Cumberland County Schools, North Carolina

National enrollment rank: 89

Labor context

Collective bargaining is explicitly illegal. Teachers may join professional association.
Teachers' union affiliation is unknown
3,503 teachers

Student demographics

51,604 students
61% 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:	20.5
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	2.8% (based only on the BA schedule)
Starting salary:	$37,618
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$55,233; BA; 25 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013)
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	value-added
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Once a year
Non-tenured	Once a year
Sick and personal days per year:	13.67-23.67 (10 sick, 2 personal [if days are used on teacher work days], 1.67-11.67 annual vacation), in accordance with state law
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Employee benefits: http://hr.ccs.k12.nc.us/employee-benefits/
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Employee benefits: http://hr.ccs.k12.nc.us/employee-benefits/
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Employee benefits: http://hr.ccs.k12.nc.us/employee-benefits/
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: 90 days in advance of intended retirement date unless health or other extenuating circumstances necessitates an earlier notice; resignation: 30 days notice Board Policy 7910: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj Board Policy 7900: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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?	Other resignation: yes, the board may recommend to revoke the teacher’s license for the remainder of the school year; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy 7900: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. One month of credit is allowed for each 20 days of unused sick leave upon retirement. One more month is allowed for any part of 20 days left over. Sick leave converted from excess annual vacation leave is also creditable. In accordance with state law p. 24 (pdf), Policy ID 4.1.(c). Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. in accordance with state law On June 30, personal leave in excess of 5 days is converted to sick leave so that a maximum of 5 days of personal leave are carried forward to July 1st. Upon retirement, any personal leave may also be converted to sick leave. p. 35 (pdf), Policy ID 5.1.1. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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 12th grade: 179
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	1,025 (instructional) Board Policy 3300: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	199 Past Policy 195 Past Policy 194 Past Policy 194
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	20.5 Past Policy 16 Past Policy 15 Past Policy 15
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	5 hours, 33 minutes (instructional) Board Regulation 3300-R1: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
How long is the school day for secondary students?	5 hours, 33 minutes (instructional) Board Regulation 3300-R1: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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?	goal of at least five hours per week Board Policy 3120: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	goal of at least five hours per week Board Policy 3120: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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) ; however, there is no additional pay for advanced degrees Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.6% (based only on the BA schedule) The calculation above is based only on the BA schedule - only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy 1.1% (based only on the BA schedule) The calculation above is based only on the BA schedule - only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary 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)	2.8% (based only on the BA schedule) The calculation above is based only on the BA schedule - only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy 9.3% (based only on the BA schedule) The calculation above is based only on the BA schedule - only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant 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)	5.3% (based only on the BA schedule) The calculation above is based only on the BA schedule - only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy 10.5% (based only on the BA schedule) The calculation above is based only on the BA schedule - only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$0; only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	1 - only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule
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 Past Policy 37
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$37,618
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$39,868 Past Policy $39,118 Past Policy $36,500 Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. p. 2.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$55,233 Past Policy $55,052 Past Policy $50,00 Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. p. 2.
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$37,618 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$39,868 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy $39,118 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy $36,500 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. p. 2.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$55,233 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy $55,052 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy $50,000 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework for an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. p. 2.
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?	$55,233; BA; 25 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy $55,052; BA; 37 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. Past Policy $50,000; BA; 25 (assumes a teacher has not started coursework towards an advanced degree prior to August 1, 2013) Only teachers who began coursework for an advanced degree by August 1, 2013, or who received pay for an advanced degree prior to July 1, 2014, are eligible to be paid on the relevant salary schedule. p. 2.
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
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, teachers with National Board certification earn an additional 12% of their salary each month
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Yes, 10, 15, 20 and 25; in accordance with state law Longevity pay is a payment based on a percentage of a person’s annual base salary, which increases as years of service increase. Longevity pay is received annually during the month of the employee’s established anniversary date. p. 96 (pdf), Policy ID 13.1. Board Policy 7450: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj

