Long Beach 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?	100% p. 5.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	100% p. 5.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, $11,392 for employee only; $20,836 for employee +1; $26,166 for family p. 5. Past Policy yes, $11,196 for employee only; $20,478 for employee +1; $25,716 for family p. 5. Past Policy yes, $10,817 for employee only, $19,785 for employee +1, $24,846 for family Beginning January 1, 2014, the district has put limitations in place which restrict the annual increase in premium contributions to 3.5% per year. If premiums increase by more than 3.5% the additional costs are the responsibility of the employee. p. 5. Past Policy no, beginning January 1, 2014, the district has put limitations in place which restrict the annual increase in premium contributions to 3.5% per year. If premiums increase by more than 3.5% the additional costs are the responsibility of the employee. p. VI-4, Art. VI, B.2. Past Policy no, the district will pay no dollar amount greater than the maximum premium equivalent paid to fund the comprehensive plan carrier. Beginning January 1, 2014, the district has put limitations in place which restrict the annual increase in premium contributions to 3.5% per year. If premiums increase by more than 3.5% the additional costs are the responsibility of the employee. p. 2, 3.
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?	March 1 p. VIII-2, Art. VIII.A.6.
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?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.3.h.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.4.a.
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?	yes; for participants who are advanced to the District Candidacy Program for National Board certification, the District shall provide compensation for all assessment fee expenses and one retake in a section not funded by alternative resources Teachers may also apply to the California State Department of Education to participate in the Candidate Subsidy Program, which provides a $1,000 subsidy. pp. D-1 & D-2, App. D.6.

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?	K: 600 hours (instructional); grades 1-3: 840 hours (instructional); grades 4-5: 900 hours (instructional); grades 6-12: 1080 hours (instructional) If grades 7 & 8 are in a K-8 school they must have a minimum of 900 hours. p. V-6, Art. V.A.13.
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?	K: 3 hours, 20 minutes (instructional); grades 1-3: 4 hours, 40 minutes (instructional); grades 4-5: 5 hours (instructional); grades 6-8: 6 hours (instructional) Calculated by dividing the total instructional hours for students (K: 600 hours; grades 1-3: 840 hours; grades 4-5: 900 hours; grades 6-8: 1,080) by the number of student days (180). p. V-6, Art. V.A.13.
How long is the school day for secondary students?	6 hours (instructional) Calculated by dividing the total instructional hours for students (1,080) by the number of student days (180). p. V-6, Art. V.A.13.
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	at least 8 hours The contract specifies at least an 8 hour workday, but includes both on-site and off-site duties. p. V-1, Art. V.A.1.
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)	elementary: 15 minutes (before the opening of class); secondary: teachers must report 15 minutes before the opening of class and shall be present for an additional 60 minutes weekly selected at the professional discretion of the teacher pp. V-1 & 2, Art. V.A.2 & 3.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	40 minutes on dates identified by the district; dates should be scheduled for 35 times per year The district has identified Thursday as the regular preparation day. p. V-5, Art. V.A.10.d.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	one period per day p. V-2, Art. V.A.3.
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?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; K: 32; 1-3: 30; 4-12: 35 (for 6-12, grade 6 core classes and English classes capped at 35 students; foreign language, science, social studies and mathematics classes capped at 37 students; all other classes are capped at between 39-54) K-3 and 3-4 combination classes are limited to 28 students and 4-5 combination classes are limited to 33 students. p. X-1, Art. X.A.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other a return to the maximum is required within 20 days of exceeding the limit p. X-2, Art. X.C.

