Fort Worth Independent School District, Texas

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 (the Board annually determines the District's contribution) p. 7. p. 14.
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 (the Board annually determines the District's contribution) p. 7. p. 14.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, district provides a chart listing only the employee contributions (the Board annually determines the District's contribution) p. 7. p. 14.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	resignation: 45 days before 1st day of instruction of following school year, in accordance with state law; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy DFE (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101 p. 46.
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 State Board for Educator Certification may impose sanctions against a teacher who fails to give proper resignation notice Board Policy DFE (legal), p.1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 40 days When an employee resigns or retires from the District, the final paycheck will reflect all compensation for salary, vacation leave not to exceed 40 days, or any adjustment or balance that may be owed the District. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 21: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 40 days When an employee resigns or retires from the District, the final paycheck will reflect all compensation for salary, vacation leave not to exceed 40 days, or any adjustment or balance that may be owed the District. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 21: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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?	176
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	1,232 hours (based on a 7 hour day X 176 days) (total) Board Policy EC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	at least 7 hours (total) Board Policy EC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
How long is the school day for secondary students?	at least 7 hours (total) Board Policy EC (LEGAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	450 minutes in each two week period, in accordance with state law Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	450 minutes in each two week period, in accordance with state law Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK and 5-12: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; K-4: 22, in accordance with state law Board Policy EEB (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Notify parents District acknowledges policy mandated by state law Board Policy EEB (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane) p. 16, Sec. II.
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	1.4% p. 16, Sec. II.
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	1.1% p. 16, Sec. II. p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy 2.2% p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 3.0% p. 19 Past Policy -1.26% p. 19 Past Policy -1.26% p. 19 Past Policy -1.26% p. 19 Past Policy -1.3% Past Policy -1.3% Past Policy -1.3% Past Policy 1.9% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 1.5-2% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 2.5-3.5% 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)	2.4% p. 16, Sec. II. p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy 3.6% p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy 3.4% Past Policy 4.4% p. 19 Past Policy 0.05% p. 19 Past Policy 0.05% p. 19 Past Policy 0.05% p. 19 Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 3.3% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$1,327 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $1,315 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $1,299 Past Policy 1,297 p. 19 Past Policy 1,269 p. 19 Past Policy 1,269 p. 19 Past Policy 1,269 p. 19 Past Policy 1,278 Past Policy 1,278 Past Policy 1,278 Past Policy 1,287 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 1,272 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	3: BA, MA, PhD p. 16, Sec. II.
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)?	32 p. 16, Sec. II.
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$51,000 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $50,000 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $48,300 Past Policy 47,000 p. 19 Past Policy 45,200 p. 19 Past Policy 45,200 p. 19 Past Policy 45,200 p. 19 Past Policy 45,405 Past Policy 45,405 Past Policy 46,570 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 46,570 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 46,570 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,600 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$53,000 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $52,315 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $51,245 Past Policy 49,894 Past Policy 48,481 Past Policy 48,481 Past Policy 48,481 p. 19 Past Policy 48,813 Past Policy 48,813 Past Policy 49,347 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 49,347 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,389 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,421 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?	$78,852 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $77,306 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $75,054 Past Policy 72,868 p. 19 Past Policy 70,104 p. 19 Past Policy 70,104 p. 19 Past Policy 70,104 p. 19 Past Policy 70,104 Past Policy 70,104 Past Policy 70,104 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 70,104 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 68,193 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 67,244 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$52,000 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $51,000 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $49,300 Past Policy 48,000 p. 19 Past Policy 46,200 p. 19 Past Policy 46,200 p. 19 Past Policy 46,200 p. 19 Past Policy 46,404 Past Policy 46,404 Past Policy 47,568 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,568 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,568 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 46,600 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$54,000 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $53,420 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $52,337 Past Policy 50,951 p. 19 Past Policy 49,529 p. 19 Past Policy 49,529 p. 19 Past Policy 49,529 p. 19 Past Policy 49,950 Past Policy 49,950 Past Policy 50,489 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 50,489 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 49,509 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,541 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?	$80,724 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $79,141 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $76,836 Past Policy 74,598 p. 19 Past Policy 71,767 p. 19 Past Policy 71,767 p. 19 Past Policy 71,767 p. 19 Past Policy 71,767 Past Policy 71,767 Past Policy 71,767 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 71,767 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 69,834 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 68,866 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?	$84,651; PhD; 32 p. 16, Sec. II. Past Policy $82,991; PhD; 32 p. 15, Sec. II. Past Policy $80,574; PhD; 32 Past Policy 78,228; PhD; 32 p. 19 Past Policy 75,258; PhD; 31 p. 19 Past Policy 75,258; PhD; 31 p. 19 Past Policy 75,258; PhD; 32 p. 19 Past Policy 75,258; PhD; 31 Past Policy 75,258; PhD; 31 Past Policy 75,258; PhD; 31
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 14, Sec. I. Board Policy DEA (local), p. 1: http://tinyurl.com/matl983
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Other an employee must have a satisfactory evaluation the previous school year p. 14, Sec. I. Board Policy DEA (local), p. 1: http://tinyurl.com/matl983
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents In accordance with state law, if the district participates in the Educator Excellence Award Program/District Awards for Teacher Excellence, qualifying employees may receive bonuses. Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index /1101
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents In accordance with state law, the district participates in the Educator Excellence Award Program, master teachers working in high-need campuses may receive year-end stipends. Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 4: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, Bilingual and ESL teachers earn annual stipends ranging from $450 to $3,150, depending on their position. Math and secondary science teachers earn annual stipends of $1,800 or $2,700, depending on position and subject area, and special education teachers earn annual stipends of $450 to $1,350. pp. 49-51, Sec. V.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record District acknowledges state law Board Policy DBA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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, career and technology teachers may count up to two years of work experience if that work experience was required for career and technology certification. p. 9, Sec. I.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	Term contracts: hearing before attorney or hearing examiner, Board votes on recommendation; Continuing contracts: may request hearing before hearing examiner in accordance with state law, or, same as policy DFBB Most teachers with 3+ yrs. experience are on term contracts. Continuing contracts not issued after 1996. Board Policies DFBB (legal and local) & DFCA (legal), : http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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/1101
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/1101
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), p.1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/587/

