Columbus City Schools, Ohio

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	90% p. 84, Part 1, Chapter 800, Art. 806.04.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	90% CEA bargaining unit members are able to enroll a spouse for 90% board coverage p. 84, Part 1, Chapter 800, Art. 806.04.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, a percentage (90%) is secified p. 84, Part 1, Chapter 800, Art. 806.04.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Yes once in a 5 year period the district may offer a Voluntary Emplolyee Separation Assistance Plan if it's determined that this plan will reduce the average number of years of service for as many employees as possible and reduce costs If the plan is offered, participants must meet numerous eligibility requirements, including earning above the specified minimum annual salary, completing paperwork in advance of set deadlines. Upon acceptance into the plan, employees will receive a guaranteed dollar-specific annuity. pp. 91 - 93, Part I, Chapter 800, Art. 811.
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
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 teachers with at least 5 years of service who give notice by February 1 will receive 25%-45% of their accrued and unused sick leave; those who give notice after February 1 will only receive 20% (see footnote for more details) Retirement/resignation notice given by February 1 must be for resignation/retirement between May 31 and October 31. Teachers may also qualify for the incentive if they give notice of retirement/resignation notice after September 1 and 90 days before the effective date, when the effective date is between November 1 and May 31. pp. 89-91, Part I, Chapter 800, Art. 810.01 & 810.02.
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
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 25-45% of days at current salary rate, based on the number of days accumulated Percentage of pay is as follows: 25% (0-100 days); 30% (101-200 days); 35% (201 - 300 days); 40% (301 - 400 days); 45% (401+ days). Payment for unused sick leave can only be collected after 5 years employment in the district. pp. 89 & 90, Art. 810.01 & 810.02.B.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 50% of the member's accrued, unused personal leave days p. 90, Art. 810.02.A.
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?	174 Past Policy 175 Past Policy 174 Past Policy 178 Past Policy 178 Past Policy 178 Past Policy 178 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 175 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 178 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 178 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary: 957 (total, but excluding lunch); middle & secondary: 1,218 (total, includes lunch) Calculated based off of 174 day year x 5 1/2 hour day (excluding lunch) for elementary; 174 day year x 7 hour day for middle and secondary. p. 17, Art. 204.02 & 204.03. Past Policy elementary: 962 hours, 30 minutes (total, but excluding lunch); middle & secondary: 1,225 (total, includes lunch) Calculated based off of 175 day year x 5 1/2 hour day (excluding lunch) for elementary; 175 day year x 7 hour day for middle and secondary. Past Policy elementary: 962 hours, thirty minutes (total, but excluding lunch); secondary: 1,225(total) Calculated based off of 175 day year x 5 1/2 hour day (excluding lunch) for elementary; 175 day year x 7 hour day for secondary. Past Policy elementary: 957 (total, but excluding lunch); secondary: 1,218 (total) Calculated based off of 174 day year x 5 1/2 hour day (excluding lunch) for elementary; 174 day year x 7 hour day for secondary. Past Policy elementary: 979 (total, but excluding lunch); secondary: 1,246 (total) Calculated based off of 178 day year x 5 1/2 hour day (excluding lunch) for elementary; 178 day year x 7 hour day for secondary. Past Policy elementary: 1,068; secondary: 1,246 Additional citation: TR3 Contract - August 30, 2009 - August 20, 2011; p. 17, Chapter 1400. Art. 204.02 & 204.03. Elementary calculation: 178 day year x 6 hour day (including lunch). Secondary calculation: 178 day year x 7 hour day. Past Policy 1,157 This calculation is based on 6.5 hours per day X 175 days. Columbus CBA 2009-2011: p. 17, Art. 204.02 & 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 1,137 This calculation is based on 6.5 hours per day X 175 days. Columbus CBA 2009-2011: p. 17, Art. 204.02 & 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 1,157 This calculation is based on 6.5 hours per day X 178 days. 2009-2010 School Year Calendar, Columbus CBA 2009-2011: p. 17, Art. 204.02 Past Policy 1,157 This calculation is based on 6.5 hours per day X 178 days. 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 979 979 hours does not include lunch; this calculation is based on 5.5 hours per day X 178 days. Columbus CBA 2008: p. 17, Art. 204.02 & 2008-2009 School Calendar
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	184 Past Policy 185 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 183 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 183 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 184 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 182 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	10
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	elementary: 5 hours, 30 minutes (total, but excluding lunch); middle: 7 hours (total, includes lunch) p. 17, Art. 204.02 & 204.03.
