Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	85% p. 110, Art. VIII. M. 1.D. Past Policy 75% to 89%, depending on plan selected Past Policy 75% to 89%, depending on plan selected pp. 152-153, Art. VIII M 1.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	85% p. 110, Art. VIII. M. 1.D. Past Policy 75% to 89%, depending on plan selected Past Policy 75% to 89%, depending on plan selected pp. 152-153, Art. VIII M 1.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, a percentage (85% is specified) p. 110, Art. VIII. M.1.D.
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 there is no contractual provision.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that there is no contractual provision.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes , daily rate of pay for 40% of accumulated days (teacher must have at least 10 years of service) p. 108, Art. VIII. J.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 114, Art. VIII, Q. 5.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes , for teachers not getting a career award and who commit to 3 continuous years in Boston Public Schools. Provisional teachers must meet this same criteria but must also have completed one year of service in the district to be eligible. The cap is $1,000 per year for teachers and $500 per year for provisional teachers. p. 88, Art. VI. F. 4.
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	yes, the district pays the certification fees only for teachers who successfully complete the certification process and teachers must commit to remaining in the district for at least two more years pp. 87 & 88, Art. VI. F. 3.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180 K: 176; 12th grade: 168 Past Policy grades 1-11: 180; grade 12: 170 Past Policy grades 1-11: 180; grade 12: 170 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 179 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 180 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 180 2009-2010 School Calendar Past Policy 180 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Not specified other than it shall not be less than the time required by the State Board of Education. p. 47, Art. V. E. 4.
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	183
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	4
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	not specified other than it shall not be less than the time required by the State Board of Education p. 47, Art. V. E. 4.
How long is the school day for secondary students?	not specified other than it shall not be less than the time required by the State Board of Education p. 47, Art. V. E. 4.
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)	20 minutes; 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after school p. 47, Art. V. E. 2. (b).
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	elementary: four 48-minute blocks per week in addition to one 48-minute block for common planning, which is administratively directed; middle: 4 hours per week, to be held on a daily basis in continuous blocks of no less than 40 minutes p. 29, Art. V. A. 3. (b) (2) & (3)
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	4 hours per week, to be held on a daily basis in continuous blocks of no less than 40 minutes p. 29, Art. V. A. 3. (b) (3)
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	elementary: 1 block of 48 minutes per week, which is administratively directed; middle and secondary: collaborative planning time is not specified p. 29, Art. V. A. 3. (b) (2)

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK-2: 22; 3-5: 25; 6-8: 28 (26 for 6th grade at Level 3 and Level 4 schools); 9-12: 31 (30 for 9th grade at Level 3 and Level 4 schools) p. 24, Art. V. A. 1. a.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	A new class must be formed A paraprofessional is assigned to the class Teacher receives additional compensation Other reduction in non-teaching duties Elementary teachers can earn an additional $1,500 for one student and $3000 for two students above maximum class size. Secondary teachers earn an additional $300 for one student and $600 for two students above maximum class size. pp. 24 & 25, Art. V. A. 1. b. & d.

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?	6.5%
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% Past Policy 3.6% In 2014-2015, multiple salary schedules were in use. As such, the salary was analyzed using a weighted approach. In 2015-2016, NCTQ's approach to salary analysis changed, and only a single schedule is coded each year. Because the schedule effective November 1, 2015, was in use for the majority of the year, that is the schedule that we analyzed. Past Policy 3.0% Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 2.0% Past Policy 1.0% (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 4% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 1% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 3% 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)	6.5% Past Policy 10.4% In 2014-2015, multiple salary schedules were in use. As such, the salary was analyzed using a weighted approach. In 2015-2016, NCTQ's approach to salary analysis changed and only a single schedule is coded each year. Because the schedule effective November 1, 2015, was in use for the majority of the year, that is the schedule that we analyzed. Past Policy 9.7% Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 9.7% Past Policy 8.66% Past Policy 7.59% (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 10.8% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$4,493 Past Policy $4,337 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 4,235 Past Policy 4,112 Past Policy 4,031 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 3,998 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 3,837 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	9: BA, B+15, MA, MA+15, MA+30, MA+45, MA+60, MA+75, 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)?	8
