Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	100% p. 7 (pdf).
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	92% For calendar year 2017, there will be no changes to employee cost share, dependent premiums and plan design for Cigna Local Plus plan. p. 4 (pdf), #2 & p. 7 (pdf). p. 18 (pdf).
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 employer and employee contributions For calendar year 2017, there will be no changes to employee cost share, dependent premiums and plan design for Cigna Local Plus plan. p. 7 (pdf). p. 18 (pdf).
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents citation #3: July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2017 (addendum to 2012-2015 contract)
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	30 days notice (resignation); issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents (retirement) p. 136, Art. XXI, Sec. 1.I.1.
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?	Other there is a retirement incentive, although it is not related to district deadlines. A temporary retirement incentive program will provide reimbursement of the retiree's personal health insurance or health maintenance organization premiums until such time as the retiree becomes eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, at which time said reimbursement shall no longer be made. p. 218, App. D.B.
Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents citation #3: July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2017 (addendum to 2012-2015 contract)
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes the daily rate of pay multiplied by 35%-100% times the number of accumulated sick days, based on the number of years of service The first three years of service: 35%; 3-6 years of service: 40%; 6-9 years of service: 45%; 10-12 years of service: 50%; during and after the 13th year of service: 100% p. 48, Art. XIV, Sec. 17.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 42, Art XIV & p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 13.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes The district offers tuition reimbursement to all teachers; additionally, teachers in Title 1 schools are also eligible to receive a stipend and tuition reimbursement through the Urban Education Program or Graduate Certification Program. pp. 163 - 166, Art. XXV, Sec. 4 & 5.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	no, but teachers pursuing the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will be eligible to receive up to 120 Master Points through the Teacher Education Center p. 192, Art. XXVI, Sec. 40.B.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	grades PK-1: 990 (total); grades 2-6: 1,170 (total); grades 6-8: 1,200 (total); grade 9-12: 1,260 (total) Calculated based off of 5 hours, 30 minutes a day for grades K-1; 6 hours, 30 minutes a day for grades 2-6; 6 hours, 40 minutes a day for grades 6-8; 7 hours a day for grades 9-12, multiplied by 180 days.
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?	grades K-1: 5 hours, 30 minutes (total); grades 2-6: 6 hours, 30 minutes (total); grades 6-8: 6 hours, 40 minutes (total)
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours (total)
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	elementary: 7 hours, 5 minutes; secondary: 7 hours, 20 minutes p. 119, Art. XX. Sec. 3.A.
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)	in no case shall teachers be required to remain longer than one hour beyond the regular workday p. 119, Art. XX. Sec. 3.A.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	5 hours per week p. 123, Art. XX, Sec. 7.A.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	1 period per day for traditional schedules; 1 period on alternating instructional days equal to two instructional periods during days of double period blocks for block schedules Contract July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015: p. 123, Art. XX, Sec. 7.A. p. 24 (pdf), Art. XX, Sec. 7.A.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	amount of time not specified; efforts will be made to provide common planning time for teachers Board Policy 2125 & 2120: http://www.neola.com/miamidade-fl/ p. 20 (pdf), Art. XX, Sec. 7 (p. 21 Art. IX, Sec. 1.I. of the 2012-2015 contract)

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	district acknowledges state law for all core classes: preK-3: 18; 4-8: 22; 9-12: 25 District follows state law as noted in the class size amendement of the Florida Constitution Florida Dept. of Education: http://www.fldoe.org/finance/budget/class-size/index.stml
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other the overload will be brought to the attention of the Superintendent for review and action, as appropriate, and the Board agrees to respond expeditiously to the Union regarding specific instances of class size overloads p. 15, Art. VII.

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	No salary schedule The district does not use a salary schedule and instead publishes only the minimum and maximum salaries. Annual salary increases are based on evaluation ratings. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	N/A; the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule. Annual salary increases are based on evaluation rating. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase.
