Little Rock School District, Arkansas

National enrollment rank: 290

Labor context

Collective bargaining is permissible. Teachers may petition for representation but district school boards decide whether or not to engage in collective bargaining.
Teachers are NEA union members.
1,930 teachers

Student demographics

24,770 students
75% free/reduced lunch

School district teacher count, enrollment, and demographic data is from the 2014-2015 school year sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics. Due to data issues, teacher count for districts in six states (HI, MT, NE, OH, UT, and WI) is from 2013-2014.

Fast facts

Days in student school year:	178
Additional teacher work days:	12
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	-1.0%
Starting salary:	$34,865
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$68,419; PhD; 19
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	student
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Summative once every four years; formative or short-form evaluation in off years
Non-tenured	Once a year
Sick and personal days per year:	12 (10 sick, 2 personal)
Years to tenure:

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	percentage not specified; up to $300 per month until January 1, 2017, and $275 per month for the remainder of the contract p. 2, 7.A.1. Past Policy percentage not specified; up to $357.70 per month until January 1, 2016, and $300 per month thereafter p. 3, 7.A.1. Past Policy percentage not specified; up to $357.70 per month p. 33, Art. 10. B. Past Policy up to $283.00 per month The District will pay each employee up to $283.00 monthly for health insurance. This amount goes toward both employee and dependent health insurance premiums. p. 26, Art. 10. B.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	percentage not specified; up to $300 per month until January 1, 2017, and $275 per month for the remainder of the contract p. 2, 7.A.1. Past Policy percentage not specified; up to $357.70 per month until January 1, 2016, and $300 per month thereafter p. 3, 7.A.1. Past Policy percentage not specified; up to $357.70 per month p. 33, Art. 10. B. Past Policy up to $283.00 per month The District will pay each employee up to $283.00 monthly for health insurance. This amount goes toward both employee and dependent health insurance premiums. p. 26, Art. 10. B.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, $300 per month until January 1, 2017, and $275 per month for the remainder of the contract p. 2, 7.A.1. Past Policy yes, $357.70 per month until January 1, 2016, and $300 per month thereafter p. 3, 7.A.1. Past Policy yes, $357.70 p. 33, Art. 10. 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?	resignation: 15 days before the effective date or 30 days notice for certified teachers under annual contract; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 34.
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 Any employee who leaves the employment of the District without providing proper notification will have the notation "Left without Notice" placed in their Personnel file. p. 34.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 4, 7.B.3.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes , the district may provide tuition reimbursement for teachers to become certified or endorsed in shortage areas and/or to meet district priorities Board Policy IAA-R: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/lrsd-policies
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy IAA-R (http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/lrsd-policies) states that the district will provide "appropriate District-level support to those teachers seeking certification"; however, it is not specified if this support is financial.

