Jackson Public Schools, Mississippi

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	100% District website: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2457
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	0%; family coverage is available at the employee's expense. District website: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2457
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents District website: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2457
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?	Two weeks notice Board Policy GACL: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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?	Yes failure to give timely notice of one's resignation may result in revocation of license up to one year. Board Policy GACL: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes up to 30 sick leave days at the current daily substitute rate Board Policy GADE, p. 1, Sec. IV: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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 Board Policy GAAAA: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199 Board Policy GAAAA MOU: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	181 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 181 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 180 Past Policy 182 Past Policy 180
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	990 (instructional) Calculated by multiplying the number of student days by the minimum number of daily instructional minutes (180 days x 330 minutes). Board Policy AE, p. 1, B: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	187
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	7 Past Policy 8 Past Policy 8 Half days are 40% non-student work days for teachers. Past Policy 7.8 Half days are 40% non-student work days for teachers. Past Policy 7.8 Half days are 40% work days for teachers. Past Policy 7.8 Half days are 40% work days for teachers. Past Policy 7 Past Policy 7 Past Policy 9 Past Policy 11
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	5 hours, 30 minutes (instructional) Board Policy AE, p. 1, B: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
How long is the school day for secondary students?	5 hours, 30 minutes (instructional) Board Policy AE, p. 1, B: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	8 hours or as determined by school board Board Policy GACI: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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; time is designated by the school board. Board Policy GACI: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district reports that there is a scheduled planning period daily. Board Policy GACI: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The district reports that there is a scheduled planning period daily. Board Policy GACI: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GACI: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	District acknowledges state law: K: 22, or 27 with full-time assistant teacher; 1-4: 27; 5-12: 33 (departmentalized academic core classes) Board Procedure IEE: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199 Board Policy IEE: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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?	1.4%
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 2.2% Past Policy 3.5% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy -2.1% Past Policy 0-5.5% Past Policy 0%
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)	1.4% Past Policy 3.6% Past Policy 5.0% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy 1.58% Past Policy 1.6% Past Policy -0.53%
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$5,274
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	4: BA, MA, Specialist, 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)?	35
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$35,862 Past Policy $34,862 Past Policy 32,372 Past Policy 32,372 Past Policy 32,372 Past Policy 32,372 Past Policy 33,064 Past Policy 33,064
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$37,832 Past Policy $36,832 Past Policy 35,332 Past Policy 35,332 Past Policy 35,332 Past Policy 35,332 Past Policy 36,088 Past Policy 36,088
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$56,300 Past Policy $55,300 Past Policy 53,800 Past Policy 53,800 Past Policy 53,800 Past Policy 53,800 Past Policy 54,856 Past Policy 52,139
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$38,427 Past Policy $37,427 Past Policy 34,607 Past Policy 34,607 Past Policy 34,607 Past Policy 34,607 Past Policy 35,347 Past Policy 35,347
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$40,882 Past Policy $39,882 Past Policy 38,382 Past Policy 38,382 Past Policy 38,382 Past Policy 38,382 Past Policy 39,203 Past Policy 39,203
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$64,673 Past Policy $63,673 Past Policy 62,173 Past Policy 62,173 Past Policy 62,173 Past Policy 62,173 Past Policy 63,376 Past Policy 60,076
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?	$73,201; PhD; 35 Past Policy $72,701; PhD; 35 Past Policy 70,701; PhD; 35 Past Policy 70,701; PhD; 35 Past Policy 70,701; PhD; 35
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?	Yes, teachers in schools that are SIG recipients or participants in the TIF program are eligible for bonuses based on various factors including school level achievement, subject area growth, teamwork incentive and employee attendance. Total bonus amounts range from $250 to $2,500. Board Policy GAAAC: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199 Board Procedure GAAAC: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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 The district reports that teachers can not earn additional pay by working in a school classified as high needs.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	Yes, middle school teachers who obtain certification in math or science earn a stipend (amount not specified). Board Policy GAAAB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Uncertified teachers cannot be the teacher of record Board Policy GBEB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/content.aspx?url=/page/policiesapproved
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 The district reports that teachers do not receive credit for subject-related professional experience.
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 district reports no longevity bonus is available.

