Los Angeles Unified School District, California

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, the district's contribution per active enrollee changes each year: in 2015: $12,401.26; in 2016: $13,207.35; in 2017: $14,012.99 pp. 390 & 391, App. F.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Policy E14: http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/6322
Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. XII.14.1.a. & b.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes p. 187, Art. XV.5.0.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	182
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	2
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ documents
How long is the school day for secondary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ documents
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	determined at site level; workday is defined as 8 hours but includes on- and off-site time, but specific schedules are determined at each school p. 30, Art. IX.1.0. & 3.0.
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)	half day Kindergarten: 40 minutes (30 minutes before school; 10 minutes after school); full day Kindergarten and elementary: 31 minutes (21 minutes before school; 10 minutes after school); middle and secondary: 13 minutes (7 minutes before school; 6 minutes after school) p. 30, Art. IX.3.1.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	40 minutes per day (outside the student day) p. 34, Art. IX.7.0.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	5 class periods per week p. 34, Art. IX.6.0.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	common planning time for middle school teachers (amount of time unspecified) p. 60, Art. IX-B.5.0.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	Class size limits vary depending on student body and school type/program so the answers here represent the range: Pre-K-3: 27 (average class size 24); 4-6: 30-36 (average class size 27-32.5); 7-8: 30-36 in academic classes and 39 in non-academic classes (average class size 27-36.25); 9-10: 30-36 in academic classes and 36-39 in non-academic classes (average class size 27-35.5); 11-12: 39 in academic and non-academic classes (average class size 35.5); 9-12: 30-33 in Magnet Schools (average class size 27-29.5) The district has MOUs for class size in both 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. These class sizes and averages are different from what is noted above (all others are the same) and apply in both 2015-2016 and 2016-17: 4-6: 34-39 (average class size 30.5-36); 7-10: 37-43 in academic classes and 46 in non-academic classes (average class size 34-42.5); 11-12: 46 in academic and non-academic classes (average class size 42.5). In 2016-2017 there are also specified maximums (no averages) for Magnet Schools: TK-3: 24-27; 4-6: 31-34, 7-12: 34-37 p. 218, Art. XVIII.2.0 & pp. 398 & 399, App. G & H.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other assignment of additional teachers; violations are subject to the grievance procedure pp. 216 & 217, Art. XVIII.1.2, 1.3 & 1.5.

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?	2.3% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 2.1% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 1.56%; master's lane: 3.03% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 1.56%; master's lane: 3.03%
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)	2.0% Past Policy 8.2% Past Policy 0.0% Past Policy 0.0% Past Policy 2.00% Past Policy 1.52% This reflects a change from 7 unpaid furlough days in 2010-2011 to 4 unpaid furlough days in 2011-2012. Past Policy -3.3% This negative 'COLA' is a result of the seven unpaid furlough days. Past Policy 0%
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	4.3% Past Policy 10.4% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 2.1% Past Policy 4.34% Past Policy 3.85% This reflects a change from 7 unpaid furlough days in 2010-2011 to 4 unpaid furlough days in 2011-2012. Past Policy -1.1% This negative 'COLA' is a result of the seven unpaid furlough days.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$4,892 Past Policy $3,174 Past Policy $2,978 Past Policy 3,289 Past Policy 4,487 Past Policy 4,398 This calculation includes a $572 stipend for teachers with a MA. Past Policy 4,333 Past Policy 4,487
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	10: BA, BA+14, BA+28, BA+42, BA+56, BA+70, BA+84, BA+98, MA (stipend pay), PhD (stipend pay) Lanes are labeled 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27; lane 20 is for a bachelor's degree.