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	0.8% (based on the minimum and maximum salary amounts only) Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase. Past Policy n/a; beginning this year the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule Annual salary increases are negotiated annually and the size of the increase is dependent on evaluation rating. TR3 Salary Schedule - 2014-2015 Past Policy -0.2% The salary schedule for 2014-2015 did not become effective until 11/21/14. Therefore, the salaries reported are a weighted average of the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 salary schedules using the formula: ((3/10)*13-14 salary + (7/10)*14-15 salary). Past Policy 1.1% Past Policy 0.49% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 2.4% Past Policy 0% District reports no changes to the 2007-2008 salary schedule for 2008-2009. Past Policy 0% This is based on the district reporting no changes to the 2007-2008 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)	N/A; the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule. Annual salary increases are based on evaluation rating. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$3,100 (although the district does not utilize a salary schedule, they do provide a salary differential for a MA degree)
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA (stipend pay), Specialist (stipend pay), PhD (stipend pay) (although the district does not utilize a salary schedule, they do provide salary differentials for these advanced degrees)
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)?	N/A; the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule. Annual salary increases are based on evaluation rating. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$40,800 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the starting salary for a teacher with a BA and no experience is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase. Past Policy $40,500 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the starting salary for a teacher with a BA and no experience is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually and the size of the increase is dependent on evaluation rating. Past Policy $40,500 The salary schedule for 2014-2015 did not become effective until 11/21/14. Therefore, the salaries reported are a weighted average of the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 salary schedules using the formula: ((3/10)*13-14 salary + (7/10)*14-15 salary). Past Policy 40,500 Past Policy 40,000 Past Policy 38,500 Past Policy 38,500 Past Policy 38,000 Past Policy 38,000 This is based on the district reporting no changes to the 2007-2008 salary schedule.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	N/A; the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule. Annual salary increases are based on evaluation rating. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$72,000 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the maximum salary for a teacher with a BA is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase. Past Policy $71,385 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the maximum salary for a teacher with a BA is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually and the size of the increase is dependent on evaluation rating. Past Policy $70,325 The salary schedule for 2014-2015 did not become effective until 11/21/14. Therefore, the salaries reported are a weighted average of the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 salary schedules using the formula: ((3/10)*13-14 salary + (7/10)*14-15 salary). Past Policy 70,325 Past Policy 69,225 Past Policy 68,225 Past Policy 68,225 Past Policy 67,225 This is based on the district reporting no changes to the 2007-2008 salary schedule.
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$43,900 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the starting salary for a teacher with a MA and no experience is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase. Past Policy $43,600 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the starting salary for a teacher with a MA and no experience is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually and the size of the increase is dependent on evaluation rating. Past Policy $43,600 The salary schedule for 2014-2015 did not become effective until 11/21/14. Therefore, the salaries reported are a weighted average of the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 salary schedules using the formula: ((3/10)*13-14 salary + (7/10)*14-15 salary). Past Policy 43,600 Past Policy 43,100 Past Policy 41,600 Past Policy 41,600 Past Policy 41,100 Past Policy 41,100 This is based on the district reporting no changes to the 2007-2008 salary schedule.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	N/A; the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule. Annual salary increases are based on evaluation rating. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$75,100 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the maximum salary for a teacher with a MA is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase. Past Policy $74,485 While the district does not utilize a salary schedule, the maximum salary for a teacher with a MA is specified. Annual salary increases are negotiated annually and the size of the increase is dependent on evaluation rating. Past Policy $73,425 The salary schedule for 2014-2015 did not become effective until 11/21/14. Therefore, the salaries reported are a weighted average of the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 salary schedules using the formula: ((3/10)*13-14 salary + (7/10)*14-15 salary). Past Policy 73,425 Past Policy 72,325 Past Policy 71,325 Past Policy 71,325 Past Policy 71,325 Past Policy 70,325 This is based on the district reporting no changes to the 2007-2008 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?	$79,200; PhD; salary is not based on experience (the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule) Annual salary increases are negotiated annually. Teachers rated Highly Effective in 2015-2016 will receive a 3.57% increase to their base salary as of July 1, 2016, and those rated Effective will receive a 2.6775% increase. Past Policy $78,585; PhD; salary is not based on experience (the district only publishes the minimum and maximum salaries and does not utilize a salary schedule) Annual salary increases are negotiated annually and the size of the increase is dependent on evaluation rating. Past Policy $77,525; PhD; 22 The salary schedule for 2014-2015 did not become effective until 11/21/14. Therefore, the salaries reported are a weighted average of the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 salary schedules using the formula: ((3/10)*13-14 salary + (7/10)*14-15 salary). Past Policy 77,525; PhD; 22 Past Policy 76,425; PhD; 21 Past Policy 75,425; PhD; 21
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes salary adjustments are dependent upon evaluation rating p. 8 (pdf), Salary Proposal #1.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other teachers rated unsatisfactory do not receive a salary adjustment p. 8 (pdf), Salary Proposal #1.
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	yes, teachers employed at an alternative education site and who receive an acceptable annual evaluation are eligible for a $1,217 bonus p. 162, Art. XXV. Sec. 2.
