Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, Texas

National enrollment rank: 23

Labor context

Collective bargaining is explicitly illegal. Teachers may join professional association.
Teachers do not collectively bargain with Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.
6,726 teachers

Student demographics

113,023 students
49% free/reduced lunch

School district teacher count, enrollment, and demographic data is from the 2014-2015 school year sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics. Due to data issues, teacher count for districts in six states (HI, MT, NE, OH, UT, and WI) is from 2013-2014.

Fast facts

Days in student school year:	173
Additional teacher work days:	14
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	1.1% (based on new hire schedule)
Starting salary:	$52,025 (based on new hire schedule)
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$77,690; PhD; 40 (based on new hire schedule)
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	Goals
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Once a yearin accordance with Education Code 21.352
Non-tenured	Once a yearin accordance with Education Code 21.352
Sick and personal days per year:	10 (5 state personal, 5 local)
Years to tenure:	3 yearsin accordance with state law

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	Not specified; only the employee contribution is noted.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	Not specified; only the employee contribution is noted.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	No, district provides a chart listing only the employee contribution.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	Resignation: 45 days before the 1st day of instruction of the following school year; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy DFE (legal), p. 1:http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/ p. 171.
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?	District acknowledges state law legal sanctions may be imposed Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $125 per day up to 150 days for employees who have been employed for 10+ years; employees who have been employed 5-9 years may draw 50%-90% respectively of the maximum benefit (the maximum benefit being 150 days at $125 per day) This applies to local leave, state sick leave, and state personal leave (all of which may be used for sick or personal reasons). p. 124.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $125 per day up to 150 days for employees who have been employed for 10+ years; employees who have been employed 5-9 years may draw 50%-90% respectively of the maximum benefit (the maximum benefit being 150 days at $125 per day) This applies to local leave, state sick leave, and state personal leave (all of which may be used for sick or personal reasons). p. 124.
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?	173
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary & middle: 1,254 hours, 15 minutes (total); secondary: 1,268 hours, 40 minutes (total) Based on multiplying the length of the student day by the number days in the student school year: 7 hours, 15 minutes per day (elementary and middle school), and 7 hours, 20 minutes per day (secondary) X 173 days. pp. 13-18. Past Policy Elementary & middle: 1,254 hours, 15 minutes (total); secondary: 1,268 hours, 40 minutes (total) Based on multiplying the length of the student day by the number days in the student school year: 7 hours, 15 minutes per day (elementary and middle school), and 7 hours, 20 minutes per day (secondary) X 173 days. pp. 13-18. Past Policy elementary: 1,232 hours (total); middle: 1,232 hours (two middle schools are in session for 1,246 hours, 40 minutes) (total); secondary: 1,246 hours, 40 minutes (total) The elementary and middle school calculation is based on 7 hours per day X 176 days (except for the two middle schools that have 7 hour, 5 minute school days). The secondary calculation is based on 7 hours, 5 minutes X 176 days. pp. 11-18. Past Policy elementary: 1,239 hours; middle: 1,239 hours (two middle schools are in session for 1,253 hours, 45 minutes); secondary: 1,253 hours, 45 minutes The elementary and middle school calculation is based on 7 hours per day X 177 days (except for the two middle schools that have 7 hour, 5 minute school days). The secondary calculation is based on 7 hours, 5 minutes X 177 days. pp. 11-18 Past Policy elementary: 1,239 hours; middle: 1,239 hours (two middle schools are in session for 1,253 hours, 45 minutes); secondary: 1,253 hours, 45 minutes The elementary and middle school calculation is based on 7 hours per day X 177 days (except for the two middle schools that have 7 hour, 5 minute school days) ; the secondary calculation is based on 7 hours, 5 minutes X 177 days. pp. 11-18 Past Policy 1,239 This calculation is based on 7 hours per day X 177 days. p. 11 Past Policy 1,239 This calculation is based on 7 hours per day X 177 days. p. 11 Past Policy 1,239 This calculation is based on 7 hours per day X 177 days. Cypress Fairbanks 2008-2009 Employee Handbook: p. 11 & 2009-2010 School Calendar Past Policy 1,239 This calculation is based on 7 hours per day X 177 days. Cypress Fairbanks 2008-2009 Employee Handbook: p. 11 & 2008-2009 School Calendar
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	187
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	14
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	7 hours, 15 minutes (total) pp. 13-18. Past Policy elementary: 7 hours (total); middle: 7 hours (two middle schools have school days totaling 7 hours, 5 minutes) (total) pp. 12-18. Past Policy elementary: 7 hours (total); middle: 7 hours (two middle schools have school days totaling 7 hours, 5 minutes) (total) pp. 12-18. Past Policy elementary: 7 hours; middle: 7 hours (two schools have school days totaling 7 hours, 5 minutes) pp. 12-18 Past Policy elementary: 7 hours; middle: 7 hours (two schools have school days totaling 7 hours, 5 minutes) pp. 12-18 Past Policy 7 hours pp. 14-18 Past Policy 7 hours pp. 14-18 Past Policy 7 hours This is based on individual school starting and ending times for students. Cypress Fairbanks 2008-2009 Employee Handbook: p. 14
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours, 20 minutes (total) p. 12. Past Policy 7 hours, 5 minutes (total) pp. 11 & 12. Past Policy 7 hours, 5 minutes (total) pp. 11 & 12. Past Policy 7 hours, 5 minutes pp. 11 & 12 Past Policy 7 hours, 5 minutes pp. 11 & 12 Past Policy 7 hours, 5 minutes pp. 11-14 Past Policy 7 hours, 5 minutes pp. 11-14 Past Policy 7 hours This is based on individual school starting and ending times for students Cypress Fairbanks 2008-2009 Employee Handbook: p. 11
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	8 hours p. 11.
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 & Middle: 1 hour; Secondary: 45 minutes pp. 11 & 13-18. Past Policy elementary: 1 hour; middle: 1 hour (in two schools, 55 minutes); secondary: 55 minutes pp. 11-18. Past Policy elementary: 1 hour; middle: 1 hour (in two schools, 55 minutes); secondary: 55 minutes pp. 11-18. Past Policy elementary: 60 minutes; middle: 60 minutes and in 2 schools, 55 minutes; secondary: 55 minutes pp. 11-18 Past Policy elementary: 60 minutes; middle: 60 minutes and in 2 schools, 55 minutes secondary: 55 minutes pp. 11-18 Past Policy elementary: 60 minutes; secondary: 55 minutes pp. 11-18 Past Policy elementary: 60 minutes; secondary: 55 minutes pp. 11-18 Past Policy 60 minutes Cypress Fairbanks 2008-2009 Employee Handbook: p. 14
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	450 minutes for each two-week period A planning and preparation period may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. pp. 161 & 162.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	450 minutes for each two-week period A planning and preparation period may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. pp. 161 & 162.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	45 minutes per week p. 161.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	Pre-K: 11 (ratio of 1 staff to 11 students), in accordance with state law; K-4: 22, in accordance with state law; 5-12: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents At the pre-K level, the district must "attempt to retain" a ratio of 11-1. Board Policy EEB (Legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Notify parents Board Policy EEB (Legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	New hire salary schedule
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	0.9% (based on new hire schedule)
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	1.1% (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 2.4% (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 3.9% Past Policy 2.02% Past Policy -1.00% Past Policy 4.4% Past Policy 1.5-2.5% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 0% 2007-2008 Salary Schedule, 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	2.0% (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 3.3% (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 4.9% Past Policy 2.98% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 5.40%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$2,000 (based on new hire schedule)
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	3: BA, MA (stipend pay), PhD (stipend pay) (based on new hire schedule)
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	40 (based on new hire schedule)
