Northside Independent School District, Texas

National enrollment rank: 27

Labor context

Collective bargaining is explicitly illegal. Teachers may join professional association.
Teachers do not collectively bargain with Northside Independent School District.
6,714 teachers

Student demographics

103,606 students
51% 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:	177
Additional teacher work days:	10
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	1.0%
Starting salary:	$51,750
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$66,295; MA/PhD; 30
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	N/A
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Summative once every two years; formative in off year
Non-tenured	Once a year
Sick and personal days per year:	12 (7 local, 5 state personal), in accordance with state law
Years to tenure:	3 years, in 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 specified. District reports that they cover 70% of the premium cost. p. 7.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	Not specified; only the employee contribution is specified. District reports that they cover 70% of the premium cost. p. 7.
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. p. 7.
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?	45 days prior to the first day of instruction, in accordance with state law Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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 the teacher may face sanctions if s/he resigns within 45 days before the start of the school year. Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes employees shall be reimbursed for both local and state leave at a rate established by the board. Board Policy DEC (local), pp. 8 & 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes employees shall be reimbursed for both local and state leave at a rate established by the board. Board Policy DEC (local), pp. 8 & 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that tuition reimbursement is not available.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	Issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that teachers do not receive financial support.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	177
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	1,239 (total), in accordance with state law Calculated based on 7 hours per day X 177 student days.
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)	10 Past Policy Elementary: 12.5, secondary: 10 Past Policy elementary: 12.5, secondary: 10 Past Policy elementary: 12.5, secondary: 10 Past Policy 10 Past Policy 10 Past Policy 10 Past Policy elementary: 13; secondary: 10 Past Policy 10 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 10 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 10 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	7 hours (total), in accordance with state law Board Policy EC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours (total), in accordance with state law Board Policy EC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The workweek and daily time schedules generally shall be determined by the Superintendent or designee. Board Policy DK (local), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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 The workweek and daily time schedules generally shall be determined by the Superintendent or designee. Board Policy DK (local), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	450 minutes in each two-week period, in accordance with state law A planning and preparation period may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. Board Policy DL (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	450 minutes in each two-week period, in accordance with state law A planning and preparation period may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. Board Policy DL (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that planning times generally shall be determined by the Superintendent or designee (June 2015).

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK-4: 22; 5: 26; 6-12: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy EEB (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Notify parents District acknowledges policy mandated by state law Board Policy EEB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184

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?	0.7% Past Policy 0.8% Past Policy 0.8% p. 1 Past Policy 1.0% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 1.0%; masters lane: 1.15% Past Policy
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)	1.0%
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	1.8% Past Policy 2.9% Past Policy n/a; district changed the structure of the salary schedule for new hires for 2014-2015 Past Policy 2.8% Past Policy 2.23% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 1.57% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$1,500
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	2: BA, MA/PhD (stipend pay)
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	30
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$51,750 Past Policy $51,085 Past Policy $49,790 p. 1 Past Policy 48,525 Past Policy 47,275 Past Policy 46,675 Past Policy 47,000 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,000 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,250 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$53,425 Past Policy $52,760 Past Policy $51,465 p. 1 Past Policy 50,200 Past Policy 48,950 Past Policy 48,300 Past Policy 48,625 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,550 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,750 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?	$64,795 Past Policy $64,436 Past Policy $63,452 p. 1 Past Policy 72,764 Past Policy 71,179 Past Policy 69,783 Past Policy 69,783 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 69,458 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 67,491 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$53,250 Past Policy $52,585 Past Policy $51,290 p. 1 Past Policy 49,645 Past Policy 48,395 Past Policy 47,775 Past Policy 48,100 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,100 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 46,350 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$54,925 Past Policy $54,260 Past Policy $52,965 p. 1 Past Policy 51,320 Past Policy 50,070 Past Policy 49,400 Past Policy 49,725 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,650 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 46,850 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?	$66,295 Past Policy $65,936 Past Policy $64,952 p. 1 Past Policy 78,894 Past Policy 77,309 Past Policy 75,793 Past Policy 75,793 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 75,468 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 73,412 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?	$66,295; MA/PhD; 30 Past Policy $65,936; MA/PhD; 30 Past Policy $64,952; MA/PhD; 30 p. 1 Past Policy 80,394; PhD; 42 Past Policy 78,809; PhD; 41 Past Policy 77,293; PhD; 40
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 District reports that teachers do not earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation rating. In accordance with state law, if the district participates in the Educator Excellence Award Program/District Awards for Teacher Excellence, qualifying employees may receive bonuses. Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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 Teachers who have previously received the Critical Needs stipend prior to 2010-2011 and who continue to teach in a once declared Critical Needs area, including Alternative Schools and Special Campuses, are grandfathered and will continue to receive the stipend until such time as departing the Critical Need areas. In addition, in accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers in identified high need campuses. Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 p. 5.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, ESL teachers earn an annual stipend of $1,250, bilingual education teachers earn an annual stipend of $2,500, and special education lead teachers working at a special campus earn annual stipends of $1,800 - $3,200. Those teachers hired prior to 2010-2011 and who continue to teach in a once declared critical need subject area of special education, math, science, industrial tech, and computer science and who continue to teach those subjects are grandfathered and continue to be eligible to the stipends. pp. 2 - 5.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that teachers do not earn additional pay.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$2,200 to $5,500 depending on the subject and size of the department p. 2.
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), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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 District reports that there is no longevity pay.

