Anoka-Hennepin School District, Minnesota

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	100% p. 1.
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	79% p. 1.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	yes, $606 per month in 2015-16 and $636 per month in 2016-17 for employee-only coverage and $1,084 per month in 2015-16 and $1,114 per month in 2016-17 for family coverage p. 19, Art. XI, Sec. 2, Subd. 1 & 2. Past Policy no, district provides a chart listing employer and employee contributions p. 1
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 if the teacher was hired before July 1, 1994, and gives notice by March 1, s/he qualifies for payment of up to 103 unused sick days p. 37, Art. XVIII, Sec. 1.
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 teacher's current daily rate x the number of sick leave days (up to 103 sick leave days) p. 37, Art. XVIII, Sec. 1.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 2.
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?	yes, a teacher in the seventh year of continuous employment with the District may request a matching grant of up to $1,000 for the purpose of earning a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification p. 30, Art. XV, Sec. 9. Past Policy issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	173 for elementary;174 for secondary
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	K: 432.5 hours (instructional); grades 1-3: 865 hours (instructional); grades 4-8 (when in an elementary school): 951.5 hours (instructional); secondary: 1,044 hours (instructional) Middle schools that are not in an elementary school have a minimum school day of 6 hours, which at 173 days, means that they are in school 1,038 hours per year. Kindergarten calculation: 2.5 hours X 172 days; Grades 1-3 calculation: 5 hours x 172 days; Grades 4-8 calculation: 5.5 hours x 172 days; Secondary calculation: 6 hours x 173 days: Board Policy 602.2: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/policies
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	184
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	elementary: 11; secondary: 10
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	K: 2 hours, 30 minutes (instructional); grades 1-3: 5 hours (instructional); grades 4-8: 5 hours, 30 minutes (instructional) Board Policy 602.2: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/policies
How long is the school day for secondary students?	6 hours (instructional) Board Policy 602.2: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/policies
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	7 hours, 40 minutes p. 7, Art. VII, Sec. 1, Subd. 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)	60 minutes (30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the student day) p. 7, Art. VII, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	50 minutes per day Teachers shall receive a minimum daily average of 50 minutes for preparation to be provided on a weekly basis in middle and high schools and over a 5-day digital schedule in elementary schools. At no time shall a block be less than 30 minutes. p. 7, Art. VII, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	50 minutes per day Teachers shall receive a minimum daily average of 50 minutes for preparation to be provided on a weekly basis in middle and high schools and over a 5-day digital schedule in elementary schools. At no time shall a block be less than 30 minutes. p. 7, Art. VII, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	not specified; planning time may be used for team planning p. 7, Art. VII, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	2.2%
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	1.7% Past Policy 3.3% Past Policy 2.8% Past Policy 0% Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary data as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 1.19% Past Policy 1.11% Past Policy 0% Past Policy ~0% There were slight adjustments in some salaries. Past Policy 1.5-7%
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)	4.0% Past Policy 5.3% Past Policy 6.7% Past Policy 3.9% Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary data as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 4.56% Past Policy 4.78% Past Policy 0%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$10,725 Past Policy $10,488 Past Policy $8,649 Past Policy 8,436 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 8,436 Past Policy 8,367 Past Policy 8,219 Past Policy 8,219
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	9: BA, BA+15, BA+30, BA+45, MA, MA+15, MA+30, MA+45, MA+60 The BA+60 lane only has salaries for years 18+.
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: 20; Master's: 23
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$39,626 Past Policy $39,233 Past Policy $38,845 Past Policy 37,231 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 37,231 Past Policy 37,231 Past Policy 37,231 Past Policy 37,231 Past Policy 37,231
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$45,512 Past Policy $45,061 Past Policy $44,615 Past Policy 43,956 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 43,956 Past Policy 42,867 Past Policy 42,867 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 42,867 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 41,587 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?	$61,237 Past Policy $60,631 Past Policy $56,742 Past Policy 54,807 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 54,807 Past Policy 54,807 Past Policy 54,807 Past Policy 54,807 Past Policy 54,130
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$45,507 Past Policy $45,056 Past Policy $44,610 Past Policy 42,142 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 42,142 Past Policy 42,142 Past Policy 42,142 Past Policy 42,142 Past Policy 42,142
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$55,146 Past Policy $54,600 Past Policy $54,059 Past Policy 53,260 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 53,260 Past Policy 50,942 Past Policy 50,942 Past Policy 50,942 Past Policy 48,659
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$74,746 Past Policy $74,006 Past Policy $68,364 Past Policy 66,033 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 66,033 Past Policy 66,033 Past Policy 66,033 Past Policy 66,033 Past Policy 65,218
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?	$85,699; MA+60; 23 Past Policy $84,851; MA+60; 23 Past Policy $77,200; MA+60; 11 Past Policy 74,568; MA+60; 11 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in December 2013 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 74,568; MA+60; 11 Past Policy 74,568; MA+60; 12
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Yes p. 10, Art. X, Sec. 2. pp. 5 & 6 (pdf).
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Step freeze for the lowest evaluation rating p. 10, Art. X, Sec. 2. pp. 5 & 6 (pdf).
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	yes, under Q-Comp, teachers earn $1,728 for successfully meeting the observation requirement District Website, Q-Comp General Questions, question #3: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/Page/17789
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	yes; teachers are eligible for 2 bonuses: $210 for all instructional staff at schools meeting school-wide goals for standardized test performance; $210 for each individual teacher whose students meet goals for standardized test performance District Website, Q-Comp General Questions, question #3: http://www.anoka.k12.mn.us/Page/17789
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, $1,500 per year for the life of the certificate p. 18, Art. X, Sec. 12.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	$2,010 in 2015-16 and $2,030 in 2016-17 p. 13, Art. X, Sec. 8. Past Policy $1,750 - $1,950, depending on the department p. 14, Art. X. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 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
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	yes, vocational teachers can get credit for 13 years p. 8, Art. VIII, Sec. 2.
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

