Fulton County Schools, Georgia

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 was noted.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	Not specified; only the employee contribution was noted.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	No, the district only specifies 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: May 1; Retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GBO: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public p. 9.
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 Board Policy GBO: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public p. 9.
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?	Yes , contracted teachers shall be subject to liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000 and shall be reported to the Professional Standards Commission for abandonment of contract Board Policy GBO: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public p. 9. Past Policy Yes , contracted teachers shall be subject to liquidated damages in the amount of $500 and shall be reported to the Professional Standards Commission for abandonment of contract p. 9 Past Policy Yes , teachers shall be subject to liquidated damages in the amount of $500 and shall be reported to the Professional Standards Commission for abandonment of contract Board Policy GBO: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 100% of daily rate for half of the accumulated sick leave days up to 40 days p. 15. Board Procedure GBRI.A.7: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 15. Board Procedure GBRI.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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 Past Policy 179 Past Policy 179 Past Policy 178 Past Policy 171 Past Policy 177 Past Policy 177 While the number of student days falls below state-mandated minimum, it is acceptable by state law since the total number of instructional hours in the year meets the state minimum. Past Policy 177 Past Policy 177 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 180 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 180 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary: 1,170 hours (based on a 6 hour, 30 minute day X 180 days) (total); secondary: 1,260 hours (based on a 7 hour day X 180 days) (total) Board Policy AF: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public Past Policy elementary: 1,163 hours, 30 minutes (based on a 6 hour, 30 minute day X 179 days) (total); secondary: 1,253(based on a 7 hour day X 178 days) (total) Past Policy elementary: 1,157 (based on a 6 hour, 30 minute day X 178 days) (total); secondary: 1,246 (based on a 7 hour day X 178 days) (total) Past Policy elementary: 1,111 hours, 30 minutes (based on a 6 hour, 30 minute day X 171 days); secondary: 1,197 (based on a 7 hour day X 171 days) Past Policy elementary: 1,150 hours, 30 minutes; secondary: 1,239 hours Calculation based on 6 hours, 30 minutes x 177 days for elementary students, and 7 hours x 177 days for secondary students. Past Policy elementary students: 1,150 hours and 30 minutes; secondary students: 1,239 hours Calculation based on 6 hours, 30 minutes x 177 days for elementary students, and 7 hours x 177 days for secondary students. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	190
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	10
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	elementary: 6 hours, 30 minutes (total); middle: 7 hours (total) District policy cites that the minimum school day is what's listed above; however, for the 2016-2017 school year, the student day was ten minutes beyond this minimum requirement (2016-2017 bell schedule: http://www.fultonschools.org/en/divisions/ops/trans/Documents/octimes.pdf). Board Policy AF: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours (total) District policy cites that the minimum school day is what's listed above; however, for the 2016-2017 school year, the student day was ten minutes beyond this minimum requirement (2016-2017 bell schedule: http://www.fultonschools.org/en/divisions/ops/trans/Documents/octimes.pdf). Board Policy AF: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	8 hours Board Policy GBRC: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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)	45 minutes (30 minutes prior to opening of school, 15 minutes following close of school) Board Policy GBRC: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that they follow state class size requirements (State Education Rule IEC).
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that they follow state class size requirements (State Education Rule IEC). No citation given or found.

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane) p. 1.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.8% p. 1.
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)	5.0% p. 1. Past Policy 6.1% Past Policy -1.5% Past Policy 1.2% Past Policy -1.65% Past Policy -3.26% Past Policy -3.26% Past Policy -3.26% Past Policy 0% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy -2.8% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 2.5% 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)	6.9% p. 1. Past Policy 8.4% Past Policy 0.3% Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy -1.65% Past Policy -1.65% Past Policy -1.65% Past Policy 1.87% The district added a "phantom" step (which only exists for this year) to provide a step increase for teachers on the max step despite a 0% COLA. 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$6,125 p. 1. Past Policy $5,834 Past Policy $5,487 Past Policy 6,006 Past Policy 5,499 Past Policy 5,641 Past Policy 5,641 Past Policy 5,641 Past Policy 5,732 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 5,732 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA, Specialist, PhD p. 1.