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% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 1.35%; master's lane: 1.79% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 1.35%; master's lane: 1.79%
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)	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)	1.5% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy 4.6% Past Policy 1.57% Past Policy 4.39% Past Policy 1.8% The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$8,373 Past Policy $7,513 Past Policy $7,513 Past Policy 7,513 Past Policy 7,294 Past Policy 7,294 Past Policy 7,093 Past Policy 5,316 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect.
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	5: BA, BA+28, BA+56 or MA, BA+56 with MA or MA+28, BA+75 with MA or MA+45
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)?	30
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$56,565 Past Policy $51,306 Past Policy $51,306 Past Policy 51,306 Past Policy 49,812 Past Policy 49,812 Past Policy 48,444 Past Policy 44,627 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 47,653 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$59,157 Past Policy $53,657 Past Policy $53,657 Past Policy 53,657 Past Policy 52,094 Past Policy 52,094 Past Policy 50,663 Past Policy 52,094 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 49,837 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$82,799 Past Policy $75,101 Past Policy $75,101 Past Policy 75,101 Past Policy 73,118 Past Policy 73,118 Past Policy 71,302 Past Policy 66,118 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 70,252
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$56,568 Past Policy $51,309 Past Policy $51,309 Past Policy 51,309 Past Policy 49,815 Past Policy 49,815 Past Policy 48,446 Past Policy 46,180 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 47,656
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$65,166
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$93,898 Past Policy $85,168 Past Policy $85,168 Past Policy 85,169 Past Policy 82,892 Past Policy 82,892 Past Policy 80,807 Past Policy 75,892 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 79,603
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?	$106,308; BA+75 w/MA or MA+45; 30 Past Policy $96,425; BA+75 w/MA or MA+45; 29 Past Policy $96,425; BA+75 w/MA or MA+45; 29 Past Policy 96,425; BA+75 w/MA or MA+45; 29 Past Policy 93,820; BA+75 w/MA or MA+45; 29 Past Policy 93, 820; 2 years above MA / MA+45; 29 Past Policy 91,435; 2 years educational experience above MA or MA+45; 29
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?	teachers with national board certification and designated master teacher status as well as an effective rating for the most recent evaluation shall receive additional compensation at the rate of 5% of the base salary p. 10 (pdf), App. D.10.
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 who work and reside on Catalina Island are eligible for a salary addition, a travel expense allowance, and, upon employee request, up to $250 for moving possessions and an automobile to Catalina p. VI-2, Art. VI, A.7.a & b.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, bilingual and special education teachers who are approved for additional assignments beyond the normal work day/year earn stipends not to exceed $1,000 p. B-1, App. B.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, 5% of base salary; teachers with National Board certification may also choose to serve as master teachers and, if they have an effective rating on their most recent evaluation, receive another 5% of base salary for approximately 60 additional hours of work p. D-2, App. D.10.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	amount not specified but it is based upon the teacher periods of instruction within the department p. B-1, App. B.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Yes District website - Non-credentialed Teacher Salary Schedule: bit.ly/1RfXblX
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 "when the experience will contribute directly to the effectiveness of the major assignment for which the applicant is being considered"; 4 steps Two years of experience under this provision are evaluated as equal to one step on the salary schedule. p. B-2, App. B.A.2.a.
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	Yes, 20, 25, 30 years

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 may begin at any time and continue throughout the subsequent school year; consequences of unsatisfactory remediation not defined p. III-1, Art. III.B & p. XI-2, Art. XI.B.5.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law, CA Education Code 44944 p. III-1, Art. III.B.3.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	district acknowledges state law, CA Education Code 44944 p. III-1, Art. III.B.3.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	district acknowledges state law, CA Education Code 44944 p. III-1, Art. III.B.3.
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	district acknowledges state law, CA Education Code 44944 p. III, Art. III.B.3.