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	178
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary: 1,201 hours, 30 minutes(total); secondary: 1,246 hours (total) Calculated by multiplying the hours in the student day (elementary: 6 hours, 45 minutes, secondary: 7 hours) by the number of student days in the year (178). School Start and End Times: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/school-start-and-end-times
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	190
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	12
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	6 hours, 45 minutes (total) School Start and End Times: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/school-start-and-end-times
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours (total) School Start and End Times: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/school-start-and-end-times Past Policy 6 hours, 45 minutes (total) Arkansas Accreditation Standards require that the planned instructional time in each school day shall not average less than six (6) hours per day or thirty (30) hours per week. Board Policy ID: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: 10 (or 20 students with a teacher and aide); K: 20 (or 22 students with a teacher and half-time aide); 1-3: 25; 4-6: 28; 7-12: 30 (150 students is maximum daily load per teacher) The above reflect teacher to student ratios. Board Policy IIB: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/lrsd-policies
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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?	2.7%
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	-1.0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 2.3% Past Policy 1.0% Past Policy 1.5% Past Policy 1.3% Past Policy 0.5% Past Policy 0.5% 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)	1.7% Past Policy 2.7% Past Policy 5.8% Past Policy 5.1% Past Policy 3.75% Past Policy 4.26% Past Policy 3.84%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$5,487 Past Policy $5,545 Past Policy 5,383 Past Policy 5,291 Past Policy 5,238 Past Policy 5,161 Past Policy 5,097
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	7: BA, BA+12, BA+24, MA or BA+36, MA+15, MA+30, PhD (stipend pay)
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: 15; Master's lane: 17
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$34,865 Past Policy $35,232 Past Policy 34,206 Past Policy 33,618 Past Policy 33,285 Past Policy 32,793 Past Policy 32,388 Past Policy 32,227
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$40,228 Past Policy $40,652 Past Policy 39,468 Past Policy 38,789 Past Policy 38,405 Past Policy 37,838 Past Policy 37,370 Past Policy 37,184
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$53,638 Past Policy $54,202 Past Policy 52,624 Past Policy 51,719 Past Policy 51,207 Past Policy 50,450 Past Policy 49,827 Past Policy 49,579
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$40,128 Past Policy $40,550 Past Policy 39,369 Past Policy 38,693 Past Policy 38,309 Past Policy 37,743 Past Policy 37,277 Past Policy 37,092
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$45,492 Past Policy $45,970 Past Policy 44,632 Past Policy 43,864 Past Policy 43,430 Past Policy 42,788 Past Policy 42,260 Past Policy 42,049
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$61,583
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?	$68,419; PhD; 19 There is also a $2,000 "top out" bonus. Past Policy $69,134; PhD; 19 There is also a $2,000 "top out" bonus. Past Policy 67,135; PhD; 19 Past Policy 68, 990; PhD with National Board certification; 19 Past Policy 65,341; PhD; 20
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
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Yes, $3,000 annually p. 5.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$1,147 p. 4.
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The salary schedule indicates a $2,000 "top-out" bonus.

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 case by case, two semesters (may be dismissed) with possibility of extension up to two additional semesters p. 29 (pdf).
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law: the Arkansas Teacher Fair Dismissal Act or the Public School Fair dismissal Act p. 32.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	district acknowledges state law: the Arkansas Teacher Fair Dismissal Act or the Public School Fair dismissal Act p. 32.
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 (Planning and preparation; Classroom environment; Instruction; Professional responsibilities) The professional practice component is informed by evidence from: observations; artifacts/evidence and the professional growth plan. pp. 21 & 53.
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 Evaluators are defined as an administrator. Tenured teachers undergo interim evaluations in the years they are not subject to the full summative evaluations. Those evaluations might be guided by "other school personnel" but the "designated evaluator remains responsible for conducting summative evaluations and assigning annual overall ratings of teachers." p. 38 (pdf), Arkansas Board Rule 4.08 & p. 48 (pdf), Arkansas Board Rule 8.03.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 29 (pdf).
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 29 (pdf).
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Distinguished, Proficient, Basic, Unsatisfactory p. 27(pdf).
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other formal observations are announced; informal observations may be unannounced in accordance with AR Statute 6-17-2803(2)(B)(7) & (9) p. 24 (pdf), AR Statute 6-17-2803(2)(B)(7) & (9)
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	student growth at two points in time, comparable across classrooms and grade levels, using external assessments (counts a "significant" portion) “External assessment measure” means a measure of student achievement or growth that is administered, developed, and scored by a person or entity other than the teacher being evaluated, except that the assessment may be administered by the teacher being evaluated if the assessment is monitored by a licensed individual designated by the evaluator. (Rule 4.03). p. 27 (pdf), AR Statute 6-17-2804(b)(5); p. 39 (pdf), AR Board Rule 4.08; p. 41, AR Board Rule 4.23. p. 54 (pdf).
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	student growth at two points in time, comparable across classrooms and grade levels, using external assessments (counts a "significant" portion) “External assessment measure” means a measure of student achievement or growth that is administered, developed, and scored by a person or entity other than the teacher being evaluated, except that the assessment may be administered by the teacher being evaluated if the assessment is monitored by a licensed individual designated by the evaluator. (Rule 4.03) p. 27 (pdf), AR Statute 6-17-2804(b)(5); p. 39 (pdf), AR Board Rule 4.08; p. 41, AR Board Rule 4.23. p. 54 (pdf).
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 29 (pdf).
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal p. 29 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	December (recommended)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	May (recommended)
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	75% of the class period p. 39 (pdf), AR Board Rule 4.10.2.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summative once every four years; formative or short-form evaluation in off years In the off-years, a teacher works collaboratively with evaluator on a professional growth plan. Observations are optional. pp. 29 & 31 (pdf).
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal pp. 29 & 31 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	December (recommended)
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	May (recommended)
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	75% of class period p. 39, AR Board Rule 4.10.2.
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 case by case, two semesters (may be dismissed) with possibility of extension up to two additional semesters p. 29 (pdf).
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Other informal observations 2x/mo, 1 formal observation in fall semester, 1 formal observation in spring semester (recommended)
How long is the remediation process?	case-by-case (up to two semesters with possibility of extending up to two additional semesters) p. 29 (pdf).
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes
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?	No Board Policy GCQ, III: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other performance is the top criterion after certification/educational background Board Policy GCQ, III: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	Other district level, however, seniority is only a factor if there is a tie in performance Board Policy GCQ, III: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	"as early as possible" in accordance with the AR Teacher Fair Dismissal Act Board Policy GCQ, III: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies
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 Board Policy GCQ, IV: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GCQ, IV: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies