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours (total) p. 17, Art. 204.02 & 204.03.
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 30 minutes p. 17, Art. 204.04.
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)	elementary: 45 minutes (30 minutes prior to the start of classes and 15 minutes following the close of the student day) secondary: 30 minutes (15 minutes prior to the start of classes and 15 minutes following the close of the student day) p. 17, Art. 204.01.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	45 minutes per day p. 37, Art. 302.02.A.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	not specified; high school administrators will make an effort, where practical with the assigned staff in relation to the school program, to make teaching assignments to such teachers in a manner that will limit the necessary preparations to three (3) or fewer for distinctively different courses p. 38, Art. 302.06.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents In 2000-2001 the district piloted a program which provided some elementary teachers with one 45 minute staff-collaboration period per week. p. 37, Art. 302.02.B.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; K-5: 30; 6-8: 35 (individual teacher's average of 30 pupils per academic period not to be exceeded); 9-12: 36 (no high school teacher is to instruct more than 180 pupils per day except for activity classes and study hall) pp. 35 & 36, Part I, Chapter 300, Art. 301.01.1 - 5.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other class size must be reduced, unless the teacher elects to exceed the maximum number of students Administration will investigate and determine the most constructive course of action with input from the principal and teacher. p. 36, Part I, Chapter 300, Art. 301.01.1 - 3 & 6.

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)	2.2% Past Policy 1.8% Past Policy 0.0% Past Policy -1.8% Past Policy -0.55% Past Policy 3.83% Past Policy 2.0% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule; 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 2.5% 2007-2008 Salary Schedule, 2008-2009 Salary Schedule Past Policy 2.5% 2007-2008 Salary Schedule, 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	4.4% Past Policy 4.0% Past Policy 2.1% Past Policy 0.3% Past Policy 1.63% Past Policy 4.76% Past Policy 6.08% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$5,431 Past Policy $6,462 Past Policy $6,348 Past Policy 6,348 Past Policy 6,488 Past Policy 6,524 Past Policy 5,673 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	5: BA, BA+150 hours, MA, MA+30, PhD There is also a salary lane for pre-license BA degree.
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: 30; Master's lane: 31
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$44,043 Past Policy $43,095 Past Policy $42,333 Past Policy 42,333 Past Policy 42,333 Past Policy 42,333 Past Policy 39,125 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 38,358 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 37,698 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$49,538 Past Policy $46,600 Past Policy $45,776 Past Policy 45,776 Past Policy 47,615 Past Policy 47,615 Past Policy 47,615 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 46,682 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,878 2008-2009 Salary Schedule (as reported in addnedum)
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$81,615 Past Policy $79,858 Past Policy $78,446 Past Policy 78,446 Past Policy 78,446 Past Policy 78,446 Past Policy 67,765 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 66,436 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 65,293 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$45,143 Past Policy $44,171 Past Policy $43,390 Past Policy 43,390 Past Policy 43,390 Past Policy 43,390 Past Policy 43,390 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 42,539 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 41,807 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$52,795 Past Policy $51,658 Past Policy $50,745 Past Policy 50,745 Past Policy 52,780 Past Policy 52,780 Past Policy 52,780 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 51,745 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 50,855 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?	$89,475 Past Policy $87,549 Past Policy $86,001 Past Policy 86,001 Past Policy 86,001 Past Policy 86,001 Past Policy 75,720 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 73,647 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 72,380 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?	$96,123; PhD; 31 Past Policy $94,054; PhD; 31 Past Policy $92,391; PhD; 31 Past Policy 92,391; PhD; 31 Past Policy 92,391; PhD; 30 Past Policy 92,391; PhD; 30 Past Policy 87,488; PhD; 30
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents; voluntary participation in the Performance Advancement System, which provided bonuses of $2,500 based on student performance, ended with payment in fall 2015 (based on 2014-2015 performance data) pp. 110 & 111, Part 1, Chapter 900, Art. 909.