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 low-performing schools, case-by-case, maximum 90 days (dismissal required); all other schools, case-by-case, minimum 60 days (dismissal allowed) Board Policy 7811, C.3: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj p. 19.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law Board Policy 7930: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	yes, teacher may request hearing Board Policy 7950: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	May 15- notice of intent to recommend nonrenewal; June 15 - notice of nonrenewal The board will notify the probationary teacher whose contract will not be renewed for the next school year of its decision by June 15. If, however, a teacher submitted a request for information or a hearing, the board shall provide the nonrenewal notification by July 1 or a later date upon the written consent of the superintendent and teacher. Board Policy 7950: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	district acknowledges state law Board Policy 7930: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement Professional practice (Teachers demonstrate leadership, Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population, Teachers know the content they teach, Teachers facilitate learning for the students, Teachers reflect on their own practice) pp. 35-40.
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?	Yes - observation and rating of nontenured only p. 17.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 17.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 17.
How many categories of ratings are there?	5: Distinguished, Accomplished, Proficient, Developing, Not demonstrating Standard 6 (Contribute to Academic Success) has 3 rating categories: does not meet expected growth, meets expected growth, exceeds expected growth. pp. 5 & 6.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other yes for the first formal observation, issue not addressed for additional formal observations or informal observations p. 18.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	value-added measure (must "meet expected growth" in student growth standard to pass evaluation) State law requires a sixth standard on which the teacher is rated for teacher effectiveness. The teacher must have "met expected growth" in that standard to pass the evaluation. p. 6.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	NC "Measures of Student Learning" common exams for non-tested subjects, end of course/grades assessments, analysis of student work State law requires a sixth standard on which the teacher is rated for teacher effectiveness. The teacher must have "met expected growth" in that standard to pass the evaluation. p. 6.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 17. Board Policy 7810: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4 formal (3 by principal, 1 by peer) p. 17.
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?	end of year p. 18.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	45 minutes p. 17.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year North Carolina Board of Education Policy TCP-C-004 allows for "abbreviated evaluations" of tenured teachers whereby teachers receive 2 informal observations (minimum 20 minutes each) and are only rated on standards 1, 4 & 6 (student growth). There must be a full evaluation in the licensure year. p. 17. Board Policy 7810: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3: 1 formal, 2 informal or formal North Carolina Board of Education Policy TCP-C-004 allows for "abbreviated evaluations" of tenured teachers whereby teachers receive 2 informal observations (minimum 20 minutes each) and are only rated on standards 1, 4 & 6 (student growth). There must be a full evaluation in the licensure year. p. 17.
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?	end of year p. 18.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	45 minutes p. 17.
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 low-performing schools, case-by-case, maximum 90 days (dismissal required); all other schools, case-by-case, minimum 60 days (dismissal allowed) Board Policy 7811, C.3: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj p. 19.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	low-performing schools, case-by-case, maximum 90 days; all other schools, case-by-case, minimum 60 days, may be extended up to one year Board Policy 7811, C.3: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj p. 19.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	No Board Policy 1750/7220: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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 Superintendent shall develop a plan for employing multiple factors: performance ratings, licensure, Highly Qualified Status, program enrollment, extra duty positions, seniority, degree level. Board Policy 7920: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj Board Regulation 7920-R: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Multiple criteria including performance and seniority Superintendent shall develop a plan for employing multiple factors: performance ratings, licensure, Highly Qualified Status, program enrollment, extra duty positions, seniority, degree level. Board Policy 7920: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Policy 7920: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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?	No tenured teachers names placed on list of available employees but district not required to give preference Board Policy 7920: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	n/a Board Policy 7920: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj