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)?	26 p. 1.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$44,016 p. 1. Past Policy $41,916 Past Policy $40,308 Past Policy 40,308 Past Policy 39,132 Past Policy 39,132 Past Policy 39,132 Past Policy 39,132 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 39,132 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 39,132 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 40,244 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$44,796 p. 1. Past Policy $42,660 Past Policy $41,013 Past Policy 41,436 Past Policy 40,224 Past Policy 40,788 Past Policy 40,788 Past Policy 42,528 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 42,528 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 42,528 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 43,716 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?	$70,392 p. 1. Past Policy $67,044 Past Policy $64,464 Past Policy 64,464 Past Policy 62,592 Past Policy 64,344 Past Policy 64,344 Past Policy 64,344 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 64,344 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 62,592 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 64,344 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$48,864 p. 1. Past Policy $46,536 Past Policy $44,748 Past Policy 44,748 Past Policy 43,440 Past Policy 43,440 Past Policy 43,440 Past Policy 43,440 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 43,440 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 43,440 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,652 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$49,716 p. 1. Past Policy $47,352 Past Policy $45,531 Past Policy 45,996 Past Policy 44,652 Past Policy 45,276 Past Policy 45,276 Past Policy 47,196 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,196 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,196 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,516 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?	$78,120 p. 1. Past Policy $74,400 Past Policy $71,544 Past Policy 71,544 Past Policy 69,456 Past Policy 71,400 Past Policy 71,400 Past Policy 71,400 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 71,400 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 69,456 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 71,400 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?	$91,548; PhD; 26 p. 1. Past Policy $87,192; PhD; 26 Past Policy $83,844; doctorate; 26 Past Policy 83,844; doctorate; 25 Past Policy 81,408; doctorate; 24 (though the salary schedule goes to 27 years experience at this same rate) Past Policy 83,688; 7 years of education; 28 Past Policy 83,688; 7 years of education; 28 Past Policy 81,408; 7 years of education; 27 Past Policy 81,408; 7 years of education; 27
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes Board Policy GBI: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public#
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating Board Policy GBI: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public#
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, differentiated compensation for math and science teachers is contingent upon the appropriation of state funds by the Georgia General Assembly. p. 6, V.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	No, state funded supplement was discontinued July 1, 2010. p. 6, V.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$3,709 plus $201 for each teacher over ten p. 6, VI.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GBBD: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public p. 5.
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?	Other case-by-case, up to 1 year (dismissal allowed) If an employee whose annual evaluation was unsatisfactory or does not meet expectations the previous year is still employed at the time of the next annual evaluation and receives an overall rating below the level of satisfactory or who does not meet expectations, the employee will be recommended for nonrenewal or termination of employment. Board GBI Operating Guideline, p. 4: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	Hearing before local board followed by appeal to state board of education Board Policy GBKL: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GBKL: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (30%) Professional growth (20%) Professional practice (50%: Planning; Instructional delivery; Assessment of and for learning; Learning environment; Professionalism; Communication) pp. 6 & 8. Past Policy Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice (50%: Planning, Instructional delivery, Assessment of and for learning, Learning environment, Professionalism and communication) Student growth/achievement counts 50% in accordance with Georgia 2013 HB 244. pp. 7 & 19. Past Policy Student growth/achievement (50%) Student input ("Surveys of instructional practice", used to inform professional practice ratings) Professional practice (50%) (Professional knowledge, Instructional planning, Instructional strategies, Differentiated instruction, Assessment strategies, Assessment uses, Positive learning environment, Academically challenging environment, Professionalism, Communication) Student growth/achievement counts 50% in accordance with Georgia 2013 HB 244. pp. 13, 19 & 130, App. I.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the evaluation include student input?	Other optional, at discretion of district (unclear if Fulton County has opted to use surveys) p. 3. Past Policy Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating Student surveys are used to inform the teacher's rating on the formative assessment (i.e. instructional practice) which comprises 50% of the teacher's summative rating. p. 13 Past Policy Student survey required-factors into evaluation rating p. 13 Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Other Written commentary "strongly recommended"; conference not required immediately following observation, however, a mid-year conference which addresses the observation, is required. pp. 12 & 13.