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Professional development plan ("Setting of objectives/Action plan") Professional practice p. XII-2, Art. XII.E&G.
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?	No p. XII-1, Art. XII.B.
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. XII-2, Art. XII.G.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. XII-3, Art. XII.H.
How many categories of ratings are there?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	n/a The use of standardized test norms is prohibited. p. XII-1, Art. XII.A & p. XII-2, Art. XII.G.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	n/a p. XII-1, Art. XII.A & p. XII-2, Art. XII.G.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. XII-1, Art. XII.A.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3 formal p. XII-2, Art. XII.G.
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?	no later than 30 calendar days prior to last day of school p. XII-3, Art. XII.H.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other 1x/2 yrs; 1x/5yrs for teacher with 10+ yrs. experience and previous satisfactory evaluation p. XII-1, Art. XII.A.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3 - may be reduced to 2 or 1 by mutual consent if teacher's performance is clearly satisfactory p. XII-2, Art. XII.G.
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?	no later than 30 calendar days prior to last day of school p. XII-3, Art. XII.H.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 may begin at any time and continue throughout the subsequent school year; consequences of unsatisfactory remediation not defined p. III-1, Art. III.B & p. XI-2, Art. XI.B.5.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes (Consulting Teacher through Peer Assistance and Review) p. XI-2, Art. XI.D.1.b. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district has appointed a committee to develop recommendations for the reestablishment of a Peer Assistance and Review program. Recommendations must be submitted to the district by April 15, 2016. Under PAR, a teacher would be assigned a consulting teacher. p. 6(pdf), Art. XI.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other multiple observations by the Consulting Teacher p. XI-9, Art. XI.F.4. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district has appointed a committee to develop recommendations for the reestablishment of a Peer Assistance and Review program. Under PAR, there would, presumably, be multiple observations by a Consulting Teacher plus additional observations by an administrator (p. XI-9, Art. XI.4 of 2014-2015 contract). p. 6(pdf), Art. XI.
How long is the remediation process?	remediation through Peer Assistance and Review may begin any time during the school year and continue throughout the subsequent school year p. XI-2, Art. XI.B.5. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district has appointed a committee to develop recommendations for the reestablishment of a Peer Assistance and Review program. Under PAR, the teacher may be referred to PAR after an unsatisfactory interim or final evaluation. Participation in PAR continues throughout the next school year. (Art XI of 2014-2015 contract) p. 6(pdf), Art. XI.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	No p. XII-4, Art. XII.K.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The option of a second evaluation is not not addressed, however, teacher may request additional observation by evaluator and another manager selected by teacher from list of approved observers. p. XII-2, Art. XII.G.5.

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes in accordance with state law p. 6.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. in accordance with state law p. 6.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 6.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	March 15 in accordance with state law p. 9.
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 in accordance with state law pp. 12 & 13.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	tenured - 39 months; non-tenured - 24 months in accordance with state law pp. 12 & 13.