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?	Timeline between remediation and dismissal not defined pp. 11 & 12 (pdf).
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges state law, MN Statute 122A.40 p. 35, Art. XVII, Sec. 1, Subd. 9.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	district acknowledges state law, MN Statute 122A.40 p. 35, Art. XVII, Sec. 1, Subd. 9.
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 achievement/growth (35%) Professional practice (Planning and preparation, Classroom environment, Instruction, Professional responsibilities) (65%) pp. 8 & 9 (pdf).
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other observation and rating of tenured teachers During a tenure teacher's formative evaluation years (year 1 & 2 of a three year cycle), the teacher is observed exclusively by peers. In the summative year, the teacher is observed twice by an administrator and once either by a peer evaluator, a peer of the teacher's choice, or by a different evaluator. pp. 2 & 3 (pdf).
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 pp. 1-3 (pdf).
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator pp. 1 & 3 (pdf).
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Distinguished, Proficient, Basic, Unsatisfactory pp. 5 & 6 (pdf).
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?	student learning goals (counts 35%) Student achievement counts 35%, however, there is no standardized measurement of student growth. Teachers create goals for student achievement and choose how they will assess achievement based on frequent formative assessments. p. 5 (pdf).
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	student learning goals for all teachers - tested and non-tested subjects (counts 35%), measured through formative assessments p. 5 (pdf).
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 1 (pdf).
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3 p. 1 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	by 90th day of start of school
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summ. eval. once every three years; formative/observation required off years In the summative year, a teacher is observed twice by an administrator and once by a peer evaluator, a peer of the teacher's choice, or a different administrator. In the two off-years, the teacher is observed three times, twice by a peer evaluator and once by a peer of the teacher's choice. pp. 2 & 3 (pdf).
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3: two times by an administrator, once by either a peer evaluator, a peer of the teacher's choice, or by a different administrator In the two non-summative years of the 3-year cycle, the teacher is observed by peers. pp. 2 & 3 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Timeline between remediation and dismissal not defined pp. 11 & 12 (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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	case-by-case (timeline required) p. 11 (pdf).
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
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Yes tenured teachers only In one of the three required observations during a tenured teacher's high cycle, the teacher may choose between a peer evaluator, a peer of choice, or a second administrator to perform his observation. p. 3 (pdf).