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$52,025 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy $51,500 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 48,000 Past Policy 46,325 Past Policy 45,250 Past Policy 45,250 Past Policy 43,000 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 42,000 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$54,416 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy $53,660 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 49,404 Past Policy 47,457 Past Policy 46,116 Past Policy 46,644 Past Policy 44,712 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 43,750 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$74,690 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy $73,770 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 70,257 Past Policy 68,038 Past Policy 67,111 Past Policy 67,111 Past Policy 64,112 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 63,150 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$54,025 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy $53,500 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 50,000 Past Policy 48,325 Past Policy 47,250 Past Policy 47,250 Past Policy 45,000 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,000 This salary is based on MA = BA + $2,000. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$56,416 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy $55,660 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 51,404 Past Policy 49,457 Past Policy 48,116 Past Policy 48,644 Past Policy 46,712 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,750 This salary is based on MA = BA + $2,000. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$76,690 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy $75,770 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 72,257 Past Policy 70,038 Past Policy 69,111 Past Policy 69,111 Past Policy 66,112 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 65,150 This salary is based on MA = BA + $2,000. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the maximum annual salary available to teachers? What are the education requirements for this salary? In what year of service will a teacher receive this salary?	$77,690; PhD; 40 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy $76,770; PhD; 40 (based on new hire schedule) Past Policy 73,257; PhD; 40 Past Policy 71,038; PhD; 40 Past Policy 70,111; PhD; 41
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 150.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other A step freeze for evaluation rating of 'unsatisfactory' in two or more domains or in the same domain for two consecutive years. p. 150.
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 In accordance with state law, if the district participates in the Educator Excellence Award Program/District Awards for Teacher Excellence, qualifying employees may receive an incentive payment. Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
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 In accordance with state law, districts may apply to the Commissioner for grants for each identified high-need campus to be used to pay year-end stipends to certified master teachers. Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents In accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers of reading, math, technology or science. Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record District acknowledges state law Board Policy DBA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal allowed) p. 7.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	Teacher on term contract may request hearing before independent hearing examiner, board acts on hearing examiner's recommendation. Most teachers with 3+ yrs. experience are on term contracts. Continuing contracts are no longer issued as of February, 1996 (DFAB (legal)). Board Policy DFBB (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	No, in accordance with state law Board Policy DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	10 days before last day of instruction in accordance with state law Board Policy DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	10th day before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law Most teachers with 3+ yrs. experience are on term contracts. Continuing contracts are no longer issued as of February, 1996 (DFAB (legal)) Board Policy DFBB (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	School-wide student growth/achievement ("Improvement of academic performance of all students on campus") Student Achievement (Professional Development Plan: "A Plan for Student Learning") Professional practice (Active successful student participation in the learning process; Learner-centered instruction; Evaluation and feedback on student progress; Management of student discipline, Instructional strategies, Time and materials; Professional Communication; Compliance With Policies, Operating Procedures and Requirements; Professional development) pp. 1, 2, 3, 6, 11, 12, 16-24.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	No Third party appraisers may be called in should a teacher request a second evaluation. They do not routinely observe/evaluate the teacher. (p. 8) p. 10.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	No p. 10.
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)?	Written report, conference upon request Policy applies to the nontenured teacher (Plan I, see p. 4). The tenured teacher (term or continuing contract) is not formally observed unless s/he requests a formal observation. The teacher receives written feedback following informal observations. pp. 11 & 12.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator pp. 11 & 12.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient Standard, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory p. 14.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Yes District reports yes. Formal observations are scheduled/announced. It is not clear if informal observations may be unannounced. Only nontenured teachers are required to be formally observed (Plan 1, p. 4). pp. 11 & 12.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	Goals for student learning based upon a needs assessment of the specific data that is appropriate to the teacher's assignment;(effective 2017-2018, student growth will be a required component) Student growth is not a required component until 2017-2018. Texas gives the district four options to measure student growth: Student Learning Objectives; portfolios; district-level pre-and post-tests; Value-added measures. Districts are not required to use VAM, even for teachers of tested subjects. Currently, it is not clear if Cypress-Fairbanks will require VAM in 2017-2018. pp. 1, 2, 3 & 6.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	Goals for student learning based upon a needs assessment of the specific data that is appropriate to the teacher's assignment pp. 1, 2, 3 & 6.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year in accordance with Education Code 21.352 pp. 2 & 11.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal and 2 informal observations p. 11.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	Week 33 of the school year p. 11.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	15th day before end of school year (May 4, 2017) p. 11.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	One single observation of 45 minutes or shorter segments which must add up to 45 minutes total p. 11.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year in accordance with Education Code 21.352 pp. 2 & 12.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3 informal The tenured teacher who is rated proficient or higher is not subject to formal observations. If s/he is less than proficient, s/he is subject to the same rules as the nontenured teacher. p, 12.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	week 33 of the school year p. 12.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	15th day before last day of school (May 4, 2017) p. 12.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	N/A - tenured teachers not formally observed as long as rated at least proficient, otherwise, 45 minutes The tenured teacher who is rated proficient or higher is not subject to formal observations. If s/he is less than proficient, s/he is subject to the same rules as the nontenured teacher. p. 12.
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Remediation timeframe case by case (dismissal allowed) p. 7.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	Case-by-case (timeline required) p. 7.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes in accordance with DNA (legal) The District shall adopt written procedures for an employee to present grievances and receive a written response regarding the final written evaluation. The procedures shall be disseminated at the time of employment and updated annually or as needed. DNA (local) & p. 6, DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Yes p. 8. p. 1, DNA(local) & p. 5, DNA(legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Other No, if layoffs occur during school year; issue not addressed if layoffs occur at end of school year. Board Policy DFF (legal) & DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other Criteria applied sequentially: qualifications, performance, extra duties, professional background, seniority; continuing contracts laid off primarily by performance. Board policy does not define the criteria used to layoff non-tenured (probationary) at the end of the year. These criteria apply only to nontenured (probationary) teachers when they are laid off during the school year as well as term contracts who are laid off at any time. Board Policy DFFA (local), p. 3 & DFCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Policy DFFA (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Other Teachers given preference but are not guaranteed a position in accordance with state law Board Policy DFF (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1146
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Leave questions

