North East Independent School District, Texas

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	80%
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	63%
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	$377
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: no later than the 45th day before the 1st day of instruction of the following school year, in accordance with state law; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	District acknowledges state law , the district may pursue sanctions Board Policy DFE (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 1/4 - 1/2 of the employee’s daily rate of pay up to a maximum of $75 per day, depending on number of accumulated leave days and date of employment For leave earned prior to July 1, 2005, the rate of reimbursement shall be equivalent to one-half of the employee’s daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $40 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at one-fourth of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $20 per day. For leave earned on or after July 1, 2005, the reimbursement rate shall be one-half the daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $75 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at 1/4 of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $65 per day. pp. 10 & 11, Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 1/4 - 1/2 of the employee’s daily rate of pay up to a maximum of $75 per day, depending on number of accumulated leave days and date of employment For leave earned prior to July 1, 2005, the rate of reimbursement shall be equivalent to one-half of the employee’s daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $40 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at one-fourth of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $20 per day. For leave earned on or after July 1, 2005, the reimbursement rate shall be one-half the daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $75 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at 1/4 of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $65 per day. pp. 10 & 11, Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	177
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	1,239 (total) Calculated based on a 7-hour student day x 177 days. Board Policy EC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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)	10
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	7 hours (total) A school day shall be at least seven hours each day, including intermissions and recesses. Board Policy EC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
How long is the school day for secondary students?	7 hours (total) A school day shall be at least seven hours each day, including intermissions and recesses. Board Policy EC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day) Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	at least 450 minutes in each two-week period (not less than 45 minutes within the instructional day) Board Policy DL (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	K-4: district acknowledges state law: 22; Pre-K & 5-12: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Board Policy EEB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other Notify parents , the school shall notify the Commissioner and apply for exception; a campus or district that is granted an exception from class size limits shall provide written notice of the exception to the parent to each student affected by the exception Board Policy EEB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179 Past Policy 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?	No salary schedule Other District does not utilize a salary schedule; rather they publish the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	N/A; the district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries.
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)	1.5%, based only on the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries (district does not use a 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)	N/A; the district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries.
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$1,800; while the district does not utilize a salary schedule, they do provide a salary differential for teachers with a MA (differential amounts vary depending on the criteria noted below). Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA in any area receive an annual stipend of $400.
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	3: BA, MA (stipend pay), 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)?	N/A; the district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries (it is not clear how many years a teacher must work before reaching the maximum salary)
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$51,100 is the minimum salary for new teachers with a BA (district does not use a salary schedule). Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,111 on their 2015-16 salaries. Past Policy $50,000 is the minimum salary for new teachers with a BA (district does not use a salary schedule) Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,087 on their 2014-15 salaries. Past Policy $49,288 (entry salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. It is not clear how or if experience or education determine salary. Past Policy 46,440 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,500 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,500 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	N/A; district does not use a salary schedule (only the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries are noted) Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,111 on their 2015-16 salaries.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$61,276 is the maximum salary for new teachers with a BA (district does not use a salary schedule). Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,111 on their 2015-16 salaries. Past Policy $60,665 is the maximum salary for new teachers with a BA (district does not use a salary schedule) Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,087 on their 2014-15 salaries. Past Policy $60,078 (maximum salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. It is not clear how or if experience or education determine salary. Past Policy 58,540 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 57,603 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 57,603 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$52,900 is the minimum salary for new teachers with a MA (district does not use a salary schedule). Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,111 on their 2015-16 salaries. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA in any area receive an annual stipend of $400. Past Policy $51,800 is the minimum salary for new teachers with a MA (district does not use a salary schedule) Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,087 on their 2014-15 salaries. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA in any area receive an annual stipend of $400. Past Policy $49,288 (entry salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. It is not clear how or if experience or education determine salary. Past Policy 48,240 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,300 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 47,300 A teacher with a MA receives the BA salary + $1,800. 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	N/A; district does not use a salary schedule (only the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries are noted). Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,111 on their 2015-16 salaries. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA in any area receive an annual stipend of $400.