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?	13.67-23.67 (10 sick, 2 personal [if days are used on teacher work days], 1.67-11.67 annual vacation), in accordance with state law Third citation: p. 36 (pdf), Policy ID#: 5.1, NC Public Schools Benefits & Employment Policy Manual. Teachers can earn between 11.67-21.67 annual vacation days per year based upon the length of total state service. Ten annual vacation days are already scheduled into the calendar, so teachers have 1.67-11.67 vacation days to schedule for themselves. Employees receive two personal days at full salary less the required substitute deduction (the deduction is mandatory whether or not a substitute is employed); however, there is no substitute deduction if the teacher uses personal leave on teacher workdays. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj Human Resources: http://hr.ccs.k12.nc.us/employee-benefits/#Leave
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	13.67-23.67 (10 sick, 2 personal [if days are used on teacher work days], 1.67-11.67 annual vacation), in accordance with state law Third citation: p. 36 (pdf), Policy ID#: 5.1, NC Public Schools Benefits & Employment Policy Manual. Teachers can earn between 11.67-21.67 annual vacation days per year based upon the length of total state service. Ten annual vacation days are already scheduled into the calendar, so teachers have 1.67-11.67 vacation days to schedule for themselves. Employees receive two personal days at full salary less the required substitute deduction (the deduction is mandatory whether or not a substitute is employed); however, there is no substitute deduction if the teacher uses personal leave on teacher workdays. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj Human Resources: http://hr.ccs.k12.nc.us/employee-benefits/#Leave
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes in accordance with state law p. 22 (pdf), Policy ID#: 4.1. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes up to 5 days, in accordance with state law On June 30, personal leave in excess of five days shall be converted to sick leave so that a maximum of five days of personal leave is carried forward to July 1. p. 35 (pdf), Policy ID#: 5.1. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum, in accordance with state law p. 22 (pdf), Policy ID#: 4.1. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	number of days not specified; the superintendent or designee may require a statement from a medical doctor or other acceptable proof that the employee was unable to work due to illness p. 22 (pdf), Policy ID#: 4.1. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 15 days for educational/professional leave, but substitute pay must be deducted from the teacher’s salary Leave days for educational leave (graduate or certification programs) shall not exceed 10 of the total days. Board Regulation 7510-R: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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?	military (15 days); community responsibility (to represent school at a funeral of a school child or his parent); jury duty; court subpoena; episode of violence (1 year); contagious disease; suspension with pay (90 days); in accordance with state law Policy ID's 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 10.1. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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?	the first work day; required teacher workdays; state testing days; day before/after a holiday or scheduled vacation day; if request is made with less than 5 days notice Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No in accordance with state law With one exception, payout of sick leave is not allowed. To qualify for the exception and be paid a lump sum for unused sick leave, the employee must: be approved for long-term disability; be unable to apply the sick leave toward retirement. p. 24 (pdf), Policy ID 4.1.11. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No in accordance with state law p. 36 (pdf), Policy ID 5.1.3.(d). Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. One month of credit is allowed for each 20 days of unused sick leave upon retirement. One more month is allowed for any part of 20 days left over. Sick leave converted from excess annual vacation leave is also creditable. In accordance with state law p. 24 (pdf), Policy ID 4.1.(c). Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. in accordance with state law On June 30, personal leave in excess of 5 days is converted to sick leave so that a maximum of 5 days of personal leave are carried forward to July 1st. Upon retirement, any personal leave may also be converted to sick leave. p. 35 (pdf), Policy ID 5.1.1. Board Policy 7510: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 15 days for educational/professional leave, but substitute pay must be deducted from the teacher’s salary Leave days for educational leave (graduate or certification programs) shall not exceed 10 of the total days. Board Regulation 7510-R: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	3 years in accordance with state law NC New Teacher Support Program: http://ncntsp.northcarolina.edu/ Board Policy 7130: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	not specified CCS Human Resources "Incentives for Teachers": http://hr.ccs.k12.nc.us/incentives-2/

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 Board Policy 7440: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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?	Superintendent shall establish any necessary procedures for voluntary transfers that will ensure that sufficient qualified professional staff are assigned to each school to preserve the functional integrity of school Board Policy 7440: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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, course requirements, efforts to improve the student performance and general welfare of district Board Policy 7440: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy 7440: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
How are teachers identified for excessing?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy 7440: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Other Superintendent may assign employees in any manner s/he deems appropriate and consistent with legal requirements Board Policy 7440: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj
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 Board Policy 7440: http://bit.ly/1TuAHkj

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; collective bargaining is not allowed in this state
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	n/a; collective bargaining is not allowed in this state