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	Yes, teachers at low-performing schools with at least five years of experience, with a recommendation from their principal and a demonstrated record of student achievement over two years using objective measures, are eligible for bonuses of $4,000 p. 111, Part I, Chapter 900, Art. 911.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, $1,500 annually for the life of the certificate; NBPTS certified teachers are responsible for providing 2 staff development presentations each year p. 110, Part I, Chapter 900, Art. 908.01.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	8% of the BA minimum salary (step 1) and after 4 years of continuous service in the role, 10% of step 2 of the BA salary lane p. 104, Part I, Chapter 900, Art. 905.01.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Yes pp. 98 & 99, Part I, Chapter 900, Art. 902.
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?	Only vocational teachers can receive credit for work-related experience; 10 years p. 95, Part I, Chapter 900, Art. 901.04.
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 Past Policy yes, 16, 19, 23, 27 and 30 years Past Policy 16, 19, 23, 27 and 30 years Past Policy 19 and every year thereafter Columbus CBA 2009-2011: p. 98, Art. 902.02-.06 Past Policy 19, 23, 27, 30 Columbus CBA 2008: p. 103, Art. 902.12-902.15

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 one year (may be dismissed) Teachers with more than five years experience are referred to the intervention component of PAR. p. 43, Part I, Art. 401.05.A. & p. 45, Part I, Art. 401.07.D.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law (OH Code 3319.16) p. 51, Part I, Art. 404.03.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	no p. 48, Part I, Art. 401.09.A.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	district acknowledges state law, OH Code 3319.11(G)(2) p. 48, Part I, Art. 401.09.A. Past Policy April 30 . Past Policy April 30 . Past Policy April 30 p. 46, 401.16 C.
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (50%) Professional practice (50%: Instructional planning; Instruction and Assessment; Professionalism)
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional If teachers are rated Accomplished, they might select an evaluator from the list of district credentialed evaluators. pp. 42 & 43, Part I, Art. 401.02.B.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	No According to the contract, teachers may only be evaluated by a "credentialed evaluator" which appears to be an administrator. pp. 42 & 43, Art. 401.02.B.
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
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator
How many categories of ratings are there?	4:Accomplished, Skilled, Developing, Ineffective
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	DOE-approved vendor assessment teacher-level data (counts 10%); 2 SLO's (counts 40%) Value-added assessment will not be used in 2016-2017 in accordance with House Bill 64.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	2 Student Learning Objectives (counts 50%)
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other Full evaluation: 1x/yr if prior rating was Ineffective or Developing; 1x/2rs if prior rating was Skilled; 1x/3yrs if prior rating was accomplished A teacher must maintain a student growth measure of average or higher in the off-years in order to qualify for the less-than-annual full evaluation cycle. When teachers are eligible for less frequent full evaluations, they are still observed once a year and rated on student growth in the off-years. p. 41, Part I, Art. 401.01.A & C.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4-10: 2 formal, 2-8 informal ("walkthroughs") If a teacher was rated Skilled in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/3 years. If s/he was rated Accomplished in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/2 years. S/he is observed one time in the off years. p. 41, Part I, Art. 401.01.A & C. Past Policy 4: 2 formal, 2 informal (Full evaluation Cycle) If a teacher was rated Skilled in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/3 years. If s/he was rated Accomplished in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/2 years. S/he is observed one time in the off years. Past Policy depends on previous rating: 1st year of employment or if prior year's rating was Ineffective or Developing - 2 formal, 2 informal (walkthroughs); if prior year's rating was Skilled or accomplished - 1 formal observation p. 3 Past Policy 2 formal observations In addition, there may be multiple informal announced or unannounced observation. p. 15 Past Policy 1 First year teachers participate in Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) whereby peer mentors observe the teacher a minimum of 20 times for a recommended 45 minutes. They are not evaluated by an administrator while in PAR. Past Policy 1 p. 43, 401.04
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	January 13, 2017
