Hartford Public Schools, Connecticut

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	83% p. 9, Art. VI.A.1.B.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	83% p. 9, Art. VI.A.1.B.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	No, a percentage (83%) is specified. p. 9, Art. VI.A.1.B.
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
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 in order to receive severance pay for unused sick leave upon retirement, a teacher must give 180 days notice if retiring between 4/1 and 6/30; otherwise, 90 days notice. p. 14, Art. VI.G.
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?	Yes if the teacher fails to give 180 days notice of retirement, severance pay for unused sick leave will begin 180 days after notice. p. 15, Art. VI.G.3.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Other employees hired before July 1, 1995 receive 1 day's pay for each sick day in excess of 45 sick days, up to 30 days District reports teachers can receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement for 30% of accumulated time. p. 14, Art. VI.G.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes p. 31, Art. XII.H.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	Issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district reports that no financial support is offered for National Board certification fees.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	183 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 182
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Varies per school; majority of schools, 1311 hours, 30 minutes (total) Calculated based on a seven hour, ten minute school day x 183 days.
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	188 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 186 This differs from the 187 days stated in the cba, but this difference may be accounted for by the following language in the contract, "...any new school location may designate a work day without additional pay up to 1294 hours per year." p. 34, Art. XII
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	8.5
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	Varies per school
How long is the school day for secondary students?	Varies per school
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 30 minutes p. 32, Art. XII.O.1.
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)	Not specified; secondary teachers are required to stay 45 minutes beyond the student day once per week, plus two sixty minute meetings per month. p. 32, Art. XII.O.1.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	3 hours, 45 minutes per week (monthly average) p. 29, Art. XII.C.4.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	3 hours, 45 minutes per week (monthly average) p. 29, Art. XII.C.6.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	Up to 45 minutes of the weekly 225 minutes of elementary teacher preparation time may be administration-directed preparation time, which may include collaborative planning; additionally, secondary teachers are required to attend 2 meetings (elementary teachers 1 meeting) for group, team, or grade level meetings. p. 29, Art. XII.C.4. & p. 32, Art. XII.O.1.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK-2: 23; 3-6: 27; 7-12: 28 Appendix C (pp. 61-63) of the CBA specifies class size limits for special education. p. 23, Art. X.1.a - c.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	A new class must be formed Teacher receives additional compensation Other Hire a full time teacher to co-teach the class pp. 24 & 25, Art. X.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?	4.4% Past Policy 4.3% Past Policy 4.5% Past Policy 4.7% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 4.54%; master's lane: 4.93% Past Policy bachelor's lane: 4.54%; master's lane: 4.93%
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	0.8% Past Policy 4.3% Past Policy 4.5% Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 2% Past Policy 6.8% Past Policy 2% Past Policy 1.3-4.5% 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)	5.1% Past Policy 9.1% Past Policy 9.5% Past Policy 7.9% Past Policy 6.83% Past Policy 6.83% Past Policy 10.98%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$7,696 Past Policy $7,638 Past Policy $7,155 Past Policy 6,667 Past Policy 6,473 Past Policy 6,346 Past Policy 6,221 Past Policy 5,881
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	6: BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, MA+60, PhD The salary lane for Master's +15 credits was eliminated for all new hires after July 1, 2011. The salary lanes for Master's +45 and Master's +75 credits was eliminated for all new hires after July 1, 2007. p. 119 (pdf), App. A.
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)?	10
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$48,946 Past Policy $48,606 Past Policy $46,837 Past Policy 45,064 Past Policy 43,751 Past Policy 42,893 Past Policy 42,052 Past Policy 39,606 Past Policy 38,829 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$61,740 Past Policy $61,311 Past Policy $57,720 Past Policy 55,442 Past Policy 53,827 Past Policy 52,772 Past Policy 51,737 Past Policy 48,637 Past Policy 47,683 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?	$73,919 Past Policy $73,035 Past Policy $71,603 Past Policy 70,199 Past Policy 68,154 Past Policy 66,818 Past Policy 65,508 Past Policy 64,224 Past Policy 62,965 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$53,534 Past Policy $53,162 Past Policy $51,136 Past Policy 49,113 Past Policy 47,683 Past Policy 46,768 Past Policy 45,831 Past Policy 43,080 Past Policy 42,235 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$69,862 Past Policy $69,376 Past Policy $65,314 Past Policy 62,275 Past Policy 60,461 Past Policy 59,275 Past Policy 58,113 Past Policy 54,195 Past Policy 52,132 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?	$83,648 Past Policy $82,648 Past Policy $81,027 Past Policy 79,438 Past Policy 77,124 Past Policy 75,612 Past Policy 74,129 Past Policy 72,675 Past Policy 71,250 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?	$97,262; PhD; 10 Past Policy $96,099; PhD; 10 Past Policy $94,215; PhD; 10 Past Policy 92,368; PhD; 10 Past Policy 89,678; PhD; 10 Past Policy 87,920; PhD; 10
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?	Teachers hired prior to July 1, 1999, qualify for longevity bonuses after 10 years of service; however, teachers must have a satisfactory or better evaluation to receive the bonus. p. 13, Art. VI.F.
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	Yes, each teacher who works in a school that shows significant school improvement shall be paid $2,500. Through the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) pilot there is performance based compensation based on a teacher's skill, responsibilities and knowledge; classroom achievement; and school achievement gains pp. 51 - 53, Art. XXII.A.
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	Yes, at the sole discretion of the Administration, internal candidates recruited to a school deemed in need by the Administration may be issued a signing bonus of up to 20% of such teacher's base salary. Teachers are required to make a two-year commitment to the school. p. 37, Art. XII.Z.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, teachers filling positions of extreme need or shortage are eligible for a signing bonus of up to $5,000. In addition, new hires are eligible for higher initial step placement (no higher than step 5) on the salary schedule than their experience warrants. p. 8, Art V.D.6 & p. 37, Art. XII.Z.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, $3,500 annually p. 53, Art. XXII.D.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district reports that uncertified teachers are paid less than fully certified teachers.
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; up to 3 years p. 8, Art. V.D.5.
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	No; longevity bonuses are only available to teachers hired prior to the 1999-2000 school year who have 10 or more years of service and have at least a satisfactory evaluation rating. p. 13, Art. VI.F.