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	Yes, teachers with an acceptable annual evaluation in alternative education schools earn bonuses of $1,217, the Urban Education Program provides both tuition reimbursement of $500 and stipends of $1,000 for teachers who take certain courses and commit to teaching in Title I schools. Teachers who work in Tile I schools earn supplements ranging from $100-$500, based on the percentage of students who receive Free and Reduced Lunches. Teachers assigned to school that earned a grade of "F" or three consecutive grades of "D" will receive a $100 yearly supplement. Third citation: 2016-2017 Salary Schedule. p. 8 (pdf), Salary Proposal #1. p. 162-164, Art. XXV, Sec. 2. & 4.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, newly hired teachers of critical shortage areas, as determined by the Board and Union, earn a one time stipend of $1,200 p. 163, Art. XXV, Sec. 3.A.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, a one-time $7,500 stipend p. 191, Art. XXVI, Sec. 40.A.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	Yes, 1.0% above the starting teacher salary for each two years of full ­time industry aligned work experience for a maximum of 10%.
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?	90 days (dismissal required) If the 90-Calendar Day Probation cannot be completed before the end of the school year, the probation will be continued into the next school year and the summative evaluation withheld until the process is concluded. (p. 36) pp. 34 & 36.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may appeal rating to the board or to an administrative law judge who makes recommendation to board, board's decision is final All teachers hired after July 1, 2011, are on annual contracts, which are not renewed if performance is unsatisfactory (i.e: two consecutive annual performance evaluation ratings of unsatisfactory, two annual performance ratings of unsatisfactory within a three-year period, or three consecutive annual performance evaluation ratings of needs improvement or a combination of needs improvement and unsatisfactory. The first year teacher is on a probationary contract which is not renewed if the teacher's performance is unsatisfactory. (Fl. Statutes 1012.33 & 1012.335). See also: Board Policy 3140: http://www.neola.com/miamidade-fl/ p. 131, Art. XXI, Sec. 1.B.5; pp. 132 & 133, Art. XXI, Sec. 1.B.6.c & p. 133, Art. XXI, Sec. 1.B.7.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	tenure non-existent (probationary [1st year] teacher may be dismissed or non-renewed at any time without cause, FL statute 1012.335) The first year teacher is on a probationary contract which is not renewed if the teacher's performance is unsatisfactory. (Fl. Statutes 1012.33 & 1012.335). Board Policy 3140: http://www.neola.com/miamidade-fl/
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 July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015 Contract Tenure does not exist in Florida. (Statute 1012. 335)
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015 Contract Tenure does not exist in accordance with Florida Statute 1012.335

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (35%, Learner Progress) Professional development plan (15% "Deliberate practice growth goal") Professional practice (50%: Knowledge of students, Instructional planning, Instructional delivery and engagement, Assessment, Communication, Professionalism, Learning environment) p. 19 (pdf). pp. 14, 15, 26 & 74.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	No The assessor must be either the site administrator or his/her administrative designee. p. 7.
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. 20.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 22.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly Effective, Effective, Developing/Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory p. 26.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	No Observations may be scheduled or nonscheduled but practice must be consistent within the school. p. 20.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	value-added (counts 35%) p. 19 (pdf). p. 106, App. A.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	end-of-course exams (count 35%) p. 19 (pdf). p. 106, App. A.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other tenure is non-existent; 1st year teachers - twice a year; all other annual contract teachers, once a year The first evaluation of the 1st year (probationary) teacher is a formative evaluation (does not impact employment). pp. 22 & 25.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	tenure does not exist, 1st year teachers observed twice; all others: once p. 20.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	1st year teacher by October 27, 2016, all other teachers by March 23, 2017 (end of 3rd grading period)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	June 2, 2017
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	20 minutes p. 21.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year pp. 22 & 25.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 p. 20.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	March 23, 2017 (end of 3rd grading period)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	June 2, 2017
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	20 minutes p. 21.
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?	90 days (dismissal required) If the 90-Calendar Day Probation cannot be completed before the end of the school year, the probation will be continued into the next school year and the summative evaluation withheld until the process is concluded. (p. 36) pp. 34 & 36.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	optional, Peer/Mentor assistance p. 35.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	2 p. 36.
How long is the remediation process?	90 days p. 36.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Other yes, teacher may request review of up to three performance standards p. 30.
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?	Tenure does not exist. district acknowledges that state law takes precedence over the local policy which calls for layoffs by seniority; State requires that performance be the top criterion Florida Statute 1012.33(5) p. 214, App. C.G.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other district acknowledges that state law takes precedence over the local policy which calls for layoffs by seniority; state requires that performance be the top criterion p. 214, App. C.G.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level District acknowledges that state law takes precedence over the local policy which calls for layoffs by seniority; state requires that performance be the top criterion. However if seniority were to be used as a less significant criterion, it would be district-wide seniority. p. 214, App. C.A. & G.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015 Contract
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-mandatory recall of all teachers in inverse order of layoffs except 1st year teachers (probationary) who do not have recall rights p. 215, App. C. K & L.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 215, App. C.