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$52,632 Past Policy $50,801 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 49,611 Past Policy 48,166 Past Policy 47,222 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 46,754 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,943 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 44,498 This salary schedule is effective from 9/1/08-1/31/09. A 1% raise goes into effect on 2/1/09. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$73,967 Past Policy $71,395 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 69,721 Past Policy 67,690 Past Policy 66,363 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 65,706 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 63,161 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 62,536 This salary schedule is effective from 9/1/08-1/31/09. A 1% raise goes into effect on 2/1/09. 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?	$87,709 Past Policy $84,658 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 82,674 Past Policy 80,266 Past Policy 78,692 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 77,913 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 74,895 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 74,153 This salary schedule is effective from 9/1/08-1/31/09. A 1% raise goes into effect on 2/1/09. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$56,254 Past Policy $54,298 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 53,025 Past Policy 51,481 Past Policy 50,472 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 49,972 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 48,036 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,561 This salary schedule is effective from 9/1/08-1/31/09. A 1% raise goes into effect on 2/1/09. 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$78,766 Past Policy $76,027 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 74,245 Past Policy 72,083 Past Policy 70,670 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 69,969 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 67,258 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 66,593 This salary schedule is effective from 9/1/08-1/31/09. A 1% raise goes into effect on 2/1/09. 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?	$92,510 Past Policy $89,293 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 87,200 Past Policy 84,660 Past Policy 83,000 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 82,178 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 78,994 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 78,212 This salary schedule is effective from 9/1/08-1/31/09. A 1% raise goes into effect on 2/1/09. 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?	$105,304; PhD; 8 Past Policy $101,641; PhD; 8 Teachers are paid from September to June. As such, two salary schedules are in use in the 2014-2105 school year, and our calculations use a weighted approach to account for this. We've used the formula (.2 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2013) + (.8 x Salary Schedule effective Nov. 2014). Past Policy 99,259; PhD; 8 Past Policy 96,368; PhD; 8 Past Policy 94,478; PhD; 8 (based on the retroactive pay for 2011-2012, which was negotiated in the fall of 2012) Past Policy 93,543; PhD; 8
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 98, Art. VIII.A.5.d.
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating p. 98, Art. VIII.A.5.d.
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	Yes, amounts not specified; in order for a teacher to earn Professional Teacher Status (PTS), a teacher must achieve ratings of proficient or exemplary overall; in order to qualify for a teacher leader position, a teacher must have had a proficient or exemplary rating for the previous two years; and a teacher with PTS and an exemplary rating and, after 2013-14, whose impact on student learning is rated moderate or high, shall be recognized and rewarded with leadership roles, promotions and additional compensation p. 70, Art. V.F.21.
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District reports that teachers do not earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation rating.
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	Yes, teachers may receive up to 5% above base salary at hard to staff schools with additional curricular leadership, professional development or other responsibilities p. 23, Art. IV. D. 13.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, the Committee may place newly hired teachers in shortage subject areas on any step of the salary grid and may pay moving expenses or other up-front non-recurring payments as a hiring incentive; teachers may also receive 5% above their base salary p. 23, Art. IV. D. 13 & p. 96, Art. VIII. A. 1. d.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, 4% of their annual base salary pp. 87 & 88, Art. VI. F. 3.
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 District reports there is no contractual provision.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Yes Provisional teachers with emergency or provisional certificates who are hired to act as teachers are paid as teachers. Only when a provisional teacher is hired to work part of the year (ie. after 12/1) are they paid as a long term substitute. p. 97, Art. VIII. A. 3. Past Policy Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy District acknowledges state law Superintendent's Circular HRS-L1
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	Yes, after 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39 and 44 years p. 111, Art. VIII. N.

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 30 days (minimum) - 1 year If there has been no improvement, the evaluator recommends dismissal to the superintendent. pp. 67 & 68, Art. V. 19. B. & I. i. d.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 Professional practice (Curriculum, planning & assessment, Teaching all students, Family and community engagement, Professional culture) All teachers have an Education Plan of varying types. The plan must include a minimum of 1 goal for improvement of student learning/growth/achievement and one goal to improve practice. In accordance with state law 603 CMR 35.06(7)(a)(2) evaluations must include at least two measures of student growth, including standardized tests and district-determined measurements. A teacher's impact on student growth is not assigned a particular percentage of his/her final rating. The teacher is assigned an impact rating: high, moderate, low. The growth rating, in combination with his/her performance level rating determines frequency of evaluations and the type of Education Plan a teacher must work under. p. 55, 2)4); pp. 64 & 65, 14) & 15).