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?	45 days (dismissal allowed) p. 34.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	District acknowledges state law, CT. Statute Sec. 10-151. p. 16, Art. VII.E.3.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	District acknowledges state law, CT. Statute Sec. 10-151. p. 16, Art. VII.E.3.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	District acknowledges state law, CT. Statute Sec. 10-151. p. 16, Art. VII.E.3.
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	District acknowledges state law, CT. Statute Sec. 10-151. p. 16, Art. VII.E.3.

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (45%) School-wide student growth/achievement (5%) Parental input (10%-Survey) Professional practice (40%: Classroom environment, student engagement & commitment to learning; Planning for active learning; Instruction for active learning; Professional responsibilities and teacher leadership) pp. 5 & 35.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Connecticut allows districts to determine if they will use student feedback or school-wide student learning data as 5% of the evaluation. Hartford uses school-wide student learning.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 14.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 7.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly Effective, Effective, Developing/Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory/Inneffective p. 4.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced Formal observations are announced; informal may be announced or unannounced. p. 14.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	1 SLO measured by standardized tests (count 22.5%);1 SLO measured by non-standardized assessment (counts 22.5%) Student growth is measured through student learning objectives which are assessed by both standardized and non-standardized assessments. p. 25 & 26.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	2 SLO's, non-standardized assessments (Counts 45%) pp. 25 & 26.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 6.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3: 2 formal, 1 informal The third observation is not required if a teacher is recommended for non-renewal. p. 14.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	November 1 The formal and informal observations may be performed in any order, however, one of the three must be complete by November 1. p. 14.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	June 1 A teacher must be notified of non-renewal by March 1. If this occurs, the third observation is not required. p. 7.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes and/or a full lesson p. 16.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 6.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3: 1 formal, 1 informal, 1 out-of-classroom review of practice If the teacher was previously rated Needs Improvement or Ineffective, 2 formal, 1 informal observations required. p. 14.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	November 15 The formal and informal observations may be performed in any order, however, one of the three must be complete by November 15. p. 14.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	June 1 p. 7.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes and/or a full lesson p. 16.
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?	45 days (dismissal allowed) p. 34.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	Optional (teacher may request support from the Hartford Professional Support Team) p. 34.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	2 p. 34.
How long is the remediation process?	45 days with possibility of a 45-day extension p. 34.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	No p. 35, Art. XII.T.
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?	Yes p. 21, Art. VIII.E.1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. p. 21, Art. VIII.E.1.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 21, Art. VIII.E.1.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports May 1st in accordance with CT. Gen Statute 10-151(a)(6)(c).
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. 21, Art. VIII.E.2.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	30 months p. 21, Art. VIII.E.2.c.i.

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?	25 (20 sick; 5 personal, which are deducted from sick leave or are additional days if no sick leave is left) p. 11, Art. VI.D & p. 47, Art. XVII.C.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	25 (20 sick; 5 personal, which are deducted from sick leave or are additional days if no sick leave is left) p. 11, Art. VI.D & p. 47, Art. XVII.C.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 11, Art. VI.D.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	175 p. 11, Art. VI.D.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5, or when abuse of leave is suspected p. 11, Art. VI.D.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid leave (amount unspecified) for professional study days; 1 year partially paid sabbatical leave Employee must have served seven consecutive years in the district to be eligible for sabbatical leave. Teachers on sabbatical leave receive the difference between their regular salary and the salary paid teachers on the first step of the Bachelor’s schedule. p. 31, Art. XII.K & pp. 45 & 46, Art. XVII.A.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	Yes, union members will be granted leave to attend training opportunities and for special union business (amount not specified). p. 41, Art. XIV.C.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	For reasons other than those allowed by contract Teachers shall not utilize sick leave time for wellness appointments and/or routine preventative appointments. p. 47, Art. XVII.C.
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?	Other employees hired before July 1, 1995 receive 1 day's pay for each sick day in excess of 45 sick days, up to 30 days District reports teachers can receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement for 30% of accumulated time. p. 14, Art. VI.G.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid leave (amount unspecified) for professional study days; 1 year partially paid sabbatical leave Employee must have served seven consecutive years in the district to be eligible for sabbatical leave. Teachers on sabbatical leave receive the difference between their regular salary and the salary paid teachers on the first step of the Bachelor’s schedule. p. 31, Art. XII.K & pp. 45 & 46, Art. XVII.A.
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?	4 days Past Policy 3 days Past Policy 3 days Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 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
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, tenure is governed by CT Statute 10-151.

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	Yes, but only during the annual posting period, which aims to secure assignments for internal candidates wishing to transfer voluntarily. p. 17, Art. VIII.C.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 Principals are expected, though not required, to hire a teacher through the Annual Posting. p. 18, Art. VIII.C.10.
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, for performance concerns or to meet state or federal requirements; "best interests" of district p. 19, Art. VIII.D.2 & p. 20, Art. VIII.D.4.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. The Superintendent may deviate from seniority for "reasonable cause." p. 19, Art. VIII D.1.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Seniority with exceptions (principal may deviate from seniority for reasonable cause) p. 19, Art. VIII.D.1.
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 pp. 69 & 70, MOU.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents