Performance Improvement Plan shall last at least four (4) weeks. The Remediation Plan or PIP should be extended if necessary. Board Policy GARI-R, p. 2, D.4: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	District acknowledges state law, the Georgia Fair Dismissal Act (GA Act 20-2-940). p 14.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	District acknowledges state law, GA Fair Dismissal Act (Code Section 20-2-942). p. 14.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	District acknowledges state law, GA Fair Dismissal Act (Code Section 20-2-942). p. 14.
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 (30%) Professional growth (20%) Professional practice (50%: Planning, Instructional delivery; Assessment of and for learning; Learning environment; Professionalism; Communication) pp. 6 & 8. Past Policy Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice (50%: Planning, Instructional delivery, Assessment of and for learning, Learning environment, Professionalism and communication) pp. 7 & 19. Past Policy Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice (50%: Planning, Instructional delivery, Assessment of and for learning, Learning environment, Professionalism and communication) pp. 7 & 19.
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
Does the evaluation include student input?	Other Optional, at discretion of district (unclear if Cobb has opted to use surveys) p. 3. Past Policy Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating Student surveys are used to inform the teacher's rating on the formative assessment (i.e. instructional practice) which comprises 50% of the teacher's summative rating. p. 13. Past Policy Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating Student surveys are used to inform the teacher's rating on the formative assessment which comprises 50% of the teacher's summative rating. p. 14 Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Other Written commentary "strongly recommended"; conference not required immediately following observation, however, a mid-year conference which addresses the observation, is required. pp. 11 - 13.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 14.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exemplary, Proficient, Needs Development, Ineffective p. 20.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced at the discretion of the district It is not clear if Cobb County has elected to have announced or unannounced observations or a combination thereof. p. 11.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	Student growth percentile measures provided by GA DOE (counts 30%) pp. 6 & 16. Past Policy student growth percentile - Georgia growth model (counts 50%) p. 16. Past Policy yes (counts 50%) pp. 17-19 Past Policy no
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	Locally developed measures (count 30%) LEA Determined Measure(s): For teachers of non-SGP grades and courses, this component is comprised of LEA Determined Measure(s) which may be Student Learning Objectives, the School or District Mean Growth Percentile, or another measure identified or developed and implemented by the LEA. It is not clear which measures Cobb County has opted to use. pp. 6 & 16. Past Policy district-developed and DOE approved Student Learning Objectives (counts 50%) p. 16. Past Policy district-designed and DOE-approved Student Learning Objectives pp. 17 & 18 Past Policy n/a
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 5.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	6: 2 formal (formative), 4 informal (walkthroughs) Walkthrough observations shall be at least ten minutes in duration based on a limited number of Performance Standards. Formative observations shall be at least thirty minutes in duration and are based on all ten performance standards. p. 11.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There is a mid-year conference by which time presumably at least one observation will have taken place. p. 11.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May p. 9.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 11.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 5.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2: 1 informal (walkthrough), 1 formal (formative) (recommended by state) The state requires two observations of the tenured teacher who was previously rated at least proficient (6 observations required for teacher previously rated less than proficient). Observations may be formal and/or informal at the discretion of the district. It is unclear whether the district has opted to follow the state's recommendation of 1 formal and 1 informal. p. 12. Past Policy 6: 2 formal (formative), 4 informal (walkthroughs) Each formative observation will be directly tied to a formative assessment. Once the formative observation has occurred, evaluators shall consider all observations (including walkthroughs) and documentation to rate the ten Performance Standards using the performance appraisal rubrics. p. 10. Past Policy 6: 2 formal (formative), 4 informal (walkthroughs) p. 10 Past Policy 1 p. 2 Past Policy 1
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There is a mid-year conference by which time presumably at least one observation will have taken place. p. 9.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May p. 9.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes p. 12.
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 4 weeks (dismissal allowed) At a minimum, a Remediation Plan or Performance Improvement Plan shall last at least four (4) weeks. The Remediation Plan or PIP should be extended if necessary. Board Policy GARI-R, p. 2, D.4: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GARI-R, p. 2, D: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other Formal observations limited to no more than two per week. Board Policy GARI-R, p. 2, D.6: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
How long is the remediation process?	4 weeks at a minimum Board Policy GARI-R, p. 2, D.4: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	No Administrative Rule GAE(2)-R p. 1, C.2.: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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 In accordance with state law (OCGA 20-20-948) performance, taking into account a teacher's performance over the past three years, must be the top criterion unless an entire program is being eliminated. Board Policy GAKA: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Performance is the preponderant criterion. In accordance with state law (OCGA 20-20-948) performance, taking into account a teacher's performance over the past three years, must be the top criterion unless an entire program is being eliminated. Board Policy GAKA: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	Other Seniority is not a factor unless an entire program is being eliminated. Board Administrative Rule GAKA: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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?	12.5 (12.5 sick days, 3-4 of which can be used as personal days) Employees with less than 15 years experience can use three days for personal reasons; employees with may 15 or more years of service are given four personal days. Sick leave days are calculated based on 1.25 sick leave days per month, multiplied by 10 months. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 1, I.A.1.a & Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 3, I.B.1: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12.5 (12.5 sick days, 3-4 of which can be used as personal days) Employees with less than 15 years experience can use three days for personal reasons; employees with may 15 or more years of service are given four personal days. Sick leave days are calculated based on 1.25 sick leave days per month, multiplied by 10 months. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 1, I.A.1.a & Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 3, I.B.1: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 1, I.A.1.e: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 3, I.B.1: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	120 Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 1, I.A.1.e: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5 consecutive and/or 7 non-consecutive within a school year; when absences seem to have a pattern (Mondays and/or Fridays) Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 2, I.A.4: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/ Past Policy at any time if the employee’s attendance has been the subject of disciplinary action and the employee has been notified in advance of the requirement p. 2, Administrative Rule GARH-R.I.A.2.c: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/ Past Policy At any time if the employee’s attendance has been the subject of disciplinary action and the employee has been notified in advance of the requirement Administrative Rule GARH-R p. 2: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/ Past Policy 5 consecutive, or 7 non-consecutive, or if there is a pattern (series of Monday/Friday absences), may request documentation from district-approved doctor Administrative Rule GARH-R p. 2, B.1.f.(2) & (3): http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/ Past Policy 5 consecutive or 7 non-consecutive or if there is a pattern such as a series of Monday/Friday absences Administrative Rule GCC. B. 1. (f) (2): http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/ Past Policy 5 consecutive or 7 non-consecutive or if there is a pattern such as a series of Monday/Friday absences p. 27
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 (amount unspecified) to attend work-related conferences, seminars, or training sessions, if directed by their supervisor Employees who wish to attend conferences of their own choice would use Personal Leave. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 4, I.D.3: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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?	Jury duty, court subpoena, military (18 days) Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 4, I.D.1 & I.D.5.: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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. Collective bargaining is not allowed in this state. The district's relationship with the union does not provide for traditional union privileges that are found in other states.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	10% or more of staff are absent, "critical needs days" determined by district leadership/principal (which typically include pre/post planning days, first and last work days, days before/after holidays, standardized testing days, special events) Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 3, I.B.3: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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 Administrative Rule GARH-R: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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 Administrative Rule GARH-R: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 3, I.B.1: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	District acknowledges state law. district acknowledges O.C.G.A. 20-02-0853. Administrative Rule GARH-R: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 3, I.B.1: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/

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 (amount unspecified) to attend work-related conferences, seminars, or training sessions, if directed by their supervisor Employees who wish to attend conferences of their own choice would use Personal Leave. Administrative Rule GARH-R, p. 4, I.D.3: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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?	Up to 4 days p. 16. Administrative Rule GBA-R, p. 4, G.10: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/ Past Policy 3 p. 16. Past Policy 3 p. 16 Past Policy 3-4 days The 4th day is optional: a $100 stipend is offered for attendance on the 4th day. p. 15 Past Policy 3-4 days The employee handbook states 3 days while the district websites states 4 days (Aug. 2-5, 2011). p. 16 Past Policy 3 days p. 16 Past Policy 3 days Aug 1-3 listed on calendar.

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?	Other District acknowledges state law, GA Fair Dismissal Act (Code Section 20-2-942). P. 14.

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 Board Administrative Rule GARF-R, p. 1, B.4: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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 the best interests of the district or for issues of harassment Board Administrative Rule GARE-R, p. 2, B.3 & 4: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. Board Administrative Rule GARE-R, p. 1, A: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Seniority with exceptions (school/program needs; ,maintenance of balance of Highly Qualifified Teachers; teachers who receive a supplement for extracurricular duties or who are the only member of a department or are the only one qualified to teach a speciality course such as A.P. calculus, are exempt) Board Administrative Rule GARE-R, pp. 1 & 3, A & E: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places teachers but method of placement is not clearly stated. Board Administrative Rule GARE-R, p. 3, C.2.c: http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/
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 collective bargaining is not allowed in this state.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	N/A; there is no district-level 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 bargaining agreement in this district.