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional p. 53, Art V(F)(2)(J)
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 The Union and district were slated to negotiate the use of student feedback in June, 2013. It is unclear if it has been integrated into the 2013-2014 evaluation process. p. 70, Art. V. 3). 23.
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator Conferences take place after announced observations. The tenured teacher who is rated proficient or exemplary is subject only to unannounced observations for which s/he receives only written feedback. pp. 61 & 62, Art. V. 3). 10). & 11). B). i). (c).
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Other conference if teacher rated needs improvement or unsatisfactory; written report if rated proficient or exemplary-conference upon request p. 69, Art. V. 20.
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Exemplary, Proficient, Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory p. 55, Art. V. 2). U).
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other 1st yr. teachers - 1 announced, 4 unannounced; 2nd & 3rd yr - 3 unannounced; tenured rated proficient or exemplary - 1 unannounced; tenured rated needs improvement - 2 unannounced; tenured rated unsatisfactory - multiple announced and unannounced pp. 60 & 61, Art. V. 9). &10).
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	student growth calculated, methodology is unclear In accordance with state law 603 CMR 35.06(7)(a)(2) evaluations must include at least two measures of student growth, including standardized tests and district-determined measurements. A teacher's impact on student growth is not assigned a particular percentage of his/her final rating. The teacher is assigned an impact rating: high, moderate, low. The growth rating, in combination with his/her performance level rating determines frequency of evaluations and the type of Education Plan a teacher must work under. pp. 56 & 57, Art. V. Sec. F. 3). A).
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	combination of classroom, school, and district assessments in accordance with state law (603 CMR 35.00) District-determined Measures shall mean measures of student learning, growth, and achievement related to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, Massachusetts Vocational Technical Education Frameworks, or other relevant frameworks, that are comparable across grade or subject level district-wide. These measures may include, but shall not be limited to: portfolios, approved commercial assessments and district-developed pre and post unit and course assessments, and capstone projects. pp. 56 & 57, Art. V, Sec. F. 3). A).
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 66, Art V. 16). B).
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	year 1: 1 announced, 4 unannounced; years 2 & 3: 3 unannounced pp. 60 & 61, Art. V. 9).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	November 15 p. 61, Art. V. 11).
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May 15 p. 69, Art. V. 20.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents If an observation results in any standard being rated unsatisfactory, the observation must have been a minimum of 30 minutes. p. 61, Art. V(F)(11)(A)( iii).
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Other Summative every 1-2 years depending on student growth rating; formative in off-year for teacher summatively evaluated every other year If teacher's overall rating was proficient or exemplary but his/her impact on student learning was low, the teacher is summatively evaluated every year. p. 66, Art. V(F)(17).
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 unannounced observation during the 2-year cycle if rated proficient or exemplary If the teacher is rated needs improvement, there must be 2 unannounced observations. If s/he is rated unsatisfactory, there must be a minimum of 1 announced and 4 unannounced observations if the improvement plan lasts 1 year. If the improvement plan lasts six months or less, there must be 1 announced and 2 unannounced observations. p. 61, Art. V. 10).; p. 69, Art. V. A.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	November 15 p. 61, Art. V. 11).; p. 69, Art. V., 20.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May 15 If teachers are in the first year of a two-year self directed Growth Plan, the deadline for a formative evaluation in the first year of the plan, is June 1. p. 61, Art. V. 11).; p. 69, Art. V. 20.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents If an observation results in any standard being rated unsatisfactory, the observation must have been a minimum of 30 minutes. p. 61, Art. V. 11).
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 30 days (minimum) - 1 year If there has been no improvement, the evaluator recommends dismissal to the superintendent. pp. 67 & 68, Art. V. 19. B. & I. i. d.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes, a supervising evaluator monitors teacher's progress through formative assessments, and makes recommendations to the primary evaluator at the end of remediation p. 53, Art. V.J)ii). & p. 68, Art. V.G)vi).
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	5 one announced and four unannounced p. 61, Art. V, 10). C).
How long is the remediation process?	30 days - 1 year p. 67, Art. V.19)B).
