Anchorage School District, Alaska

National enrollment rank: 99

Labor context

Alaska requires collective bargaining by school districts if a majority of teachers vote for union representation.
Teachers are NEA union members.
2,794 teachers

Student demographics

48,089 students
45% 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:	172
Additional teacher work days:	10
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	1.0%
Starting salary:	$48,886
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$89,982; BA+ 90 w/ PhD; 20
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	n/a
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Once a year
Non-tenured	Once a year
Sick and personal days per year:	16.3 (13.3 sick, 3 personal)
Years to tenure:

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	percentage not specified; the district contributes $1,580 per month in 2016-2017 p. 13, 205. Past Policy percentage not specified; the district contributes $1,465 per month in 2013-2014 and $1,540 per month in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 p. 15, 205. A. Past Policy percentage not specified; the district contributes $1,385 per month p. 13, 205. A. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of reviewed NCTQ documents
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	percentage not specified; the district contributes $1,580 per month in 2016-2017 p. 13, 205. Past Policy percentage not specified; the district contributes $1,465 per month in 2013-2014 and $1,540 per month in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 p. 15, 205. A. Past Policy percentage not specified; the district contributes $1,385 per month p. 13, 205. A. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of reviewed NCTQ documents
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes; the district will contribute $1,580 per month in 2016-2017 p. 13, 205. Past Policy yes, $1,465 per month in 2013-2014 and $1,540 per month in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 p. 15, 205. A.
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that teachers must give notification by the last day of March to receive benefits through August, or 30 days prior to the next contract start date to avoid certification issues. No citation given or found. Resignations shall be submitted in writing through the immediate supervisor in a manner to be prescribed by the Superintendent or designee. Board Policy 525: http://www.asdk12.org/School_Board/policy/index.asp
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?	Yes a teacher who gives notice of retirement or resignation prior to the last day of March will have their benefits continued through August 31 of that year pp. 14 & 15, 205.F.
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 District reports that there is a loss of benefits and certification complications. No citation given or found. Board Policy 525: http://www.asdk12.org/School_Board/policy/index.asp
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes a member may cash out previously accrued unused personal leave days at any time p. 19, Art. 330.
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?	172
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	182
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	10 Past Policy 12 (which includes 4 half days for parent-teacher conferences; early release times vary by school) Past Policy 12 (which includes 4 half days for parent-teacher conferences; early release times vary by school) Past Policy 12 (which includes 4 half days for parent-teacher conferences; early release times vary by school) Past Policy 12 (which includes 4 half days for parent-teacher conferences; early release times vary by school) Past Policy 10 There are 4 days on the calendar for parent - teacher conferences and schedules and release times vary by individual school; thus, it is possible that some teachers will have additional work days without students. Past Policy 10 There are 4 days on the calendar for parent - teacher conferences and schedules and release times vary by individual school; thus, it is possible that some teachers will have additional work days without students. Past Policy 10 Past Policy 10 Past Policy 10 Past Policy 10
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the school day for secondary students?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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)	60 minutes, with at least 15 minutes before the student day begins and at least 15 minutes after the student day has ended p. 40, Art. 428. A. & D.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	4 hours per week p. 48, Art. 452.C.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	one instructional planning period per day p. 48, Art. 452.B.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	collaborative team planning is one of the designated uses for teacher planning time p. 47, Art. 452.A.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports there are guidelines set by the Elementary, Middle, and High School Divisions but no restrictions. No citation given or found.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that nothing happens when class size limits are exceeded. No citation given or found.