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	April 10, 2017 (evaluation results due in central office); May 10, 2017 (final evaluation conference)
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Frequency of evaluations depends on previous evaluation rating. 1x/yr if prior rating was Ineffective or Developing; 1x/2rs if prior rating was Skilled; 1x/3yrs if prior rating was accomplished A teacher must maintain a student growth measure of average or higher in the off-years in order to qualify for the less-than-annual full evaluation cycle. When teachers are eligible for less frequent full evaluations, they are still observed once a year and rated on student growth in the off-years. p. 41, Part I, Art. 401.01.A & C.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	4-10: 2 formal, 2-8 informal ("walkthroughs") If a teacher was rated Skilled in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/3 years. If s/he was rated Accomplished in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/2 years. S/he is observed one time in the off years. p. 41, Part I, Art. 401.01.A & C. Past Policy 4: 2 formal, 2 informal ( Full Evaluation Cycle) If a teacher was rated Skilled in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/3 years. If s/he was rated Accomplished in previous year, s/he undergoes the Full Evaluation Cycle 1x/2 years. S/he is observed one time in the off years. Past Policy depends on previous rating: if prior year's rating was Ineffective or Developing - 2 formal, 8 informal (walkthroughs); if prior year's rating was Skilled or accomplished - 1 formal observation p. 3 Past Policy 2 formal observations In addition, there may be multiple announced or unannounced informal observations. p. 15 Past Policy 1 There may be a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 formal observations. Past Policy 1 There may be a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 formal observations. p. 42, 401.04
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	January 13, 2017
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	April 10, 2017 (evaluation results due in central office); May 10, 2017 (final evaluation conference)
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes
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 one year (may be dismissed) Teachers with more than five years experience are referred to the intervention component of PAR. p. 43, Part I, Art. 401.05.A. & p. 45, Part I, Art. 401.07.D.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes (Peer Consulting Mentor through Peer Assistance and Review) p. 45, Part I, Art. 401.07.D.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other at least 20 observations/walk-throughs by the PAR Consulting teacher Prior to dismissing a teacher, the principal must formally observe the teacher at least twice. p. 43, Part I, Art. 401.05.A. & p. 45, Part I, Art. 401.07.D.
How long is the remediation process?	1 year p. 43, Part I, Art. 401.05.A. & p. 45, Part I, Art. 401.07.D.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes appeals through the Joint Evaluation Panel p. 42, Part I, Art. 401.01.D.
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?	District acknowledges state law. Ohio Revised Code 3319.17 states: "The board shall not give preference to any teacher based on seniority, except when making a decision between teachers who have comparable evaluations." While the CBA makes seniority the overriding criterion in layoffs, it also says: Section 3319.17 of the Ohio Revised Code shall automatically and simultaneously change Paragraph(A) in precisely the same manner without any consultation or agreement by the Board and Association. p. 77, Part I, Art. 704.01.A & B.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	District acknowledges state law. Ohio Revised Code 3319.17 states: "The board shall not give preference to any teacher based on seniority, except when making a decision between teachers who have comparable evaluations." While the CBA makes seniority the overriding criterion in layoffs, it also says: Section 3319.17 of the Ohio Revised Code shall automatically and simultaneously change Paragraph(A) in precisely the same manner without any consultation or agreement by the Board and Association. p. 77, Part I, Art. 704.01.A & B.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	Seniority is not a factor in teacher layoffs. except when teachers have comparable evaluations in which case district seniority is used to break a tie Ohio Revised Code 3319.17 states: "The board shall not give preference to any teacher based on seniority, except when making a decision between teachers who have comparable evaluations." While the CBA makes seniority the overriding criterion in layoffs, it also says: Section 3319.17 of the Ohio Revised Code shall automatically and simultaneously change Paragraph(A) in precisely the same manner without any consultation or agreement by the Board and Association. p. 77, Part I, Art. 704.01.A & B.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	nontenured-April 30 p. 79, Part I, Art. 704.02.G.