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 14.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exemplary, Proficient, Needs Development, Ineffective p. 20.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced at the discretion of the district It is not clear if Fulton County has elected to have announced or unannounced observations or a combination thereof. p. 11.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	Student growth percentile measures provided by GA DOE(counts 30%) pp. 6 & 16.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	Locally developed measures (count 30%) LEA Determined Measure(s): For teachers of non-SGP grades and courses, this component is comprised of LEA Determined Measure(s) which may be Student Learning Objectives, the School or District Mean Growth Percentile, or another measure identified or developed and implemented by the LEA. It is not clear which measures Fulton County has opted to use. pp. 6 & 16. Past Policy district-developed and Georgia DOE-approved SLO's (counts 50%) p. 16. Past Policy district-developed and Georgia DOE-approved SLO's p. 13 Past Policy n/a
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 5.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	6: 2 formal (formative), 4 informal (walkthroughs) Walkthrough observations shall be at least ten minutes in duration based on a limited number of Performance Standards. Formative observations shall be at least thirty minutes in duration and are based on all ten performance standards. p. 11.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There is a mid-year conference by which time presumably at least one observation will have taken place. (p. 9)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May p. 9.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 11.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 5.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2: 1 informal (walkthrough), 1 formal (formative) (recommended by state) The state requires two observations of the tenured teacher who was previously rated at least proficient (6 observations required for teacher previously rated less than proficient). Observations may be formal and/or informal at the discretion of the district. It is unclear whether Fulton County has opted to follow the state's recommendation of 1 formal and 1 informal. p. 12. Past Policy 6: 2 formal (formative), 4 informal (walkthroughs) Each formative observation will be directly tied to a formative assessment. Once the formative observation has occurred, evaluators shall consider all observations (including walkthroughs) and documentation to rate the ten Performance Standards using the performance appraisal rubrics. p. 10. Past Policy 6 (2 formal, 4 informal) p. 13 Past Policy 1 p. 24
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There is a mid-year conference by which time presumably at least one observation will have taken place. (p. 9)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May p. 9.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes 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?	Other case-by-case, up to 1 year (dismissal allowed) If an employee whose annual evaluation was unsatisfactory or does not meet expectations the previous year is still employed at the time of the next annual evaluation and receives an overall rating below the level of satisfactory or who does not meet expectations, the employee will be recommended for nonrenewal or termination of employment. Board GBI Operating Guideline, p. 4: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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, up to 1 year Board GBI Operating Guideline, p. 4: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	No Board Policy GAE: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	No in cases where only a portion of employees within a position category or program are reduced, performance will be considered as the first criteria Determining the positions to be cut will depend on the particular situation at hand, but, in all cases, the process should be based on objective, readily ascertainable factors that are applied in a fair, consistent and evenhanded manner without bias or discrimination. In cases where only a portion of employees within a position category or program are reduced, performance will be considered as the first criteria in determining which employees will be subject to the Reduction in Force. Board Policy GBKA http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Performance is the preponderant criterion. in cases where only a portion of employees within a position category or program are reduced Determining the positions to be cut will depend on the particular situation at hand, but, in all cases, the process should be based on objective, readily ascertainable factors that are applied in a fair, consistent and evenhanded manner without bias or discrimination. In cases where only a portion of employees within a position category or program are reduced, performance will be considered as the first criteria in determining which employees will be subject to the Reduction in Force. Board Policy GBKA: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	No if teachers were laid off by performance which occurs when only a portion of positions within a category are eliminated; Yes, if layoff affected all positions Employees terminated as the result of a reduction in force may apply for any vacant position for which they are qualified, pursuant to the Board's normal hiring practices. A full time employee who is involuntarily separated from the District due to a reduction in force that is not based upon performance issues may be hired back with seniority if the the employee is rehired by the System full-time, the employee is rehired within the same job classification, the employee is rehired by the end of the first semester of the ensuing school year for that position. Board Policy GBKA http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	N/A when teachers are laid off by performance; issue not addressed when teachers laid off by seniority (i.e. all positions in a category reduced) Board Policy GBKA: http://portal.fultonschools.org/Parents/Pages/LinksRules.