Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska

National enrollment rank: 88

Labor context

Nebraska requires collective bargaining by school districts if a majority of teachers vote for union representation.
Teachers are NEA union members.
3,147 teachers

Student demographics

51,928 students
73% free/reduced lunch

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

Fast facts

Days in student school year:	173 for middle and secondary; 172 for elementary
Additional teacher work days:	Elementary: 17; middle and secondary: 16
Annual adjustment (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year):	2.0%
Starting salary:	$40,000
Maximum salary (salary, degree, years of experience):	$63,960; PhD; 17
Student achievement data required for evaluation:	n/a
Layoff criteria:
Evaluations per year:
Tenured	Summative evaluation once every three years; formative in off years
Non-tenured	Once a year
Sick and personal days per year:	12 (10 sick; 2 personal)
Years to tenure:	3 years

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	98% pp. 16 & 17, Art. III.F.1.a & b. Past Policy 100% Enrollment in single health coverage is mandatory. p. 28, IV BB 1. Past Policy 100% Enrollment in single health coverage is mandatory. p. 28, IV. BB. 1. Past Policy 100% Enrollment in single health and dental coverage at OPS is mandatory and a condition of employment. p. 27, Art. IV. BB. 1. Past Policy 100% Enrollment in single health and dental coverage at OPS is mandatory and a condition of employment. Omaha Public Schools Compensation and Benefits: http://www.ops.org/District/CENTRALOFFICES/HumanResourcesDivision/CompensationandBenefits/tabid/167/Default.aspx
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	teachers with three of fewer years of experience: 72% in 2015-16; 76% in 2016-17; 78% in 2017-18; teachers with four or more years of experience 79% in 2015-16 and 2016-178; 78% in 2017-18 pp. 16 & 17, Art. III.F.1.a & b. Past Policy 60% p. 29, IV BB 1. Past Policy 60% p. 29, IV. BB. 1. Past Policy up to 60%, depending on number of dependents covered Employees may only add family, spouse or child coverage upon experiencing certain qualifying events Depending upon the negotiated agreement, after three or four consecutive years of full-time employment; the District will pay up to 60% of the family health coverage premiums. p. 28, Art. IV. BB. 1.
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, only a percentage for coverage is specified (62%-98%, depending upon type of coverage and the employee's number of years of service) pp. 16 & 17, Art. III.F.1.a & b.
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	resignation: 30 working days, although notification by April 15 is preferred; retirement: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 71, 4.20.
Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes 50% of the employees contracted daily rate at end of service multiplied by the number of unused sick days, not to exceed the maximum days accumulation p. 22, Art. IV.A.2.
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 , for teachers working to earn teaching endorsements in shortage areas District website: http://bit.ly/1wWSIjU
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	yes, the district assists with assessment fees District website: http://bit.ly/1wWSIjU