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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	Teacher may request a hearing before the school board or hearing officer appointed by board who makes recommendation to board. Board Policy GBEG: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents A teacher with fewer than two years of service in Mississippi does not have the right to a hearing, however, it is not clear if s/he has any other recourse. Board Policy GBEG: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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?	April 15 Board Policy GBEG:http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Professional practice (Lesson design; Student understanding; Culture and learning environment; Professional responsibilities) p. 3 (pdf). Past Policy Student growth/achievement (30% for teachers of tested subjects, 0% for teachers of non-tested subjects in 2014-2015; 30%-teachers of tested and non-tested subjects in 2015-2016) School-wide growth (20% for teachers of tested subjects, 50% for teachers of non-tested in 2014-2015; 20% for all teachers in 2015-2016) Professional practice (50%: Planning, Assessment, Instruction, Learning environment, Professional responsibilities) pp. 3 & 8.
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
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Conference with evaluator p. 3 (pdf).
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many categories of ratings are there?	4
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced p. 3 (pdf).
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	N/A
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	N/A Past Policy 2014-2015: 50% school growth; in 2015-16: 30% SLO's, 20% school growth Past Policy n/a (In 2014-2015 50% school growth; in 2015-16, 30% SLO's, 20% school growth)
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year in accordance with Standard 3 of the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards. Board Policy GBH:http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal, 2 informal This is the minimum required by the state. Districts may choose to require more observations; it is not clear if Jackson has done so. p. 3 (pdf).
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Determined at the discretion of the district; however, the district does not address this issue in documentation available to NCTQ. p. 3 (pdf).
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year in accordance with Standard 3 of the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards Board Policy GBH: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 formal, 2 informal This is the minimum required by the state. Districts may choose to require more observations; it is not clear if Jackson has done so. p. 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?	Determined at the discretion of the district; however, the district does not address this issue in documentation available to NCTQ. p. 3 (pdf). Past Policy 30 minutes p. 4 Past Policy 1 instructional period for the unannounced observation, no timeframe given for announced observation pp. 6-7
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	No Teachers are assigned a point value to determine their position in a layoff. The point system is based on performance (60%), certification (20%) and seniority(20%). Board Policy GBED: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Performance is the preponderant criterion. Teachers are assigned a point value to determine their position in a layoff. The point system is based on performance (60%), certification (20%) and seniority(20%). Board Policy GBED: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level Board Procedure GBED: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents district reports April 15 or 10 days after the appropriations bill is approved by the governor, no citation given Board Policy GBED: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy states that employees affected shall be offered positions according to need in order to maintain a quality instructional program. It is not clear if they have priority over other applicants. Board Policy GBED: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents district reports no recall rights, no citation given Board Policy GBED:http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199

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 (5.5 - 10 sick leave; 2 - 6.5 personal [1 personal day is specified for "birthday"]) While all teachers receive 12 general leave days a year, more days are allotted for personal use and fewer days are allotted for illness as seniority increases. Teachers with 15 years of district experience receive 5.5 sick days and 6.5 personal days. Teachers with 3 years or fewer of district experience receive 10 sick days and 2 personal days. Board Policies GADE, GADJ, & GADJ Chart: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (5.5 - 10 sick leave; 2 - 6.5 personal [1 personal day is specified for "birthday"]) While all teachers receive 12 general leave days a year, more days are allotted for personal use and fewer days are allotted for illness as seniority increases. Teachers with 15 years of district experience receive 5.5 sick days and 6.5 personal days. Teachers with 3 years or fewer of district experience receive 10 sick days and 2 personal days. Board Policies GADE, GADJ, & GADJ Chart: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes Board Policy GADE, p. 3, Sec. V: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes 5 days of personal leave may be carried over from one year to the next. Board Policy GADJ, p. 1, Sec. II: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	No maximum Board Policy GADE, p. 3, Sec. V: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	4 days (2 days if the absence immediately precedes or follows a holiday) Board Policy GADE, p. 3, Sec. VII.A: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes full pay while absent for professional purposes (the amount of leave is not specified). Board Policy GADK: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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?	Bereavement for immediate family (5 days for each death); bereavement for extended family (2 days); military researve training (15 days); jury duty Board Policies GADI, GADL, GADO: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	N/A; this district does not have collective bargaining. The district's relationship with the union does not provide for traditional union privileges that are found in other districts.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	First and last day of school term; day before or after a holiday; when leave would disrupt school or department program; when teacher gives less than 24 hours notice If an employee's immediate family member is being deployed for military service on those days, the employee may take personal leave. Board Policy GADJ, p. 1, Sec. II: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes $250 for employees who have no more than 4 absences during the school year. Board procedure GAAAC, Performance Based Compensation System Categories, p. 3: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes up to 30 sick leave days at the current daily substitute rate Board Policy GADE, p. 1, Sec. IV: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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 full pay while absent for professional purposes (the amount of leave is not specified). Board Policy GADK: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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?	2 days Per the district calendar, August 1 and 2 are new teacher induction days. District website: https://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2

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?	2 years in accordance with the Education Employment Procedures Law. Teachers in their first two years of employment are not guaranteed the protections offered under the Education Employment Procedures Law. Board Policy GBEG: https://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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 Board Policy GABB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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?	Principals can make recommendation if two or more candidates meet the criteria. Board Policy GABB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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, "best interest" of district Board Policy GABB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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 Board Policy GABB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GABB:http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy GABB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199
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 Board Policy GABB: http://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/Page/2199

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?	N/A this district does not collectively bargain.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	N/A; this district does not collectively bargain.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	N/A; this district does not collectively bargain.