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)?	9
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$50,368 Past Policy $49,380 Past Policy $45,637 Past Policy 45,637 Past Policy 45,637 Past Policy 44,742 This figure is based on 4 unpaid furlough days. Past Policy 44,071 Past Policy 49,441 Past Policy 45,637
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$51,645 Past Policy $50,632 Past Policy $46,794 Past Policy 46,794 Past Policy 46,794 Past Policy 45,876 This figure is based on 4 unpaid furlough days. Past Policy 45,188 Past Policy 50,694
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$57,838 Past Policy $85,378 Past Policy $78,906 Past Policy 78,906 Past Policy 52,406 Past Policy 51,378 This figure is based on 4 unpaid furlough days. Past Policy 50,608 Past Policy 56,773 Past Policy 52,406
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$51,608 Past Policy $50,608 Past Policy $46,816 Past Policy 46,816 Past Policy 45,897 This figure is based on lane 23 with 4 unpaid furlough days, plus the $572 master's stipend. Past Policy 45,210 This figure is based on lane 23 plus the master's stipend. Past Policy 50,085 Past Policy 46,762 This salary is based on Schedule 22, Step 1 + MA Differential.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$57,969 Past Policy $56,843 Past Policy $52,579 Past Policy 52,579 Past Policy 52,579 Past Policy 51,547 This figure is based on lane 23 with 4 unpaid furlough days, plus the $572 master's stipend. Past Policy 50,775 This figure is based on lane 23 plus the master's stipend. Past Policy 56,328 Past Policy 50,849 This salary is based on Schedule 22, Step 6 + MA Differential.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$67,467 Past Policy $85,962 Past Policy $79,490 Past Policy 80,074 Past Policy 61,185 Past Policy 59,985 This figure is based on lane 23 with 4 unpaid furlough days, plus the $572 master's stipend. Past Policy 59,086 This figure is based on lane 23 plus the master's stipend. Past Policy 65,651 Past Policy 58,136 This salary is based on Schedule 22, Step 10 + MA Differential.
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?	$88,253; PhD; 29 Past Policy $86,546; PhD; 29 Past Policy $80,074; PhD; 29 Past Policy $81,242; PhD; 29 This salary includes longevity payments and a PhD stipend. Past Policy $81,242; PhD; 29 This salary includes longevity payments and a PhD stipend. Past Policy $79,649; Ph.D; 29 This salary reflects longevity payments with 4 furlough days + the $1,145 PhD stipend. Past Policy $72,492; PhD; 29 This reflect highest salary with longevity payments $71,364 + $1,128 PhD stipend (reflects 7 furlough days).
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?	Yes, teachers who meet specified requirements, including satisfactory performance ratings for the last three evaluations and who have not received Notice of Unsatisfactory Service or Act in the prior five years of service can apply to be a Mentor Teacher and receive a $4,398 stipend p. 267, Art. XXVI.4.0.f & p. 270, Art. XXVI.8.1.
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"?	Yes, teachers participating in the Urban Classroom Teachers Program receive $1,081 per semester; the UCTP imposes many additional requirements on teachers participating in the program p. 101, Art. XI-A.6.0. Past Policy yes, teachers participating in the Urban Classroom Teachers Program receive $1,020 per semester; the UCTP imposes many additional requirements on teachers participating in the program Past Policy yes, teachers participating in the Urban Classroom Teachers Program receive $1,020 per semester; the UCTP imposes many additional requirements on teachers participating in the program Past Policy yes, teachers participating in the Urban Classroom Teachers Program receive $1,020 per semester; the UCTP imposes many additional requirements on teachers participating in the program p. 98, Art. XI. A. 6.0.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, a stipend of $3,060 is available for teachers with special bilingual education certification and who teach in a predominately minority school and $612 for those teaching in a non-predominate minority school (higher amounts are available to those prior to July 2001); a bonus of $1,530 is available to ESL teachers who teach in a predominately minority school and $306 for those teaching in a non-predominate minority school (higher amounts are available to those prior to July 2001); and new employees who meet various criteria are eligible for a bilingual differential of up to $3,000 p. 105, Art. XI.B.3.0. p. 2.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Teachers receive a 7.5% increase over the base salary plus an additional 7.5% upon completion of 92 hours of professional duties outside normal duties and hours. p. 181, Art. XIV.37 & pp. 317, 333, 349, 365, 381, App. E. p. 2.
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?	Yes p. 159, Art. XIV.8.0 & pp. 308 - 311, 324-327, 340-343, 356-359, 372-375, App. E.