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	173 for middle and secondary; 172 for elementary Past Policy 177 for middle and secondary; 174 for elementary Early childhood classes start three days after all other students begin classes, making their student year shorter. Past Policy elementary: 172; middle and secondary: 176 Past Policy elementary: 173; middle and secondary: 177 Past Policy elementary: 173; middle and secondary: 177 Past Policy elementary: 171; middle and secondary: 175 Past Policy Elementary students: 169; Secondary students: 174 Past Policy 171 This is the length of the elementary school year; elementary students receive 167 instructional days. 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 169 This is the length of the elementary school year. 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 173 Elementary students have 6 additional days off, for a school year of 167 days. 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Elementary: 1247 hours (total); middle & secondary: 1,283 hours, 5 minutes (total) Elementary calculation based on a 435 minute day X 172 days. Middle and secondary school calculation based on a 445 minute day X 173 days. Past Policy elementary: 994 hours, 45 minutes (except kindergarten which is 461 hours, 20 minutes) (total); middle: 1,017 hours, 45 minutes (total, but excluding the noon recess); secondary: 1,150 hours and 30 minutes (total) Kindergarten calculation based on a 160 minute day X 173 days. Elementary calculation based on a 345 minute day X 173 days. Middle school calculation based on a 345 minute day X 177 days. Secondary calculation based on a 390 minute day X 177 days. p. 40, Sec. 2.12.a. Past Policy elementary: 994 hours, 45 minutes (except kindergarten which is 461 hours, 20 minutes) (total); middle: 1,017 hours, 45 minutes (total, but excluding the noon recess); secondary: 1,150 hours and 30 minutes (total) Kindergarten calculation based on a 160 minute day X 173 days. Elementary calculation based on a 345 minute day X 173 days. Middle school calculation based on a 345 minute day X 177 days. Secondary calculation based on a 390 minute day X 177 days. p. 40, Sec. 2.12.a. Past Policy elementary: 994 hours, 45 minutes (except kindergarten which is 461 hours, 20 minutes); middle: 1,017 hours, 45 minutes; secondary: 1,150 hours and 30 minutes Kindergarten calculation based on a 160 minute day X 173 days. Elementary calculation based on a 345 minute day X 173 days. Middle school calculation based on a 345 minute day X 177 days. Secondary calculation based on a 390 minute day X 177 days. Past Policy elementary: 983 hours, 15 minutes; middle and secondary: 1,006 hours, 15 minutes The elementary calculation is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 171 days. The middle and secondary calculation is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 175 days. Past Policy elementary: 983 hours, 15 minutes; middle and secondary: 1,006 hours, 15 minutes The elementary calculation is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 171 days. The middle and secondary calculation is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 175 days. Past Policy 972 This calculations is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 169 days. p. 27, 2.12 a Past Policy 972 This calculations is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 169 days. Omaha School Board Policy: 2.12 a & 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 972 This calculations is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 169 days. Omaha School Board Policy: 2.12 a & 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 960 This calculations is based on a minimum of 345 minutes (excluding recess) per day X 173 days. Omaha School Board Policy: 2.12 a & 2008-2009 School Calendar
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	186 Past Policy 190 Past Policy 190 Past Policy 190 Past Policy 190 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 186 Past Policy 186 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 186 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	Elementary: 17; middle and secondary: 16 Past Policy elementary: 16; middle and secondary: 14 Past Policy elementary: 17.5; middle and secondary: 14 Past Policy elementary: 16.5; middle and secondary: 13 Past Policy elementary: 16.5; middle and secondary: 13 Past Policy elementary: 15.5; middle and secondary: 12 Past Policy elementary: 16.5; secondary: 13 Past Policy 14 Elementary teachers receive four additional non-student work days for a total of 18. 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 17 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 13 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	kindergarten: 2 hours, 40 minutes (total); grades 1-8: at least 5 hours, 45 minutes (total, but excluding recess) p. 40, 2.12.a.
How long is the school day for secondary students?	at least 6 hours, 30 minutes (total) p. 28, 2.12.a.
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents (board policy states that the day for elementary teachers may not exceed 7 hours, 30 minutes and the day for middle school teachers may not exceed 7 hours, 35 minutes) p. 73, 4.23.a. p. 29, Art. VI.B.
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)	35 minutes (15 minutes before 20 minutes after the regular student instructional day) p. 29, Art. VI.B.1. Past Policy 60 minutes (30 minutes before the start of class and 30 minutes after the closing time of his/her school) p. 73, 4.23. a. Past Policy 60 minutes (30 minutes before the start of class and 30 minutes after the closing time of his/her school) p. 74, 4.23. a. Past Policy 60 minutes p. 74, 4.23 a Past Policy 60 minutes Omaha School Board Policy: 4.23 a
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	elementary: 7 hours, 30 minutes every ten days; middle: 0.5 to 1 class periods per day, depending on the number of classes in the schedule (amount of time not specified) p. 31, Art. VI.C.3 & p. 32, Art. VI.C.9. Past Policy a minimum of 6 hours, 40 minutes every 2 weeks p. 9, IV. D. 2. Past Policy a minimum of 6 hours, 40 minutes every 2 weeks p. 9, IV. D. 2. Past Policy 6 hours, 40 minutes every 2 weeks p. 9, IV D 2 Past Policy 6 hours, 40 minutes every 2 weeks p. 9, IV D 2 Past Policy 6 hours, 40 minutes every 2 weeks Omaha CBA 2007-2009: p. 9, Art. IV D 2
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	1 to 2 class periods, depending on the number of classes in the schedule (amount of time not specified) p. 32, Art. VI.C.10. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	elementary: 45-minute team plan meeting each 10-day instructional cycle which may be used for school improvement planning middle: collaborate periodically on their current practice (frequency decided at the school level) secondary: minimum of two meetings per month p. 31, Art. VI.C.3 & p. 32, Art. VI.C.12 & 13. Past Policy elementary: a minimum of 1,080 minutes during the school year is set aside for team planning; in addition, elementary teachers may decide to engage in collaborative planning during their individual planning time secondary: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents This time shall include two entire duty days, the Thursday mornings during the fall and spring weeks designated for elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, and 135 minutes of 1 afternoon ending prior to the usual dismissal time for students in the building. p. 9, IV. D. 3. Past Policy a minimum of 1,080 minutes during the school year is set aside for team planning; in addition, elementary teachers may decide to engage in collaborative planning during their individual planning time This time shall include two entire duty days, the Thursday mornings during the fall and spring weeks designated for elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, and 135 minutes of 1 afternoon ending prior to the usual dismissal time for students in the building. p. 9, IV. D. 3. Past Policy 1,080 minutes during the school year is set aside for team planning This time shall include two entire duty days, the Thursday mornings during the fall and spring weeks designated for elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, and 135 minutes of 1 afternoon ending prior to the usual dismissal time for students in the building. p. 9, IV. D. 3. Past Policy 1,080 minutes during the school year is set aside for team planning This time shall include two entire duty days, the Thursday mornings during the fall and spring weeks designated for elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, and 135 minutes of 1 afternoon ending prior to the usual dismissal time for students in the building. p. 9, IV D 3 Past Policy 1,080 minutes during the school year is set aside for team planning This time shall include two entire duty days, the Thursday mornings during the fall and spring weeks designated for elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, and 135 minutes of 1 afternoon ending prior to the usual dismissal time for students in the building Omaha CBA 2007-2009: p. 9, Art. IV D 3