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane)
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	2.2%
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)	3.3%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$6,705 Past Policy $6,639 Past Policy $6,573 Past Policy 6,508 Past Policy 6,443 Past Policy 6,256 Past Policy 6,133 Past Policy 6,133
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	11: BA, BA+18, BA+36, ME+54, ME+72, ME+90, MA, BA+54 w/ MA, BA+72 w/ MA, BA+90 w/ MA, BA+90 w/ PhD
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)?	bachelor's lane: 10; master's lane: 15
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$48,886 Past Policy $48,402 Past Policy $47,923 Past Policy 47,449 Past Policy 46,979 Past Policy 45,611 Past Policy 44,717 Past Policy 42,917 Past Policy 41,266
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$55,527 Past Policy $54,977 Past Policy $54,433 Past Policy 53,894 Past Policy 53,360 Past Policy 51,806 Past Policy 50,790 Past Policy 48,990 Past Policy 47,106
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$62,165 Past Policy $61,549 Past Policy $60,940 Past Policy 60,337 Past Policy 59,740 Past Policy 58,000 Past Policy 56,862 Past Policy 55,062 Past Policy 52,945
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$54,346 Past Policy $53,808 Past Policy $53,275 Past Policy 52,748 Past Policy 52,226 Past Policy 50,705 Past Policy 49,711 Past Policy 47,911 Past Policy 46,068
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$60,987 Past Policy $60,383 Past Policy $59,785 Past Policy 59,193 Past Policy 58,607 Past Policy 56,900 Past Policy 55,784 Past Policy 53,984 Past Policy 51,908
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$74,266 Past Policy $73,531 Past Policy $72,803 Past Policy 72,082 Past Policy 71,368 Past Policy 69,289 Past Policy 67,930 Past Policy 66,130 Past Policy 63,587
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?	$89,982; BA+ 90 w/ PhD; 20 Past Policy $89,091; BA+ 90 w/ PhD; 20 Past Policy $88,209; BA+ 90 w/ PhD; 20 Past Policy 87,336; BA+ 90 w/ PhD; 20 Past Policy 86,471; BA+ 90 w/ PhD; 20 Past Policy 83,952; PhD; 20
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 3, 110.B.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating p. 3, 110.B.
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, the district may compensate the following positions with supplemental wages: teachers of world language immersion and special education (blind/visually impaired) - amount not specified p. 4, 110.H.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, $2,000 per year for the life of the certificate or 10 years (whichever is shorter) p. 3, 110.G.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$2,520 - $4,725, depending on the number of teachers supervised p. 8, 150.B. & p. 11, 155.A.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record District acknowledges state law Anchorage Board Policy: 532.11: http://www.asdk12.org/School_Board/policy/index.asp
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, vocational teachers receive up to three years of experience for work directly related to their teaching assignment p. 6, 117.C.
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 Teachers in year of experience 20 on the BA+90 with MA or BA+90 with Doctorate lanes and those in year of experience 18 on the Master's Equivalent +90 lane who did not receive step movement in 2015-2016 will receive $1,000. p. 5, 110.B.

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation is 90-180 days, if still deficient at close of remediation, further remediation is warranted In accordance with state law, Sec. 14.20.149 (c). Following an unsatisfactory evaluation, the teacher is placed on an improvement plan in the following year. If s/he remains unsatisfactory, s/he is placed in remediation for 1-2 semesters in the year following. p. 15 & p. 17, #11.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law In accordance with Alaska statute 14.20.180. p. 41, 437.B. Board Policy 534: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/asdk12/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=8Y9PVN662123#
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	district acknowledges state law District reports no, no citation given. p. 41, 437.B.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	last day of school year, in accordance with Alaska Statute 14.20.140 p. 41, 437.A.
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	March 16, in accordance with Alaska Statute 14.20.140 p. 41, 437.A.

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Professional Development Plan (only for tenured teachers with prior year evaluation rating of proficient or exemplary) Professional practice (Planning and preparation; Classroom environment; Instruction/Delivery of service; Professional responsibilities) pp. 3, 10 & 12.
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, peer input optional using a form developed by district When the administrator is filling out the evaluation report, s/he may supplement his/her comments with those voiced by peers, parents and students. p. 7. p. 50, 464.B.4.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Student survey optional-does not factor into evaluation rating p. 7.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator pp. 10 & 12. p. 50, 464.B.3.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator pp. 10 & 12.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Distinguished (Exemplary), Proficient, Basic, Unsatisfactory The Distinguished and Exemplary ratings are used interchangeably. p. 19.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other no for tenured, yes for non-tenured unless evaluator exercises right to perform an unannounced informal observation or walkthrough The tenured teacher receives one unannounced informal observation. Unannounced informal observations of the non-tenured teacher are performed at the discretion of the evaluator. pp. 8, 10 & 12.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	n/a pp. 3, 10 & 12.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	n/a pp. 3, 10 & 12.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 7. p. 50, 464.A.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 formal plus frequent walkthroughs p. 10. p. 50, 464.B.1.
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?	February 15 p. 11. p. 50, 464. B.1.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports no minimum time, no citation given.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year State law allows a district to "limit its evaluations of tenured teachers who have consistently exceeded the district performance standards to one evaluation every two school years." (p. 2 of Certificated Employee Evaluations) There is no evidence that Anchorage has chosen to implement this policy. p. 7. p. 50, 464.A.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 informal plus frequent walkthroughs p. 12. Past Policy 2 informal plus frequent walkthroughs p. 12 Past Policy 2 formal in summative years There are informal observations (# not specified) during the tenured teacher's formative years (Evaluation Handbook - OBSERVATIONS, Professional Development Model) GENERAL INFORMATION, Non-tenured and Tenured Information and Observation Information Past Policy 2 formal in summative years There are informal observations (# not specified) during the tenured teacher's formative years (Evaluation Handbook - OBSERVATIONS, Professional Development Model) GENERAL INFORMATION, Non-tenured and Tenured Information and Observation Information Past Policy 2 formal in summative years General Information Past Policy 2 formal in summative years p. 6 E. 1 Past Policy 2 p. 5, B. A.; p. 6 E. 1
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	n/a, formal observations not required Formal observations are not required; No deadline is given for the informal observation, however, the evaluation must be completed by May 5. p. 12.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May 5 p. 12. p. 50, 464.B.2.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation is 90-180 days, if still deficient at close of remediation, further remediation is warranted In accordance with state law, Sec. 14.20.149 (c). Following an unsatisfactory evaluation, the teacher is placed on an improvement plan in the following year. If s/he remains unsatisfactory, s/he is placed in remediation for 1-2 semesters in the year following. p. 15 & p. 17, #11.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	optional, at request of teacher Teacher may request an Instructional Coach. p. 15.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	2 p. 15.
How long is the remediation process?	90 - 180 days p. 15.
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 District reports no, no citation given.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents teacher has the right to one additional observation by a mutually acceptable evaluator. There is no evidence a teacher may request a new evaluation, however, s/he may request an additional observation by a mutually acceptable evaluator. pp. 11, 12 & 15. p. 51, 464.C.4.