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Professional practice (Planning; Instruction; Learning environment; Professional practices and procedures) Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, each teacher appraisal shall include the performance of teachers' students in accordance with TX Education Code 150.1002(d) (will count 20%). pp. 15 & 16 (pdf).
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?	other yes-optional observation and rating by department or grade level chairs; optional observation by teachers from another school p. 21 (pdf). Past Policy No p. 22. Past Policy No p. 22. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy No p. 22 Past Policy DNA (local) http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/220905/
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. 4 (pdf). Board Policy DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p.4 (pdf).
How many categories of ratings are there?	5: Distinguished, Accomplished, Proficient, Developing, Improvement needed p. 16 (pdf) Past Policy 4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory pp. 4 & 5. Past Policy 4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory pp. 4 & 5. Past Policy 4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory pp. 4 & 5 Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local) http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/220905/ Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local)
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced The formal observations must be announced. Throughout the year, there are informal unannounced informal observations ("walkthroughs"). p. 4.
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, method of calculating is unclear) pp. 15 & 16.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	n/a (effective 2016-2017, student growth counts 20%, when TX Teacher Evaluation and Support System is fully implemented, method of calculating is unclear) pp. 15 & 16.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 7 (pdf).
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal observation plus additional informal observations (number not specified) p, 4 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	May 11, 2017 p. 8 (pdf). Past Policy April 28, 2016 p. 18. Past Policy April 30 p. 18. Past Policy May 1 p. 18 Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local) http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/220905/ Past Policy district acknowledges state law DNA (local)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May 11, 2017 p. 8 (pdf).
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	45 minutes p. 4 (pdf).
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summative once every two years; formative in off year In the off years when a teacher is not fully evaluated, s/he must have a professional development plan and set goals. If the teacher teaches in a school that has been rated "Improvement required," s/he is not eligible for less-than-annual evaluations. p. 7 (pdf).
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal observation plus additional informal observations ("walkthroughs") p. 4 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	May 11, 2017 p. 8 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May 11 (2017) p. 8 (pdf).
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	45 minutes 45 minutes p. 4 (pdf).
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?	Yes While the teacher may not formally grieve the content of an evaluation, there is a process for administrative review followed by a request for a second evaluation by a new evaluator in accordance with state law (TEC 150.1005). p. 6 (pdf). Board Policy DGBA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Yes p. 6 (pdf).

