Fresno 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 Past Policy percentage not specified; employees contribute between $84 and $276 per month and contribute an additional $10 monthly assessment fee per dependent covered up to a maximum of $40 Past Policy percentage not specified; employees contribute between $84 and $276 per month and contribute an additional $10 monthly assessment fee per dependent covered up to a maximum of $40 Past Policy percentage not specified; employees contribute between $40 and $130 per month p. 34, Art. 18. 7. F.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, the district will contribute $14,674 annually to the health fund (the district shall adjust on a monthly basis, its contribution to reflect the actual number of active eligible employees) In 2015-2016, the district will make an additional, one-time three million dollar contribution to the health fund. p. 7, 3.1. p. 27, Art. 18.3.1.
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 The board of education encourages employees to provide advance notice that is appropriate for the position they hold. TR3 Contract - July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2016 (Finalized) Board Policy 4117.2: http://www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx
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. 55, Art. 29 & pp. 55 & 56, Art. 30.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	kindergarten: 540 (total); grades 1-3: 750 (total); grades 4-6: 900 (total); 7-12: district acknowledges state law Hourly totals were calculated based off of: kindergarten: 540 hours (based on 180 minute day X 180 days); Grades 1-3: 750 hours (based on 250 minute day X 180 days); Grades 4-6: 900 hours (based on 300 minute day X 180 days); 7-12: district acknowledges state law Administrative Regulation 6112: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies Board Policy 6112: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	185
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	5
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	kindergarten: 3 hours (total); grades 1-3: 4 hours, 10 minutes (total); grades 4-6: 5 hours (total) Administrative Regulation 6112: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
How long is the school day for secondary students?	district acknowledges state law Board Policy 6112: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	8 hours (teachers have a 7 hour duty day but 8 hour work day which includes time for on and off-site responsibilities) p. 37, Art. 20, 1.1.
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)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	45 minutes per day Preparation periods of at least 45 minutes must be provided on at least 156 of the 180 traditional calendar days. p. 41, Art. 20, 5.2.2.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	480 minutes per week in blocks of no less than 30 minutes with one block of at least 45 minutes per day p. 40, Art. 20, 4.2.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	amount of time not specified, but a portion of the 8 hour work day - and after the 7 hour duty day - may include time for collaboration with peers p. 37, Art. 20, 2.1.1; p. 38, Art. 20, 2.3.2; p. 106, Art. 66.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: district acknowledges state law; K-3: teacher-pupil ratio is 1:24 subject to continued full funding of the class-size reduction program by the state of California, the ratio can be modified as permitted by changes in legislation; 4-6: 34; 7-12: 37 These numbers are guidelines rather than binding maximums. p. 8, Art. 4.8.1; p. 9, Art. 5.1.1.1; p. 9, Art. 5.2.1.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Other an instructional aide might be assigned to classes in grades K and 4-12; students might be reallocated for teachers assigned to grades 7-12 core curriculum classes; issue not addressed for grades 1-3. p. 10, Art. 5.2.1.3.2 & 2.1.3.3.

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?	1.8% There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree Past Policy 2.1% Past Policy 2.1% Past Policy 1.9% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 0% (only 1 step; a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's to advance a step); master's lane: 5.22% Past Policy bachelor's lane: n/a (since a teacher cannot advance beyond step 1 with a BA); master's lane: 5.17%
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% There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree.
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)	1.9% There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$9,602 Past Policy $9,100 Past Policy $9,100 Past Policy 8,567 Past Policy 4,701 (there is only one salary for a teacher with a bacehlor's. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree) Past Policy $100 Past Policy $100 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy $100 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?	7: BA+30, BA+45, BA+60, BA+75; MA (stipend pay); BA+90 (stipend pay); PhD (stipend pay) There is also a separate salary lane for teachers who complete 9 units of continual professional learning through the District's professional development office prior to the beginning of the school year.
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)?	Bachelor's lane: 1 (a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a BA to increase his/her salary); Master's lane: 15
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$45,366 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy $43,206 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy $43,206 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy 40,648 Past Policy 40,648 Past Policy 40,208 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$45,366 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy $43,206 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy $43,206 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy 40,648 Past Policy 40,648 (there is only one salary for a teacher with a BA. In order to increase his/her salary, additional credits beyond the BA must be earned) Past Policy 40,208 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. 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?	$45,366 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy $43,206 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy $43,206 There is only one salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree. In order to increase his/her salary and advance a step, a teacher must earn additional credits beyond a bachelor's degree. Past Policy 40,648 Past Policy 40,648 (there is only one salary for a teacher with a BA. In order to increase his/her salary, additional credits beyond the BA must be earned or, after 11 years of service a teacher will become eligible for longevity payments) Past Policy 40,208 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,648 A teacher with only a BA cannot advance past level 1 step 1. The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect.