Sick & Personal Leave
What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year?	10 (5 state personal, 5 local) Teachers are given 5 days of State Personal Leave, and 5 days of Local Leave. Both types of leaves can be used for non-discretionary purposes and discretionary purposes. Non-discretionary purpose include: personal illness, illness of immediate family member, family emergency, death of immediate family member, and military leave. Discretionary leave shall not exceed three consecutive workdays. pp. 128 & 129. Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (5 state personal, 5 local) Teachers are given 5 days of State Personal Leave, and 5 days of Local Leave. Both types of leaves can be used for non-discretionary purposes and discretionary purposes. Non-discretionary purpose include: personal illness, illness of immediate family member, family emergency, death of immediate family member, and military leave. Discretionary leave shall not exceed three consecutive workdays. pp. 128 & 129. Board Policies DEC (legal), p. 1 & DEC (local), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes both state personal leave and local leave accumulate without limit. pp. 128 & 129.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes both state personal leave and local leave accumulate without limit. pp. 128 & 129.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	No maximum Both state personal leave and local leave accumulate without limit. pp. 128 & 129.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	3, or when there is a questionable pattern of absences. p. 128.
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 Teachers can take up to one year of professional study leave, but it is unpaid.
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?	Short-term military (15 days), jury duty, court subpoena, physical assault (2 years maximum) pp. 130-133 & 137. Board Policy DEC (local), DEC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	N/A; collective bargaining is not allowed in this state.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	If the principal feels the absence would negatively affect the education program or district operations and subject to the availability of substitutes. p. 129.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $125 per day up to 150 days for employees who have been employed for 10+ years; employees who have been employed 5-9 years may draw 50%-90% respectively of the maximum benefit (the maximum benefit being 150 days at $125 per day) This applies to local leave, state sick leave, and state personal leave (all of which may be used for sick or personal reasons). p. 124.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes $125 per day up to 150 days for employees who have been employed for 10+ years; employees who have been employed 5-9 years may draw 50%-90% respectively of the maximum benefit (the maximum benefit being 150 days at $125 per day) This applies to local leave, state sick leave, and state personal leave (all of which may be used for sick or personal reasons). p. 124.