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?	15-20 (15-20 sick days, 3-5 of which can be used as personal days) Teachers with fewer than 10 years of service receive 15 sick days, 3 of which can be used for personal reasons. Teachers with 10 years experience or more receive 20 sick days, 5 of which can be used for personal reasons. pp. 14 & 15. Board Procedure GBRI.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	15-20 (15-20 sick, 3-5 personal taken from sick leave) Teachers with fewer than 10 years of service receive 15 sick days including 3 personal days. Teachers with 10 years experience or more receive 20 sick days including 5 personal days. pp. 14 & 15. Board Procedure GBRI.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 14. Board Procedure GBRI.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 15.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	120 p. 14. Board Procedure GBRI.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; may request documentation from district-approved doctor Board Procedure GBRA & GBRI.A.4: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public p. 8.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes Paid and/or unpaid professional and duty leave (unspecified amount) to attend professional activities p. 17. Board Procedure GBRI.G: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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 of immediate family (4 days), bereavement of other family (2 days), jury duty, court subpoena when requested by School Board's attorney, ordered military duty (18 days), National Guard active duty (30 days) ordered military duty (18 days), National Guard active duty (30 days) pp. 17 & 18. Board Procedure GBRI.F, H, I: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public Past Policy bereavement of immediate family (3-5 days), bereavement of other family (2 days), court, military (30 days) Employees are allowed up to three days of paid leave (five days if out-of-town travel in excess of 150 miles is required) in the event of the death of a member of their immediate family. pp. 16 & 17. Past Policy bereavement (3 days-immediate family, 2 days-others), court, military (30 days) Teachers receive 2 additional bereavement days for travel in excess of 150 miles. p. 13-16 Past Policy bereavement (3 days-immediate family, 2 days-others), court, military (30 days) Teachers receive 2 additional bereavement days for travel in excess of 150 miles. p. 13-16 Past Policy bereavement (3 days-death in immediate family, 2 days- death outside immediate family), court, military Teachers receive 2 additional bereavement days for travel in excess of 150 miles. p. 11
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	N/A/; there is no collective bargaining in this district Collective bargaining is not allowed in this state. The district's relationship with the union does not provide for traditional union privileges that are found in other states.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	first and last 6 days of the school year, day before or after a holiday or break, professional development days, essential days determined by principals or department heads Professional development days also include pre-planning, conference, registration and post-planning days. p. 15. Board Procedure GBRI.B: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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. 15. Board Procedure GBRI.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 100% of daily rate for half of the accumulated sick leave days up to 40 days p. 15. Board Procedure GBRI.A.7: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 15. Board Procedure GBRI.A.2: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public

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 and/or unpaid professional and duty leave (unspecified amount) to attend professional activities p. 17. Board Procedure GBRI.G: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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 Past Policy 1 day Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 5 days New Teacher Orientation Flyer: http://www.fultonschools.org/dept/prodev

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 District reports 3 years. No citation given or found.
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Procedure GBM: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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 Board Procedure GBM: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
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 Board Procedure GBM: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. Board Operating Guideline GBM: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Seniority with exceptions (employees who fill a supplemental position) Principals are allowed to exempt a certain number of teachers (elementary - 3 teachers, middle - 6, secondary - 12) who are employed in supplemental positions. Board Operating Guideline GBM: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places excessed teachers based on their preferences in order of seniority. Teachers may express a preference for up to 3 positions. Board Operating Guideline GBM: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Operating Guideline GBM: http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public

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 collective bargaining in this district
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	N/A; there is no collective bargaining in this district.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	N/A; there is no collective bargaining in this district.