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, credit is awarded only for those teaching in shortage fields and for teachers with a teaching credential that has as a requirement the completion of trade experience consonant with the subject named on the credential will receive credit; amount of credit is not specified in either case p. 164 , Art. XIV.14.d & e.
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	Yes, 14, 19, 24 and 29 years p. 171, Art. XIV.23.1 & & pp. 308 - 311, 324-327, 340-343, 356-359, 372-375, App. E.

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation is one year, consequences of unsatisfactory remediation not defined Teachers who were rated Below Standard, are referred to the Peer Assistance and Review program in the following school year during which time the teacher receives assistance from a Consulting Teacher and continues the regular one-year evaluation process with the administrator. p. 71, Art. X.11.0.a(1) & p. 73, Art. X.13.0.d.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law (CA Education Code 44930 - 44988) Board Policy D3: http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/6322
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	district acknowledges state law (CA Education Code 44930 - 44988) Board Policy D3: http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/6322
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	district acknowledges state law (CA Education Code 44930 - 44988) Board Policy D3: http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/6322
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	district acknowledges state law (CA Education Code 44930 - 44988) Board Policy D3: http://achieve.lausd.net/Page/6322

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement Professional Development Plan ("Growth Plan") Professional practice (Planning and Preparation, Classroom environment, Delivery of instruction, Additional professional responsibilities, Professional growth) pp. 3 & 6. pp. 65 & 66, Art. X.4.1.a-e, p. 302, App. B.2.0.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	No p. 64, Art. X.2.0.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	Yes - optional observation and feedback without rating to administrator The administrator is ultimately responsible for the evaluation but s/he might seek input from others including department chairs. That teacher has the right to refuse to evaluate a fellow teacher but may not refuse to participate in classroom visits, guidance or assistance. (The 2014-2017 contract acknowledges a working committee which is developing a new evaluation system due for full implementation in 2016-2017. Until that time, Art X. of the 2008-2011 contract and the 2013 supplement to Art. X, are in effect unless otherwise noted by Att. G of the 2014-2017 contract.) p. 64, Art. X.2.0.
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. 67, Art. X.5.0.a.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 23.
How many categories of ratings are there?	3: Exceeds Standards, Meets Standards, Below Standard p. 67, Art. X.6.0.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Yes The pre-observation conference gives evidence that the formal observation is scheduled. p. 11.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	n/a: STP (Student Progress Data) and AGT (Academic Growth over Time) data is used to inform the teacher's performance objectives and strategies; their results are not used in the final evaluation p. 300, App. B.1.1.a-e & p. 302, App. B.2.0.a.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	n/a, student achievement results in periodic/benchmark assessment data, assessment data that documents pupil performance (e.g. development reading assessment, qualitative reading inventory), Pre- and post-assessment data, Curriculum-based examinations Periodic/benchmark assessment data, assessment data that documents pupil performance (e.g. development reading assessment, qualitative reading inventory, etc), Pre- and post-assessment data, Curriculum-based examinations are all used to inform a teacher's performance objectives and strategies. Teachers do not receive a rating based on these outcomes. p. 300, App. B.1.1.a-f & p. 302, App. B.2.0.a.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 64, Art. X.3.0.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2: 1 formal observation, 1 informal growth plan visit pp. 66 & 67, Art. X.5.0.a & c. p. 4.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	last workday of the 6th week of the second semester or February 17, 2017 The contractual deadline is the last workday of the 6th week of the second semester (which is February 17 in 2017). If the teacher's formal observation is in the fall, it is recommended that the teacher be observed by 11/4/2016. p. 66 & 67, Art. X.5.0.a. p. 4.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	evaluation report: 30 calendar days before last school day or May 9, 2017 p. 67, Art. X.6.0. p. 5.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	1 full lesson p. 14.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other once every two years except for satisfactory tenured teachers with ten or more years - once every, three, four or five years In the case of permanent employees who are deemed “highly qualified” under 20 U.S.C. Section 7801, and have been employed by the District for at least 10 years, the period between evaluations may, in the joint discretion of the evaluator and the employee, be extended beyond the two-year period so that the evaluation may be made once in a three, four, or five-year period subject to certain limitations. p. 64, Art. X.3.0.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2: 1 formal classroom observation, 1 informal growth plan visit pp. 66 & 67, Art. X.5.0.a & c. p. 4.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	last workday of the 6th week of the second semester or February 17, 2017 The contractual deadline is the last workday of the 6th week of the second semester (which is February 17 in 2017). If the teacher's formal observation is in the fall, it is recommended that the teacher be observed by 11/4/2016. pp. 66 & 67, Art. X.5.0.a. p. 4.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	evaluation report: 30 calendar days before last school day or May 9, 2017 p. 67, Art. X.6.0. p. 5.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	1 full lesson p. 14.