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes p. 46, 449.F.1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. p. 46, 449.F.1.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level pp. 45 & 46, 449. C & F.1.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	nontenured-last day of school; tenured-March 15 p. 41, 437.A. & p. 46, 449.F.2.
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 p. 46, 449.G.1.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	district acknowledges state law p. 46, 449.G.

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?	16.3 (13.3 sick; 3 personal) 1 and 1/3 sick days issued per month. Up to 10 sick days per year can be used for death or serious illness of family member. p. 18, Sec. 330; p. 20, Sec. 345.A.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	16.3 (13.3 sick, 3 personal) 1 and 1/3 sick days issued per month. Up to 10 sick days per year can be used for death or serious illness of family member. p. 18, Sec. 330 & p. 20, Sec. 345.A.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 20, Sec. 345.A.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes up to 5 days may carry over p. 19, Sec. 330.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. 20, Sec. 345.A.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	when abuse of sick leave is suspected (number of days not specified); may request documentation from district-approved doctor p. 21, Sec. 345.I.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 2 days at $100 per day p. 19, Sec. 335 & p. 20, Sec. 335.B.
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 (16.5 days), legal leave, jury duty, court subpoena, civic leave Civic leave duties shall be defined as being appointed to a committee, commission, or board established by the President, Congress, Governor, State Legislature, Municipality, Board, District, or national, international or local non-profit organization or serving in an elective office for a professional education association, excluding unions. p. 17, Sec. 305; p. 18, Sec. 320.A & C; p. 22, Sec. 355.A.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, one day of Association leave with pay is provided for every 12 teachers p. 60, 725. B.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	first/last five student days; in-service days; when used in any combination that includes both the day before & day after a holiday break; 10% of the teaching staff or 2 members absent, whichever is more at the unit level; disrupt educational program p. 19, Sec. 330.
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 p. 21, Sec. 330
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Yes unused personal leave days in excess of 5 will be cashed out at the end of the school year at the member’s per diem rate for that year A member may cash out previously accrued unused personal leave days at any time. p. 18, Sec. 330.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes a member may cash out previously accrued unused personal leave days at any time p. 19, Art. 330.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 2 days at $100 per day p. 19, Sec. 335 & p. 20, Sec. 335.B.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Other mentors are not required for all new teachers; teachers may voluntarily request a mentor for up to two years Mentoring Program: http://www.asdk12.org/pld/11teachermentoring/ p. 49, Art. 463.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports three years if there are no performance issues in the third year, no citation given.
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports no, no citation given.

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	yes Three (if available) internal transfers must be interviewed for each job posting. p. 33, 413.B. & p. 34, 413.D.3.
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; teachers apply to vacancies using district electronic tool; school committees provide recommendations to the principal, but the principal has final say in hiring decisions Principal makes selection during staffing meeting, which occurs after teachers have been interviewed. p. 33, 413.B.
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?	welfare of the employee or the district District reports that teachers can be involuntarily transferred based on program need. No citation given or found. Board Policy 533.4: http://www.asdk12.org/School_Board/policy/index.asp
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Seniority is only one of the factors considered. p. 34, 413.E.2.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	multiple criteria applied in order: #1-effect on District’s program (impact on sending and receiving schools), #2-seniority, #3-distance between home and school pp. 34 & 35, 413.E.
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?	Yes p. 41, Art. 432.C.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	approval by the district and the union p. 41, Art. 432.C.