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Yes Exceptions may be made to retain compliance with the district's affirmative action programs (Subd. 3). p. 34, Art. XVII, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. Exceptions may be made to comply with affirmative action goals (Subd. 3). p. 34, Art. XVII, Sec. 1, Subd. 1 & 2.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level p. 35, Art. XVII, Sec. 2, Subd. 1.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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. 36, Art. XVII, Sec. 6, Subd. 1.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	5 years p. 35, Art. XVII, Sec. 1, Subd. 8.

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 (12 sick days, 3-4 of which can be used as personal days) Teachers with less than 10 years experience receive 3 personal days; teachers with 10 years or more seniority may request one additional personal leave day on a first-requested, first-granted basis to be deducted from their accumulated sick leave. p. 24, Art. XIV, Sec. 1 & p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 2.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (12 sick, 3-4 personal taken from sick leave) Teachers with less than 10 years experience receive 3 personal days; teachers with 10 years or more seniority may request one additional personal leave day on a first-requested, first-granted basis to be deducted from their accumulated sick leave. p. 24, Art. XIV, Sec. 1 & p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 2.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 1, Subd. 5.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 2.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 1, Subd. 5.
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 Documentation from district-approved doctor is for disability due to pregnancy greater than 30 days or for removal of a teacher related to physical or mental health.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes leave for professional visitations (amount of time not specified); 1 year partially paid sabbatical leave (50% salary for year of leave; or 3/4 salary for year of leave and year after)) Teachers must have worked in the District for seven consecutive years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. p. 28, Art. XV, Sec. 1, Subd. 6 & p. 30, Art. XV, Sec. 7.
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?	work-related injury, jury duty, court hearings, court subpoena, military (district acknowledges federal and state law) p. 26, Art. XIV, Sec. 4; pp. 29 & 30, Art. XV, Sec. 4 - 6; p. 30, Art. XV, Sec. 8.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, 100 days to be shared district-wide p. 4, Art. IV, Sec. 13.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	first and last 5 days of school year; more than 7% of teachers taking personal or seniority leave; after May 1, more than 5% taking personal or seniority on a Monday or Friday; at Principal's discretion If more than one personal and one seniority day are taken adjacent to a break, the teacher must pay a substitute deduction. p. 26, Art. XIV, Sec. 2, Subd. 1, 2, 3, & 6.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes teachers who use less than half of the year's allotted sick leave may cash in up to 5 sick leave days (6 days for less than 10 years seniority) each year at $138 per day Teachers must have accumulated thirty (30) days of sick leave to qualify and used less than 3 personal days to be eligible. p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 1, Subd. 7.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Yes $138 per day up to 5 days (6 days for less than 10 years seniority) Teachers must have accumulated 30 days and used less than half of the year's allotted sick leave and less than 3 personal days to be eligible. p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 1, Subd. 7.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 2.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes teacher's current daily rate x the number of sick leave days (up to 103 sick leave days) p. 37, Art. XVIII, Sec. 1.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 25, Art. XIV, Sec. 2.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes leave for professional visitations (amount of time not specified); 1 year partially paid sabbatical leave (50% salary for year of leave; or 3/4 salary for year of leave and year after)) Teachers must have worked in the District for seven consecutive years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. p. 28, Art. XV, Sec. 1, Subd. 6 & p. 30, Art. XV, Sec. 7.
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?	3 days p. 6, Art. VI, Sec. 1, Subd. 1.

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?	yes p. 31, Art. XVI, Sec. 1, Subd. 2.
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. 32, Art. XVI, Sec. 3.
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, to improve a teacher's working condition p. 33, Art. XVI, Sec. 5, Subd. 1.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes p. 31, Art. XVI, Sec. 2, Subd. 1.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	seniority p. 31, Art. XVI, Sec. 2, Subd. 1.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Other central office places teachers; tenured teachers allowed to express a preference p. 32, Art. XVI, Sec. 1, Subd. 2.
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents No contractual provision will be waived without the express written consent of the appropriate AHEM officers. p. 5, Art. IV, Sec. 18.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 5, Art. IV, Sec. 18.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	expressed written consent of union officers p. 5, Art. IV, Sec. 18.