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation is one year, consequences of unsatisfactory remediation not defined Teachers who were rated Below Standard, are referred to the Peer Assistance and Review program in the following school year during which time the teacher receives assistance from a Consulting Teacher and continues the regular one-year evaluation process with the administrator. p. 71, Art. X.11.0.a(1) & p. 73, Art. X.13.0.d.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes, a Consulting Teacher through Peer Assistance and Review The Consulting Teacher must provide up to 240 hours of direct assistance to the teacher. p. 71, Art. X.11.0.a(1).
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other "regular" classroom visits and observations by the consulting teacher in addition to observations conducted by administrator (# not specified) The consulting teacher must give the teacher at least 240 hours of 1:1 assistance and review (p. 71). p. 73, Art. X.13.0.d & p. 74, Art. X.13.0.e.
How long is the remediation process?	1 year Teachers who were rated Below Standard, are referred to the Peer Assistance and Review program in the following school year during which time the teacher receives assistance from a Consulting Teacher and continues the regular one-year evaluation process with the administrator. p. 71, Art. X.11.0.a(1) & p. 73, Art. X.13.0.d.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes the evaluation is subject to a grievance only when the overall evaluation is "below standard" or if there is significant disparity between negative comments on the evaluation report and a "meets or exceeds standards" rating p. 68, Art. X.6.3.
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?	Yes p. 149, Art. XIII.3.0.b.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. The District may determine to exempt from the Reduction in Force some but not all employees in a shortage field (p. 149, Art. XIII.3.0.a) p. 149, Art. XIII.3.0.b.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 149, Art. XIII.3.0.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	14 days prior to effective termination and no later than 30 days from the date of authorization of the RIF by the board p. 150, Art. XIII.4.0.
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of layoffs p. 151, Art. XIII.7.0 & 8.0.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	39 months p. 151, Art. XIII.7.0 & 8.0.

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?	10 (10 sick days, 6 of which can be used as personal days) An additional 6 personal days can be taken from accrued sick leave to care for a sick parent, child, or spouse. Personal days can be used for things like the death of friend, a religious holiday, court appearances, imminent danger to the home, and visiting a child's school. p. 116, Art. XII.12.3 & p. 121, Art. XII.14.1.a. & b.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (10 sick, 6 personal taken from sick leave) An additional 6 personal days can be taken from accrued sick leave to care for a sick parent, child, or spouse. Personal days can be used for things like the death of friend, a religious holiday, court appearances, imminent danger to the home, and visiting a child's school. p. 116, Art. XII.12.3 & p. 121, Art. XII.14.1.a. & b.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 117, Art. XII.12.6.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. XII.14.1.a. & b.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. 117, Art. XII.12.6.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5, may request documentation from district-approved doctor p. 114, Art. XII.8.1 & p. 117, Art. XII.12.9.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid leave to attend conferences and conventions; 1 year partially paid sabbatical leave (half salary) Professional leave must not necessitate a substitute teacher (unless the employee is a speaker or official representative for the conference). The employee must have rendered satisfactory certificated service for at least seven consecutive years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. pp. 121-123, Art. XII.15.0 & p. 125, Art. XII.19.0.