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?	12.5 (10 sick; 2 personal; 0.5 general leave) The terms of the agreement do not preclude the past practice of allowing the employee to arrange, with his/her building administrator's approval, to be absent without penalty for a short duration. If the absence exceeds one half (1/2) day, then the employee must take appropriate leave. p. 3, 7.B.1 & p. 4, 7.B.3.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (10 sick, 2 personal) The terms of the agreement do not preclude the past practice of allowing the employee to arrange, with his/her building administrator's approval, to be absent without penalty for a short duration. If the absence exceeds one half (1/2) day, then the employee must take appropriate leave. p. 3, 7.B.1 & p. 4, 7.B.3.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 3, 7.B.1.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Personal days convert to sick days for accumulation. p. 4, 7.B.3.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	178 p. 3, 7.B.1.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 40 days of paid association leave, to be shared district-wide, for members participating in union activities with no more than 10 days total of classroom teacher absences p. 4, 7.B.4.
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, 40 days of paid association leave (to be shared district-wide) for members participating in union activities with no more than 10 days total of classroom teacher absences p. 4, 7.B.4.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	when the teacher gives less than 24 hours notice prior to taking personal leave p. 4, 3.b.
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?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 4, 7.B.3.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Personal leave converts to sick leave. p. 4, 7.B.3.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 40 days of paid association leave, to be shared district-wide, for members participating in union activities with no more than 10 days total of classroom teacher absences p. 4, 7.B.4.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year in accordance with the Arkansas Pathwise Mentoring Program LRSD Mentoring: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/mentoring
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Tenure questions

Role of Tenure on Teacher Assignment and Employment
What is the minimum number of years of experience that a teacher must have in a district before tenure is granted?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 Openings are advertised simultaneously to external and internal candidates, however, it is not stated explicitly whether or not the internal candidate is given priority. p. 28.
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?	HR places teachers with input from principals, department supervisors and directors Applicants may be required to participate in a selection process consisting of interviews and/or testing by an interview committee. Members of the interview committee must attempt to identify the candidate’s job knowledge, skills and education, physical qualifications where relevant, mental ability, judgment, ability to communicate, aptitudes, personality factors, etc. p. 28.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How are teachers identified for excessing?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 Board Policy IBA: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy IBA: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies Past Policy yes, members of bargaining unit must approve waiver by 50% + 1 majority p. 85, Art. 38. D. Past Policy yes, members of bargaining unit must approve waiver by 50% + 1 majority p. 74, Art. 40. D. Past Policy yes, members of bargaining unit must approve waiver by 50% + 1 majority p. 80, Art. 40. D.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	principal, campus leadership team and board of education/superintendent must approve waiver The board of education must approve all requests for waivers from federal or state laws or state regulations and from Board policies. The superintendent is authorized to approve waivers from administrative regulations or administrative directives. Board Policy IBA: http://www.lrsd.org/?q=content/board-policies