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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	Continuing contract- hearing before hearing examiner, Board votes on H.E.'s recommendation; term contracts-Board determines if hearing is before Board, or an attorney, Board votes on Attorney or H.E.'s recommendation. Any teacher hired under a continuing contract prior to March 2002, remains on a continuing contract (DCC Local). After 2002, teachers who have completed the probationary (non-tenured ) period, work under term contracts (DCB legal). Board Policies DFD (legal), DFBB (local) & DFBB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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/184
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	10th day before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law Board Policy DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	10th day before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law Board Policy DFBB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Professional Practice (Planning; Instruction; Learning environment; Professional Practices and Responsibilities) In accordance with state policy. The state does not require that student growth be a component of the evaluation until 2017-2018. Beginning 2017-2018, it will count 20%. (Student Growth Overview) Teachers are required to have a Professional Development Plan as a component of the evaluation process, however they are not rated on the plan. pp. 4, 15 & 17. Past Policy School-wide student growth/achievement 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 material, Professional communication, Professional development, Compliance with policies, operating procedures and requirements) pp. 47-51.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional p. 12. Past Policy No Impartial third parties do not routinely evaluate teachers, however, there are unusual circumstances when a third party might do so: District level administrators or supervisors may perform a second appraisal if approved by deputy superintendent and if a teacher requests a second appraisal. pp. 26 & 27 Past Policy No Impartial third parties do not routinely evaluate teachers, however, there are unusual circumstances when a third party might do so: District level administrators or supervisors may perform a second appraisal if approved by deputy superintendent and if a teacher requests a second appraisal. pp. 26 & 27
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other Yes - optional, teacher leaders may perform appraisals p. 12.
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. 24. Past Policy Written report, conference upon request p. 22 Past Policy Written report, conference upon request p. 22 Past Policy
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 30.
How many categories of ratings are there?	5: Distinguished, Accomplished, Proficient, Developing, Improvement needed p. 29. Past Policy 4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory p. 63 Past Policy 4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory p. 63 Past Policy district acknowledges state law
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other At the discretion of the district; however, it is unclear what Northside has chosen to do. p. 8. Past Policy Yes The evaluation handbook allows for unannounced observations at the discretion of the evaluator, however, generally, all observations are posted a week in advance. Board Policy DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 Past Policy Other announced or unannounced, at discretion of evaluator p. 22 Past Policy District acknowledges state law.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	N/A (Effective 2016-2017, student growth counts 20%, when TX Teacher Evaluation and Support System is fully implemented.) 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 North Side will require VAM in 2017-2018. pp. 4, 15, & 17. Past Policy n/a (effective 2016-2017, student growth counts 20%, when TX Teacher Evaluation and Support System is fully implemented) pp. 47-52 Past Policy no pp. 47-52
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	N/A (student growth/achievement will count, effective 2017-2018) 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.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 The state requires a minimum of one observation; it is unclear if Northside requires more. p. 24.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	15 days before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	45 minutes, in accordance with state law Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summative once every two years; formative in off year Board Policy DNA (local) & DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 The state requires a minimum of one observation. It is not clear if Northside ISD requires additional observations. p. 24.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	15 days before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	45 minutes, in accordance with state law Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policies DNA (local) & DGBA (local):http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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?	Other No, if layoffs occur during school year; issue not addressed if layoffs occur at end of school year. DFF (legal) & DFFA (local), pp. 1 & 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other Criteria applied sequentially: qualifications for current and projected assignments, performance, extra duties, professional background, seniority 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. Continuing contract teachers are laid off primarily by performance. DFFA (local), DFCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	10 days before last day of instruction, in accordance with state law DFAB (legal), DFBB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-teachers given preference but are not guaranteed a position must apply and agree to interview DFF (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	No recall rights DFAB (legal), DFFA (local), DFCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184

Leave questions

Sick & Personal Leave
What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year?	12 (7 local, 5 state personal), in accordance with state law Both state personal leave and local leave can be used for personal and sick leave. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (7 local, 5 state personal), in accordance with state law Both state personal and local leave can be used for personal and sick leave. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes both state personal leave and local leave can be used for personal and sick leave, and both accumulate. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes both state personal leave and local leave can be used for personal and sick leave, and both accumulate. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	No maximum Both state personal and local leave can be used for personal and sick leave, and both accumulate without limit. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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 Board Policy DEC (Local), p. 6: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid developmental leave (half of a year at full salary, or 1 year at half salary) Employee must have completed five consecutive years of employment to be eligible for developmental leave. Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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?	Court appearances, assault (district acknowledges state law) Board Policy DEC (local), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184 Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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?	When a teacher tries to use more than 3 consecutive personal days, or more than five discretionary personal days; first or last day of school; before/after a school holiday, professional development days; any time an employees presence is deemed critical Board Policy DEC (local), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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 District reports no. No citation provided or found (June 2015).
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 District reports no. No citation provided or found (June 2015).
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 employees shall be reimbursed for both local and state leave at a rate established by the board. Board Policy DEC (local), pp. 8 & 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes employees shall be reimbursed for both local and state leave at a rate established by the board. Board Policy DEC (local), pp. 8 & 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184

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 developmental leave (half of a year at full salary, or 1 year at half salary) Employee must have completed five consecutive years of employment to be eligible for developmental leave. Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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?	3 days

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?	other 3 years, in accordance with state law Board Policy DCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that once all displaced teachers have been hired, a school principal may consider outside hires. (No citation given)
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, principals must provide written consent, but the superintendent can overrule the principal's decision. Board Policies DK (local) & DK (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
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, in the best interest of the school district Board Policies DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/184
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that they consider the nature of the assignment as well as seniority to identify teachers for excessing (no citation given).
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that they consider the nature of the assignment as well as seniority to identify teachers for excessing (no citation given).
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents .
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 collective bargaining is not allowed 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 district-level union or collective bargaining agreement.