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$63,076 is the maximum salary for new teachers with a MA (district does not use a salary schedule). Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,111 on their 2015-16 salaries. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA in any area receive an annual stipend of $400. Past Policy $62,465 is the maximum salary for new teachers with a MA (district does not use a salary schedule) Only the minimum, midpoint, and maximum salaries are specified for initial placement. Veteran district teachers, who meet specified criteria, will receive a general increase of 2% or $1,087 on their 2014-15 salaries. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800. Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA in any area receive an annual stipend of $400. Past Policy $60,078 (maximum salary) The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. It is not clear how or if experience or education determine salary. Past Policy 60,340 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 59,403 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 63,903 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?	$66,376 is the maximum initial placement salary for a teacher with a PhD (at highest PhD differential amount); years of experience are not specified (the district does not utilize a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries, and it is not clear how many years of experience a teacher must have before reaching the maximum salary) Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800 and those, meeting the same criteria, with a PhD receive an annual stipend of $1,500. Teachers holding a MA or PhD with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA or PhD in any area receive an annual stipend of $400. Past Policy $63,965 is the maximum initial placement salary for a teacher with a PhD (at highest PhD differential amount); years of experience are not specified (the district does not utilize a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries, and it is not clear how many years of experience a teacher must have before reaching the maximum salary) Teachers holding a MA with a major or specialization in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $1,800 and those, meeting the same criteria, with a PhD receive an annual stipend of $1,500. Teachers holding a MA or PhD with a major or specialization not in their current teaching assignment, Curriculum and Instruction, or Teaching, receive an annual stipend of $800. Teachers holding a MA or PhD in any area receive an annual stipend of $400. Past Policy $60,078, degree not specified; years of experience not specified The district does not use a salary schedule and only specifies the minimum, midpoint and maximum salaries. It is not clear how or if experience or education determine salary. Past Policy 62,140; PhD; 25
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 In accordance with state law, if the district participates in the Educator Excellence Award Program/District Awards for Teacher Excellence, qualifying employees may receive bonuses. Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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 In accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers in identified high need campuses. Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents In accordance with state law, the district can apply to the Commissioner for grants to pay year end stipends to master teachers of reading, math, technology or science. Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	District acknowledges state law Board Policy DBA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179 Past Policy 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; district acknowledges state law: experience is awarded based on the Commissioner's rules Board Policy DEAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	term contract teacher may request hearing, board determines if hearing is before board or an attorney designated by board; continuing contract teacher may request hearing before independent hearing examiner in accordance with state law pp. 3 & 4, Board Policy DFBB (local) & p. 1, DFCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	no, in accordance with state law Board Policy DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	10th day before last day of instruction in accordance with state law Board Policy DFAB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	10th day before last day of instruction in accordance with state law p. 1, Board Policy DFBB (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Professional Practice (Planning; Instruction; Learning environment; Professional Practices and Responsibilities) In accordance with state policy. The state does not require that student growth be a component of the evaluation until 2017-2018. Beginning 2017-2018, it will count 20%. (Student Growth Overview) Teachers are required to have a Professional Development Plan as a component of the evaluation process, however they are not rated on the plan. pp. 4, 15 & 17. Past Policy School-wide student growth/achievement Professional practice (Active, successful student participation in the learning process; Learner-centered instruction; Evaluation and feedback on student progress; Management of student discipline, instructional strategies, time and material; Professional communication; Professional development; Compliance with policies, operating procedures and requirements; Improvement of academic performance of all students on the campus) pp. 47-51.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional p. 12. Past Policy No pp. 26 & 27. Past Policy Optional A District-level supervisor or administrator may be assigned as a second appraiser only with the approval of the deputy superintendent for instruction. DNA (local)
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other yes - optional, teacher leaders may perform appraisals p. 12.
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. 24. p. 1, Board Policy DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179 Past Policy Written report, conference upon request p. 22. Past Policy Conference with evaluator DNA (local) Past Policy
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 30.
How many categories of ratings are there?	5: Distinguished, Accomplished, Proficient, Developing, Improvement needed p. 29. Past Policy 4: Exceeds Expectations, Proficient, Below Expectations, Unsatisfactory p. 18. Past Policy diistrict acknowledges state law Past Policy diistrict acknowledges state law
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other at the discretion of the district, unclear what North East ISD has chosen to do p. 1, Board Policy DNA (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	n/a (effective 2017-2018, student growth/achievement will count 20%, methodology for calculating is unclear) Student growth is not a required component until 2017-2018. Texas gives the district four options to measure student growth: Student Learning Objectives; portfolios; district-level pre-and post-tests; Value-added measures. Districts are not required to use VAM, even for teachers of tested subjects. Currently, it is not clear if North East ISD will require VAM in 2017-2018. pp. 4, 15 & 17.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	N/A (student growth/achievement will count effective 2017-2018) Student growth is not a required component until 2017-2018. Texas gives the district four options to measure student growth: Student Learning Objectives; portfolios; district-level pre-and post-tests; Value-added measures.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year Board Policy DNA (local), p. 1 & Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 1: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 The state requires one formal observations. It recommends additional formal/informal observations. It is unclear whether North East ISD requires more than one observation. p. 24.