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Other no, if layoffs occur during school year; issue not addressed if layoffs occur at end of school year Board Policies DFFA (local), p. 3 & DFF (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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, seniority, professional background 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 (those hired before 1984 are laid off primarily by performance) Board Policies DFFA (local), p. 3 & DFCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Other teachers receive notification of any openings for a period of six months after layoffs For the six-month period following an employee’s receipt of a notice of proposed nonrenewal or discharge, the District shall make available to the employee an updated list of vacancies. Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	n/a, recall rights do not exist Board Policy DFFA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101

Leave questions

Sick & Personal Leave
What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year?	10 (5 local leave, 5 state leave in accordance with state law) Both local leave and state leave can used for sick and personal reasons. Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1 & Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101 pp. 42 & 43.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10 (5 local leave, 5 state leave in accordance with state law) Both local leave and state leave can used for sick and personal reasons. Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1 & Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101 pp. 42 & 43.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes both local sick and state personal leave accumulate Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1 & Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101 pp. 42 & 43.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes both local sick and state personal leave accumulate Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1 & Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101 pp. 42 & 43.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum Board Policy DEC (legal), p. 1 & Board Policy DEC (local), p. 7: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	2 days; district has the right to request medical certification from a district-approved doctor p. 42. Board Policy DBB (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes leave to attend meetings and conferences when required by superintendent or the board (amount of time unspecified); 2 paid days for education organization officers One additional day per year is given to officers at loss of substitute’s pay to attend a professional education association/organization workshop, conference, convention, meeting, or activity. Local professional organizations may send one representative to one approved state, regional, or national meeting providing they pay the cost of a substitute. Board Policy DMD (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1101?filter=DMD
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?	assualt (2 years), bereavement (2 days), court appearances/subpoena, jury duty, short-term military (15 days) pp. 38 & 39, 41. Past Policy assualt (2 years), bereavement (1 day), court,short-term military (15 days), jury, workman's compensation The teacher may take five days for bereavement but only one day is allowed with no loss to sick or personal leave. Board Policy DEC (LOCAL): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101 Past Policy assualt (2 years), bereavement (1 day), court,short-term military (15 days), jury, workman's compensation The teacher may take five days for bereavement but only one day is allowed with no loss to sick or personal leave. Board Policy DEC (Local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101 Past Policy assualt (2 years), bereavement (1 day), court, military (15 days), jury, workman's compensation Board Policy DEC (Local): http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1101?filter=DMD
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 state
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	first or last week of school, day before or after a holiday or break, end of semester/year exams, state assessments days, two or more consecutive days without approval p. 43.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 40 days When an employee resigns or retires from the District, the final paycheck will reflect all compensation for salary, vacation leave not to exceed 40 days, or any adjustment or balance that may be owed the District. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 21: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 40 days When an employee resigns or retires from the District, the final paycheck will reflect all compensation for salary, vacation leave not to exceed 40 days, or any adjustment or balance that may be owed the District. Board Policy DEC (local), p. 21: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes leave to attend meetings and conferences when required by superintendent or the board (amount of time unspecified); 2 paid days for education organization officers One additional day per year is given to officers at loss of substitute’s pay to attend a professional education association/organization workshop, conference, convention, meeting, or activity. Local professional organizations may send one representative to one approved state, regional, or national meeting providing they pay the cost of a substitute. Board Policy DMD (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Code/1101?filter=DMD
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Other district acknowledges state law A district may assign a mentor teacher to each classroom teacher who has less than two years of teaching experience in the subject or grade level to which the teacher is assigned. Board Policy DEAA (legal), p. 3: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Tenure questions

Role of Tenure on Teacher Assignment and Employment
What is the minimum number of years of experience that a teacher must have in a district before tenure is granted?	other 3 years, in accordance with state law District acknowledges state law which grants tenure after three years (Ed. Code 21.201) Board Policy DCA (legal), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Yes n accordance with state law Board Policy DCA (legal), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101

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 Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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 Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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 Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Seniority is only one of the factors considered. Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
How are teachers identified for excessing?	multiple criteria including seniority, academic needs of the school, program needs of the school, certification specialized skills and training Principals at each school determine which teachers will be excessed. Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places excessed teachers with input from principal and/or site selection committees. Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101
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 Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/1101

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 agreement
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	n/a; there is no district-level bargaining agreement in this district
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	n/a; there is no district-level bargaining agreement in this district