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 If there is serious disagreement over an evaluation rating, the teacher may meet with the evaluator's supervisor. p. 71, Art. V, 26. 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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The contract only addresses layoff of tenured teachers, however, state law (Title XII, ch. 71, sec. 42) requires that nontenured be laid off first, by seniority. p. 80 & 81, Art. V, L. 1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Issue not addressed for non-tenured, seniority is the sole criterion for tenured. Effective September 2016, state law (MA General law Title XII, Ch. 71, Sec. 42) will require that non-tenured are laid off first, followed by tenured. Performance and the best interests of students are the criterion within each class of teachers. pp. 80 & 81, Art. V, L. 1. (c).
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level pp. 80 & 81, Art. V. L. 1.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	June 1 p. 81, Art. V, L. 1. (b).
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-mandatory recall of tenured teachers in inverse order of layoffs p. 81, Art. V, L, 2. (b).
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	4 years p. 82, art. V, L. 2. (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?	21 (15 sick; 4 personal; 2 religious leave days) pp. 113-115, Art. VIII. Q. 3. & 5.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	19 (15 sick, 4 personal) pp. 113-115, Art. VIII. Q. 3. & 5.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 113, Art. VIII, Q. 3.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Personal days convert to sick days for accumulation. p. 114, Art. VIII, Q. 5.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no limitation p. 113, Art. VIII, Q. 3.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	when abuse of leave is suspected p. 113, Art. VIII, Q. 3.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 2000 paid days annually across district for professional development leave; in addition district grants 150 person-days per year for union conventions and conferences; sabbatical leave p. 84, Art. VI. C; p. 115, Art. VIII. Q. 5. (g)
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?	workers compensation, death in family (1-5 days), court, military (17 days) p. 114-116, Art. VIII. Q. 4., 5. (e) & (f), 6., 7.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, up to "150 person-days per year" provided for union conventions and conferences p. 115, Art. VIII. Q. 5. (g)
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	day before or after a holiday or break, when five percent of teachers in the school take personal leave p. 114, Art. VIII, Q. 5. (b), (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 District reports that there is no contractual provision regarding this policy (June 2015).
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 District reports that there is no contractual provision regarding this policy (June 2015).
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 114, Art. VIII, Q. 5.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes , daily rate of pay for 40% of accumulated days (teacher must have at least 10 years of service) p. 108, Art. VIII. J.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 114, Art. VIII, Q. 5.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 2000 paid days annually across district for professional development leave; in addition district grants 150 person-days per year for union conventions and conferences; sabbatical leave p. 84, Art. VI. C; p. 115, Art. VIII. Q. 5. (g)
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Other duration of mentorship program not specified p. 84, Art. VI. D.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	2 days

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?	District acknowledges state law. District acknowledges state law: M.G.L. c. 71, Art. 41 p. 55, Art. V. 2). W).
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?	yes Transfer requests are available only to tenured ("permanent") teachers. p. 74, Art. V.I.1.(c). Past Policy yes Past Policy yes Past Policy yes p. 23, Art. III
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 During the "open posting," principals have greater latitude in who they hire. Principals/site selection committees interview transfer applicants. If more than one tenured teacher has applied for an opening, the site-selection committee is obligated to hire one of those applicants. If, however, the principal chooses to open post the position instead of posting it as a transfer vacancy, the principal has total latitude over who s/he hires. Any school that wishes to open post a position must obtain a 60% vote of the faculty before February 15th or effective, 9/1/07, by including a stipend of $1250 to the posting. p. 74, Art. V.I.1.(c) & (d). Past Policy yes Past Policy yes Past Policy yes p. 99, Art. V. I. 1. (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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes About a third of Boston's public school students attend "autonomous" schools where principals are free to excess any teacher for any reason s/he sees fit. http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/cms/lib07/MA01906464/Centricity/Domain/162/2014-05-07%20Autonomous%20schools%20presentation%20FINAL.pdf (slide six) p. 79, Art. V. K. 3; p. 171
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority p. 79, Art. V.K.3.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Teachers placed by mutual consent between the teacher and principal and/or site selection committee. Policy applies only to tenured teachers. p. 79, Art. V, K.1, 5 & 8.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	N/A p. 79, Art. V, K.1, 5 & 8.

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. 15, Art. III. C. 4. (d)
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes, 2/3 of the members of the bargaining unit must approve waiver p. 15, Art. III. C. 4. (d)
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	a School Site Council may waive any provision but must have approval from: Principal/Headmaster, Parent Council, Steering Committee pp. 15-16, Art. III.C.4.(d).