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 Teachers can take up to one year of professional study leave, but it is unpaid.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 2 days Past Policy 2 days Past Policy 2 days Past Policy 2 days Past Policy 2 days Past Policy 2 days Past Policy 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?	3 years in accordance with state law Board Policy DCA (legal), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Yes in accordance with state law Board Policy DCA (legal), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/

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, in accordance with state law Board Policy DK (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/
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. 164. Board Policy DK (local), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Other The district will consider academic or technical preparation; recommendations and references; evaluations; suitability for position and professional competence; the needs of the district. Criteria may be applied in whole or in part and not in any particular order. p. 164.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	The district will consider academic or technical preparation; recommendations and references; evaluations; suitability for position and professional competence; the needs of the district in making all assignments and reassignments. p. 164. Past Policy at discretion of superintendent taking into consideration school-based seniority and principal's recommendations p. 163. Past Policy at discretion of superintendent taking into consideration school-based seniority and principal's recommendations p. 167.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Other Principals select teachers from pool of applicants provided by HR, based on hiring requirements established by district and in consultation with faculty; Superintendent has final authority. The principal of a campus shall approve all teacher and staff appointments for the campus from a pool of applicants selected by a district or of applicants who meet the hiring requirements established by a district, based on criteria developed by the principal after informal consultation with the faculty (DK legal). Those local criteria are: academic or technical preparation; recommendations and references; evaluations; suitability for position and professional competence; the needs of the district in making all assignments and reassignments. Board Policy DK (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587 p. 164.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	N/A there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	N/A; there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	N/A; there is no district-level union or collective bargaining agreement.