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?	15 days before last day of instruction in accordance with state law DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	45 minutes in accordance with state law DNA (legal), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summative once every two years; formative in off year In order to be eligible for less-than-annual evaluations, a teacher must have been rated at least Proficient on most recent evaluation. In the off-years, a teacher must have a professional development plan as well as student performance data. Board Policy DNA (local) & Board Policy DNA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	1 The state requires a minimum of one observation. It is not clear if North East ISD requires additional observations. p. 24.
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?	15th day before last day of instruction in accordance with state law DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	45 minutes in accordance with state law DNA (legal), p. 9: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	Yes Board Policy DNA (legal), p. 5: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	Other no, if layoffs occur during school year, issue not addressed if layoffs occur at end of school year p. 1, Board Policy DFFA (local) & DFF (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Other criteria applied sequentially: qualifications for current and projected assignment, performance, extra duties, professional background, seniority Policy applies to term contracts. The vast majority of Texas teacher work under term and probationary contracts. Continuing contract teachers are laid off primarily by performance (p. 2, DFF (legal) p. 2, Board Policy DFFA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level however, seniority is the last of the criteria applied p. 2, Board Policy DFFA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

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 state personal, 7 local sick) Board Policies DEC (legal) & DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179 HR FAQ's: http://www.neisd.net/HR/Employees/LOAFAQs.htm
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (5 state personal, 7 local sick) Board Policies DEC (legal) & DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179 HR FAQ's: http://www.neisd.net/HR/Employees/LOAFAQs.htm
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes Local sick leave accumulates without limit. p. 4, Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes State personal leave accumulates without limit. Board Policy DEC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	no maximum Board Policies DEC (legal) & DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	5, may request documentation from district-approved doctor p. 3, Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes professional development leave to attend meetings, conferences, and workshops (amount of time not specified); 1 school year of partially paid developmental leave (half salary) Employees must have served served in the District at least five consecutive school years to be eligible for developmental leave. Board Policy DEC (legal) & DMD (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	assault leave (2 years), court subpoena, jury duty Board Policy DEC (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	n/a; collective bargaining is not allowed in this state
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	discretionary use of state personal leave shall not exceed three consecutive workdays; when the supervisor deems the employee's absence as negatively affecting the educational program or district operations; lack of available substitutes The supervisor might consider the following when approving employee absence: if the requested time is before or after a school holiday; if it's end-of-semester/year exam days, state testing days, or professional development days. p. 4, Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 1/4 - 1/2 of the employee’s daily rate of pay up to a maximum of $75 per day, depending on number of accumulated leave days and date of employment For leave earned prior to July 1, 2005, the rate of reimbursement shall be equivalent to one-half of the employee’s daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $40 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at one-fourth of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $20 per day. For leave earned on or after July 1, 2005, the reimbursement rate shall be one-half the daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $75 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at 1/4 of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $65 per day. pp. 10 & 11, Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 1/4 - 1/2 of the employee’s daily rate of pay up to a maximum of $75 per day, depending on number of accumulated leave days and date of employment For leave earned prior to July 1, 2005, the rate of reimbursement shall be equivalent to one-half of the employee’s daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $40 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at one-fourth of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $20 per day. For leave earned on or after July 1, 2005, the reimbursement rate shall be one-half the daily rate of pay at the time of resignation up to a maximum of $75 per day for the first 80 days. For days accumulated beyond 80, the employee shall be reimbursed at 1/4 of his or her daily rate of pay at the time of resignation to a maximum of $65 per day. pp. 10 & 11, Board Policy DEC (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes professional development leave to attend meetings, conferences, and workshops (amount of time not specified); 1 school year of partially paid developmental leave (half salary) Employees must have served served in the District at least five consecutive school years to be eligible for developmental leave. Board Policy DEC (legal) & DMD (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Unspecified p. 3, Board Policy DEAA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	5 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?	3 years in accordance with state law p. 2, Board Policy DCA (legal): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Yes in accordance with state law Board Policy DCA (legal), p. 2: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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 Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	best interests of school district Board Policy DK (local): http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/179
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?	N/A collective bargaining is not allowed in this state
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	n/a; there is no district-level collective bargaining agreement
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	n/a; there is no district-level collective bargaining agreement