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$45,466 Past Policy $43,306 Past Policy $43,306 Past Policy 40,748 Past Policy 40,748 Past Policy 40,308 Past Policy 40,748 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,748 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 40,748 This salary is based on Class 1 + $100.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$55,738 Past Policy $53,089 Past Policy $53,089 Past Policy 49,951 Past Policy 49,951 Past Policy 49,412 Past Policy 49,951 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 49,951 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 49,951 This salary is based on Class 1 + $100.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$60,189 Past Policy $57,328 Past Policy $57,328 Past Policy 53,947 Past Policy 49,951 Past Policy 49,412 Past Policy 49,951 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 49,951 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect. Past Policy 49,951 This salary is based on Class 1 + $100.
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?	$82,476; PhD; 15 Past Policy $78,558; PhD; 14 Past Policy $78,558; PhD; 14 Past Policy 73,934; PhD; 14 Past Policy 69,457; PhD and national board certification; 9 (there is a $200 stipend for a PhD and another $1,00 for national board certification) Past Policy 73,121; PhD; 15 Past Policy 73,917; PhD; 15 The 2007-2008 salary schedule remains in effect.
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'?	Yes, special education teachers earn bonuses of $1,500; bilingual education teachers earn bonuses of $500 p. 15, Art. 50.1.4.1 & 2.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, $1,000 annually
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$1,314.96-$4,414.18, depending on the department and experience Past Policy $917.01-$1,442.55, depending on the department and experience Past Policy $917-$2,207, depending on the department and experience p. 116, Additional Pay Schedule
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Yes p. 16, Art. 50.4.1.
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; amount of credit not specified p. 16, Art. 50.4.1.3.
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	Yes, in years 11 - 15 (the longevity bonus consists of a career increment of 1.6% of base salary each year from the 11th to 15th year to a total of 8.0% at the 15th year and thereafter)

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 90 days (dismissal allowed) If a teacher receives a rating of Not Meeting Standards for 2 consecutive years, s/he is placed on a 90-day notice remediation plan. It is unclear if dismissal is required at the conclusion of that plan should the teacher not improve. p. 10. Past Policy Other remediation occurs during school year following an unsatisfactory evaluation, consequences of inability to improve not defined p. 22, Art. 16.6.3. Past Policy 1 year (dismissal allowed) p. 13, Art. 16 Past Policy 1 year (dismissal allowed) p.24, Art. 16, Sec. 2. L.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law ( Education Code 44932 et seq) Board Policy 4117.4: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	district acknowledges state law (Education Code 44932) Board Policy 4117.4: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	district acknowledges state law (CA education code 44948.3) Board Policy 4117.4: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	district acknowledges state law (CA education code 44936) Board Policy 4117.4: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (Standard 5 of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession) Professional practice (California Standards for the Teaching Profession: Engaging and supporting all students in learning, Creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning, Understanding and organizing subject matter for student learning, Planning instruction and designing learning experiences for all students, Assessing students for learning, Developing as a professional educator) Teacher evaluation in Fresno is based entirely on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. As a component of the process, teachers must set annual goals for student learning. pp. 3, 7 & 8. p. 19, Art. 16.3.2; 2015-2016 Addendum to contract
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional Board Policy allows input from other teachers from the same or another district school, however, there is no indication that this is a routine practice. Board Policy 4115: https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other board policy permits peer observation but, as a matter of practice, supervisors observe and evaluate teachers Board Policy allows input from other teachers from the same or another district school, however, there is no indication that this is a routine practice. p. 7. Board Policy 4115:https://www.fresnou.org/sites/board/policies
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. 7. p. 20, Art. 16.5.2; 2015-2016 Addendum to contract
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 8. p. 22, Art. 16.6.2; 2015-2016 Addendum to contract
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Demonstrates Expertise, Meets Standards, Growth Expected, Not Meeting Standards 2015-2016 Addendum to contract indicates no changes to 2013-2016 contract. Note, p. 4 of the evaluation handbook cites the four rating levels as Highly Effective, Effective, Developing and Ineffective. However, elsewhere in the evaluation handbook and in the contract, it appears the ratings are as stated in NCTQ's response. p. 19, Art. 16.2.1. pp. 4, 16-58
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents 2015-2016 Addendum to the contract
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	goals for student learning assessed by district-wide benchmark assessments and objective performance-based assessments 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. pp. 7 & 8. p. 19, Art. 16.3.2.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	student learning goals assessed by pre-tests, end-of-course tests, multiple formative and District wide benchmark assessments, objective performance-based assmts; SLO's; student performance 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. pp. 7 & 8. p. 19, Art. 16.3.2.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. p. 9. p. 18, Art. 16.1.1.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 plus additional informal and walkthrough observations throughout the year (number not specified) pp. 7 & 8. Past Policy 1 p. 20, Art. 16.5.2. Past Policy 1 p. 11, Art. 16 Past Policy 1 p. 19, Art. 16, Sec. 1, 10. A.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	end of November 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. p. 7. p. 20, Art. 16.5.3.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	mid-May 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. p. 7. p. 22. Art. 16.6.2.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	1 full class period p. 20, Art. 16.5.2.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other 1x/2yrs except for teachers with 10+ years experience and satisfactory ratings - 1x/5yrs; goals for student learning required annually 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. p. 18. Art. 16.1.2. pp. 7 & 8.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 plus additional informal and walkthrough observations throughout the year (number not specified) pp. 7 & 8. Past Policy 1 p. 20, Art. 16.5.2. Past Policy 1 p. 11, Art. 16 Past Policy 1 p. 19, Art. 16, Sec. 1. 10. A.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	end of November 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. p. 7. p. 20, Art. 16.5.3.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	mid-May 2015-2016 Addendum to contract includes no changes to evaluations. p. 7. p. 22. Art. 16.6.2.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	one full class period p. 20, Art. 16.5.2.