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?	12.4 (10.4 sick days, 7 of which can be used as personal days; 2 imminent death leave days) Personal leave may only be used for the following reasons: death of a member of the immediate family, accident involving the employee's (or employee's immediate family) person or property, appearance in court, appearance as a witness, paternity leave, illness in the immediate family, natural catastrophe, compelling personal reasons (maximum of 5 days per year). pp. VII-4 & VII-5, Art. VII.2 & 3.b & p. VII-6, Art. VII.4.a. Past Policy 12.2 (10.2 sick days, 7 of which can be used as personal days; 2 imminent death leave days) Personal leave may only be used for the following reasons: death of a member of the immediate family, accident involving the employee's (or employee's immediate family) person or property, appearance in court, appearance as a witness, paternity leave, illness in the immediate family, natural catastrophe, compelling personal reasons (maximum of 5 days per year). p. 2 (pdf), Art. VII.C.3.a & p. 4 (pdf), Art. VII.C.4. Past Policy 12.2 (10.2 sick days, 7 of which can be used as personal days; 2 imminent death leave days) Personal leave may only be used for the following reasons: death of a member of the immediate family, accident involving the employee's (or employee's immediate family) person or property, appearance in court, appearance as a witness, paternity, illness in the immediate family, natural catastrophe, compelling personal reasons (maximum of 5 days per year). p. V-9, Art. 5.B.1.a & pp. VII-4-6, Art. VII.C.3 & 4. Past Policy 12.5 (10.5 sick days, 7 of which can be used as personal days; 2 imminent death leave days) p. VII-4-6, Art. VII.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10.4 (10.4 sick, 7 personal taken from sick leave) Personal leave may only be used for the following reasons: death of a member of the immediate family, accident involving the employee's (or employee's immediate family) person or property, appearance in court, appearance as a witness, paternity leave, illness in the immediate family, natural catastrophe, compelling personal reasons (maximum of 5 days per year). p. VII-5, Art. VII.3.b & p. VII-6, Art. VII.4.a. Past Policy 10.2 (10.2 sick, 7 personal taken from sick leave) Personal leave may only be used for the following reasons: death of a member of the immediate family, accident involving the employee's (or employee's immediate family) person or property, appearance in court, appearance as a witness, paternity leave, illness in the immediate family, natural catastrophe, compelling personal reasons (maximum of 5 days per year). p. 2 (pdf), Art. VII.C.3.a & p. 4 (pdf), Art. VII.C.4. Past Policy 10.2 (10.2 sick, 7 personal taken from sick leave) Personal leave may only be used for the following reasons: death of a member of the immediate family, accident involving the employee's (or employee's immediate family) person or property, appearance in court, appearance as a witness, paternity, illness in the immediate family, natural catastrophe, compelling personal reasons (maximum of 5 days per year). p. V-9, Art. 5.B.1.a & pp. VII-4-6, Art. VII.C.3 & 4. Past Policy 10.5 (10.5 sick, 7 personal taken from sick leave) p. VII-4 & 5, Art. VII.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.3.h.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.4.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.3.h.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	number of days not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents, may request documentation from district-approved doctor p. VII-5, Art. VII.C.3.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid educational meeting leave; paid (50%) sabbatical leave available per state law Employees must have served seven consecutive years in the district to be eligible for sabbatical leave. p. VII-11, Art. VII.C.11 & pp. VII-12 & VII-13, Art. VII.C.12 & 13.g.
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), judicial (jury duty, court subpoena), industrial injury and illness leave (60 days) Five days of bereavement are granted if the funeral is attended out of state, or if more than 200 miles one way is traveled. p. VII-4, Art. VII.C.1; p. VII-8, Art. VII.C.7.a; p. VII-11, Art. VII.C.11.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 200 days per fiscal year available for collective use by bargaining unit p. IV-6, Art. IV.H.1.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	elective or cosmetic surgery; first or last week of work year; elementary parent conferences; report card periods; immediately before/after holidays; middle/high school teachers: last week of first semester or first week of second semester Sick leave shall not normally be taken for minor elective or cosmetic surgery. Exceptions may be approved by the district physician. p. VII-1, Art. VII.A.3; p. VII-5, Art. VII.C.3.f.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.4.a.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Unused sick leave is converted to retirement credit. p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.3.h.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. VII-6, Art. VII.C.4.a.

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 educational meeting leave; paid (50%) sabbatical leave available per state law Employees must have served seven consecutive years in the district to be eligible for sabbatical leave. p. VII-11, Art. VII.C.11 & pp. VII-12 & VII-13, Art. VII.C.12 & 13.g.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	2 years New Teacher Support: http://www.lbusd.k12.ca.us/Departments/Teacher_Induction/support.cfm
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents New Teacher Support: https://www.lbschools.net/Departments/Teacher_Induction/support.cfm

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, in cases of excessed employees who are given priority over voluntary transfer candidates; in cases of employee initiated transfers, district seniority is a factor if other factors (not limited to district employment) are equal pp. VIII-3 & 4, Art. VIII.C.3 & p. VIII-4, Art. VIII.E.1 & 2.
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?	no, district transfer committee makes recommendation to district; the committee tries to match teachers' preferences p. VIII-1, Art. VIII.A.5.
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?	to balance staff in terms of ethnicity, gender, experience, and other qualifications p. VIII-3, Art. VIII.C.1.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. p. VIII-3, Art. VIII.C.2.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority with exceptions (gender and ethnic balance, compliance w/ state and federal requirements, continuation of curricular and co-curricular programs) p. VIII-3, Art. VIII.C.2.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places excessed teachers based on their preferences, method of placement not clear. p. VIII-4, Art. VIII.C.3.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	Yes p. XV-1, Art. XV.B.2.a.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes, proposal must be supported by 2/3 of affected bargaining unit members who actually vote on the proposal p. XV-1, Art. XV.B.2.a.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	support of the proposal from affected teachers by 2/3 vote; endorsement of principal and superintendent; endorsement of the board p. XV-1, Art. XV.B.2.a.