Other Leave
Apart from general leave (sick, personal, and other leave for personal reasons) and professional development, what other types of paid leave does the district offer?	bereavement (3-5 days), injury-on-job (60 days), government order leaves (commissions, military, witness, jury service) Employees are granted three days of bereavement leave for immediate family; but if out of state travel is required and requested, an additional two days shall be granted. pp. 113-123, Art. XII, Sections 9-19.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 25 days per year for any individual employee p. 6, Art. IV.6.0.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	strike, demonstration, work stoppage, or reason other than those provided in the contract pp. 119-121, Art. XII.14.0 & 14.1.c.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes $25 - $1,500 The incentive payments for annual unused illness leave do not reduce or otherwise affect the employee's accumulations of unused illness days or retirement service credit for unused illness days. The bonus is based on teacher's career accrual of unused leave, number of unused days in the current year, and the schoolwide reduction in absenteeism; see chart page 135. pp. 134 & 135, Art. XII-A.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Yes $25 - $1,500, as part of the district's attendance incentive plan The incentive payments for annual unused illness leave do not reduce or otherwise affect the employee's accumulations of unused illness days or retirement service credit for unused illness days. The bonus is based on teacher's career accrual of unused leave, number of unused days in the current year, and the schoolwide reduction in absenteeism; see chart page 135. pp. 134 & 135, Art. XII-A.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. XII.14.1.a. & b.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. XII.14.1.a. & b.

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 leave to attend conferences and conventions; 1 year partially paid sabbatical leave (half salary) Professional leave must not necessitate a substitute teacher (unless the employee is a speaker or official representative for the conference). The employee must have rendered satisfactory certificated service for at least seven consecutive years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. pp. 121-123, Art. XII.15.0 & p. 125, Art. XII.19.0.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	2 years The Formative Assessment System (FAS) induction process lasts for two years, during which time a beginning teacher meets with a BTGDI mentor weekly.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	2 days Orientation applies to emergency permit holders only. p. 33, Art. IX.4.5.

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?	yes, but voluntary transfers only receive preference until April 15 p. 81, Art. XI.1.3.b.
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 p. 83, Art. XI.5.0.
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; "best interest" of district p. 81, Art. XI.2.0. Past Policy yes; "best interest" of district; racial integration Past Policy yes; "best interest" of district; racial integration p. 73, Art. XI. 2.0; p. 77, Art. XI. 3.0 Past Policy yes; "best interest" of district; racial integration p. 73, Art. XI. 2.0; p. 77, Art. XI. 3.0 Past Policy yes; "best interest" of district; racial integration pp. 73, Art. XI, 2.0; p. 77, Art. XI. 3.0
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. p. 83, Art. XI.6.0.c.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority with exceptions (special instructional skills or qualifications, teachers with 10+ years experience permitted to change subject fields, if qualified to teach, and cause displacement of a teacher with at least five fewer years seniority, disabled teachers unless new facility can accommodate their needs, Bi-lingual teachers who possess Bi-lingual Certificate of Competence, Special Education teachers allowed to change fields within Special Education department at the same site) pp. 83 & 84, Art. XI.6.0.c. - f.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places excessed teachers based on their preferences, method of placement not clear. Except where otherwise provided in the Agreement, teachers shall be transferred to schools with known vacant positions (Article XI, Section 12.0) for which they are qualified by credential, subject field(s), grade level (K-6) and skills. There is a Transfer Assignment Priority lists which groups teachers into 9 groups according to their status. Displaced teachers are listed fifth in priority among the nine groups. Assignments may be made by the Personnel Division without site interviews. p. 86, Art. XI.7.0.b; p. 95, Art. XI.15.0.e; & p. 96 Art. XI.15.2.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Teachers placed in temporary assignments, placed as vacancies arise - time limit not provided pp. 94 & 95, Art. XI.14.2.

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	Yes p. 282, Art. XXVII.3.2.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes, 2/3 vote of certificated bargaining unit employees at the site p. 282, Art. XXVII.3.2.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	formal approval of each of the three: certificated bargaining unit employees at the site (by vote), the principal, and the parents/community p. 282, Art. XXVII.3.2.