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 90 days (dismissal allowed) If a teacher receives a rating of Not Meeting Standards for 2 consecutive years, s/he is placed on a 90-day notice remediation plan. It is unclear if dismissal is required at the conclusion of that plan should the teacher not improve. p. 10. Past Policy Other remediation occurs during school year following an unsatisfactory evaluation, consequences of inability to improve not defined p. 22, Art. 16.6.3. Past Policy 1 year (dismissal allowed) p. 13, Art. 16 Past Policy 1 year (dismissal allowed) p.24, Art. 16, Sec. 2. L.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Prior to placement on a 90-day notice remediation plan, struggling teachers might undergo more rigorous evaluations during the previous two years during which they would work under the guidance of a Veteran Coach (p. 9, Teacher Evaluation Handbook). It is not stated if the teacher would continue to work with an instructional coach during the 90-day plan.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other weekly formal observations plus weekly informal observations p. 10. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	90 days p. 10. Past Policy 1 year p. 22, Art. 6.3.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	No p. 18, Art. 16.2.2.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The teacher whose is rated "does not meet standards" following an observation may be observed by another evaluator, however, there is no evidence that a teacher may request a second evaluation after the final evaluation rating (p. 21, Art. 16.5.4.4)

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes Administrative Rule 4117.3: http://www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the preponderant criterion. Exceptions may be made to maintain racial balance. Administrative Rule 4117.3: http://www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx p. 96, Art. 5.4.3; July 1, 2013-June 30, 2016 (July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016 Addendum)
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Administrative Rule 4117.3: www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	district acknowledges state law Administrative Rule 4117.3: www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-mandatory recall of tenured teachers in inverse order of layoffs Administrative Rule 4117.3: www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	nontenured- 24 months; tenured-39 months Administrative Rule 4117.3: www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx

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, 2 of which can be used for personal business, 10 of which may be used for "personal necessity" which is limited to the following reasons: bereavement, accidents involving property or person, court appearances, family illness, paternity leave, 4 hours for involvement in child's school) p. 55, Art. 29; pp. 55 & 56, Art. 30; p. 58, Art. 32.1.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (10 sick days, 2 of which can be used for personal business, 10 of which may be used for "personal necessity" which is limited to the following reasons: bereavement, accidents involving property or person, court appearances, family illness, paternity l p. 55, Art. 29; pp. 55 & 56, Art. 30; p. 58, Art. 32.1.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 58, Art. 32, 2.3.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 55, Art. 29 & pp. 55 & 56, Art. 30.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	issued not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5 p. 63, Art. 34.3.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents pp. 50 & 51, Art. 22.
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), court summons with no misconduct by teacher, jury duty A teacher may take 3 days bereavement leave; 5 days if out of state travel is required. p. 51, Art. 25 & p. 52, Art. 26.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, a maximum of 135 days for teachers collectively; unused days from 1st year may carry over to 2nd year, unused days from 2nd year may carry over to 3rd year (first year unused days do not carry over into the third year) p. 4, Art. 3.7.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	if a substitute is not available; necessity of teacher on duty that specific day pp. 55, Art. 29.
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. 55, Art. 29 & pp. 55 & 56, Art. 30.
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. 55, Art. 29 & pp. 55 & 56, Art. 30.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents pp. 50 & 51, Art. 22.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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?	2 years in accordance with state law Board Policy 4116: http://www.fresnounified.org/board/policies/Pages/default.aspx
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
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, principal makes recommendation to HR If no one applies to position, it can be filled by HR. p. 92, Art. 61.3.1.6.
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; for compelling special circumstances (health conditions or personal/philosophical differences), program needs, emergency, ineffectiveness or incompatibility, ethnic balance pp. 93-95, Art. 61.4.1-5.3.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. pp. 96-98, Art. 61.5.4.3.1-5.4.3.13.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority with exceptions (racial balance/diversity, school program needs, best interests of school district, extracurricular needs, skills and qualifications) pp. 96-98, Art. 61.5.4.3.1-5.4.3.13.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Teachers placed by mutual consent between the teacher and principal and/or site selection committee. If more than one teacher selects a position, HR makes the decision. p. 99, Art. 61.5.4.5 & 5.4.6.
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. 108, Art. 66.3.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes p. 109, Art. 66.3.5.2.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	75% of faculty must approve; executive board of the union and the school board must concur p. 109, Art. 66.3.5.4.