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	District acknowledges state law. Although the contract states that teachers are recalled in inverse order of layoffs (i.e. seniority), it also states that state law overrides local policy. State law requires that preference be given to effective teachers, seniority cannot be the sole factor (OH. Code 3319.11) p. 77, Part I, Art. 704.01.A & B.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	36 months p. 79, Part I, Art. 704.02.F.

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?	20 (15 sick; 2 personal; 3 religious holiday leave days) p. 61, Art. 701.01.A; p. 74, Art. 702.11; p. 74, Art. 702.12.A.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	17 (15 sick, 2 personal) p. 61, Art. 701.01.A; p. 74, Art. 702.12.A.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 61, Art. 701.01.A
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 74, Art. 702.12.A.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. 61, Art. 701.01.A.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	10 for personal illness or when abuse of leave is suspected; 3 for a family member's illness; district may request documentation from district-approved doctor p. 62, Art. 701.02.B; p. 63, Art. 701.03.B; pp. 64-66, Art. 701.06.D.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes professional leave (amount unspecified); 1 year sabbatical leave with partial salary Salary while on sabbatical leave shall be equal to the difference between the teacher’s regular contract salary in effect at the time the sabbatical leave is approved & the minimum bachelor’s degree salary in effect at the time the sabbatical leave is approved. The board will provide $200,000 per school year to fund professional leave. p. 75, Art. 702.16; p. 76, Art. 703.
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?	assault leave (40 days), jury duty p. 62, Art. 701.02.D & p. 75, Art. 702.13.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents 215 days of leave with pay per year is given for the use of members of the bargaining unit who are elected to represent the Association or who are chosen to serve on programs or to represent the Association in any official capacity at meetings, conferences or conventions attended by representatives of the Association. p. 75, Art. 702.14.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	gainful employment or other income-producing activity; any activity in connection with a strike p. 74, Art. 702.12.A.1 & 2.
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 25-45% of days at current salary rate, based on the number of days accumulated Percentage of pay is as follows: 25% (0-100 days); 30% (101-200 days); 35% (201 - 300 days); 40% (301 - 400 days); 45% (401+ days). Payment for unused sick leave can only be collected after 5 years employment in the district. pp. 89 & 90, Art. 810.01 & 810.02.B.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 50% of the member's accrued, unused personal leave days p. 90, Art. 810.02.A.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes professional leave (amount unspecified); 1 year sabbatical leave with partial salary Salary while on sabbatical leave shall be equal to the difference between the teacher’s regular contract salary in effect at the time the sabbatical leave is approved & the minimum bachelor’s degree salary in effect at the time the sabbatical leave is approved. The board will provide $200,000 per school year to fund professional leave. p. 75, Art. 702.16; p. 76, Art. 703.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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 Teachers must hold an educator license for at least 7 years, and have taught in the district at least 3 of the last 5 years, in accordance with Ohio Code Section 3319.08 p. 46, Part I, Art. 401.08.B(3).
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 p. 29, Part I, Art. 211.01.B & D.
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, the result of an evaluation p. 34, Part I, Art. 211.05.E.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. pp. 31 & 32, Part I, Art. 211.03.A, C & E.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority with exceptions (school/program needs, racial balance/diversity) pp. 31 & 32, Part I, Art. 211.03.A, C & E.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Unassigned teachers may attend a job fair and bid on any openings which exist after August 15. Bidding is done on the basis of certification and seniority. It is not clear how excessed teachers are placed prior to this time. p. 33, Part I, Art. 211.04.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Other after August 15, teachers bid on vacancies in order of seniority, but the district makes final assignments Vacancies filled through job fair(s) and assignment shall be considered filled for two school years. At the end of the second school year those teachers shall be considered staff reduced. p. 33, Part I, Art. 211.04.

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. 255, Variance Process for School Reform Procedures.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes, with two-thirds approval of teaching staff p. 255, Variance Process for School Reform Procedures, 2.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	approval of teaching staff by 2/3 vote; then signatures from school principal and senior faculty representative, and then approval from the reform panel committee p. 255, Variance Process for School Reform Procedures.