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?	10.25 (10 sick, 6 of which can be used as personal days; 0.13-0.25 [1-2 hours] days for voting) An employee is allowed two hours with pay to vote in each local primary and general election; however when an election day falls on a District Professional Development Day, the employee will be permitted the last hour of the workday off to vote. p. 21 (pdf), Art. XIV, Sec. 6; Contract - July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015: p. 41, Art. XIV, Sec. 6; p. 42, Art XIV; p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 13.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (10 sick, 6 personal taken from sick leave) p. 42, Art XIV & p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 13.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes pp. 42 & 43, Art. XIV, Sec. 9.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 13.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. 42, Art XIV, Sec. 8.
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
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 3 paid weeks of professional leave when school is not in session, in accordance with state law Professional leave is cumulative up to two years. p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 14.
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?	military leave (17 days), jury duty, court subpoena, military physical examination, discretionary leave for medical/dental exams (2 hours) Principals or supervising administrators may release unit employees for up to two hours without sick leave being charged against the employee for the purpose of medical and/or dental examination and, if deemed necessary, with verification upon return. p. 51, Art. XIV, Sec. 20. B; pp. 38-39 & 41, Art. XIV, Sec. 1, 3, 7.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 2,500 days to be shared district-wide No more than six unit members may be on full-time release at any given time. p. 148, Art. XXIII, Sec. 7.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes sick days may be cashed in annually for 80% of the teacher's daily rate of pay, for any number of sick days as long as the teacher has 21 sick days remaining after cash-in The employee must use no more than a total of three sick/personal leave days during the course of the fiscal year (July 1-June 30) in order to qualify for the good attendance incentive. p. 42, Art. XIV, Sec. 8.C.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Yes as part of the attendance incentive, teacher's may receive 80% of their daily rate of pay for sick leave days, but only if the teacher has been absent fewer than three days that year and has accrued at least 21 sick days after cash-in p. 42, Art. XIV, Sec. 8.C.
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. 42, Art XIV & p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 13.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes the daily rate of pay multiplied by 35%-100% times the number of accumulated sick days, based on the number of years of service The first three years of service: 35%; 3-6 years of service: 40%; 6-9 years of service: 45%; 10-12 years of service: 50%; during and after the 13th year of service: 100% p. 48, Art. XIV, Sec. 17.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 42, Art XIV & p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 13.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 3 paid weeks of professional leave when school is not in session, in accordance with state law Professional leave is cumulative up to two years. p. 44, Art. XIV, Sec. 14.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	3 years first-year teachers will have a site-based mentor; 2nd- and 3rd-year teachers will receive support from virtual or retired mentors Participation in the training program is optional during the third year. Mentoring and Induction for New Teachers (MINT): http://prodev.dadeschools.net/mint13.asp p. 2.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	5 days p. 28, Art. XII, Sec. 5.

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?	State only awards annual contracts. in accordance with State law FL. Statute 1012.335 declares that all teachers hired after July 1, 2011, work under annual contracts. p. 8, Art. IV. Sec. 2.B.
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Tenure does not exist. in accordance with FL. Statute 1012.335 p. 8, Art. IV. Sec. 2.B.

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	yes p. 33, Art. XII, Sec. 7.
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?	district makes final decision based on principal's recommendation p. 34, Art. XII, Sec. 7.
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. 34, Art. XII, Sec. 8.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. pp. 28 & 29, Art. XII, Sec. 6.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority with exceptions (if school lacks another certified Pre-k or K teacher, if school lacks another certified ESOL teacher, Basic Skills of the Home Language teachers, teachers of gifted subjects, critically-needed programs and in response to emergency situations) pp. 28 & 29, Art. XII, Sec. 6.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places teachers but method of placement is not clearly stated. p. 29, Art. XII, Sec. 6.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	Yes July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015 Contract, p. 177, Art. XXVI, Sec. 6.III & p. 234, Sec. 6.E. p. 26 (pdf), Art. XXVI, Sec. 6.III.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	Yes, schools can implement waivers with the approval of the parties involved and a vote of the staff July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015 Contract, p. 177, Art. XXVI, Sec. 6.III & p. 239, App. E, Sec. 7.A. The waiver process for implementation or continuation of the "Secondary School Reform Initiative" requires a 66% affirmative vote of the teachers present. Also, schools may develop an annual supplement plan subject to approval by the principal and two-thirds vote of the teaching staff. p. 26 (pdf), Art. XXVI, Sec. 6.III.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	for Secondary School Reform Initiative, and annual supplement plan waivers: 66% affirmative vote is required by teachers July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015 Contract, p. 177, Art. XXVI, Sec. 6.III & p. 239, App. E, Sec. 7.A. p. 26 (pdf), Art. XXVI, Sec. 6.III.