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ documents K-12: 20-30 p. 40, Board Policies 2.13. & 2.14.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 40, Board Policies 2.13 & 2.14.

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?	1.5%
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	2.0% Past Policy n/a; the district introduced a new salary schedule format in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience Past Policy 1.7% Past Policy 1.3% Past Policy 0.51% Past Policy 1.1% Past Policy 1.1% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 0.6% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 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)	3.5% Past Policy n/a; the district introduced a new salary schedule format in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 2.7% Past Policy 2.20% Past Policy 2.5% Past Policy 2.5% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$5,538 Past Policy $5,902 The district introduced a new salary schedule in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience. Past Policy $5,551 Past Policy 5,433 Past Policy 5,471 Past Policy 5,252 Past Policy 5,251 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	5: BA, BA+18, MA, MA+30, 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)?	Bachelor's lane: 14; Master's lane: 18 Past Policy bachelor's lane: 14; master's lane: 16 The district introduced a new salary schedule in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience. Past Policy 43 Past Policy 43 Past Policy 24 Past Policy 41 Past Policy 40 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 39 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 37 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$40,000 Past Policy $38,849 The district introduced a new salary schedule in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience. Past Policy $36,349 Past Policy 35,256 Past Policy 34,196 Past Policy 33,460 Past Policy 33,460 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 32,485 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 32,282 2008-2009 Salary Schedule Past Policy 31,825 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$41,403 Past Policy $40,303 The district introduced a new salary schedule in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience. Past Policy $37,803 Past Policy 38,076 Past Policy 38,300 Past Policy 37,475 Past Policy 37,475 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 37,477 2008-2009 Salary Schedule Past Policy 35,644 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$49,627 Past Policy $48,527 Past Policy $65,737 Past Policy 64,537 Past Policy 53,346 Past Policy 62,037 Past Policy 61,037 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 60,037 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 58,537 2008-2009 Salary Schedule Past Policy 56,837 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$44,665
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$46,719 Past Policy $46,119 The district introduced a new salary schedule in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience. Past Policy $43,619 Past Policy 43,717 Past Policy 43,771 Past Policy 42,829 Past Policy 42,829 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 42,612 2008-2009 Salary Schedule Past Policy 40,736 2007-2008 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$57,350 Past Policy $55,797 The district introduced a new salary schedule in 2015-2016, where steps are directly tied to experience. Past Policy $70,921 Past Policy 69,721 Past Policy 58,817 Past Policy 67,221 Past Policy 66,221 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 65,221 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 63,721 2008-2009 Salary Schedule Past Policy 62,021 2007-2008 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?	$63,960; PhD; 17
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, $1,000 per year up to a maximum of $10,000 p. 9, III.C.4. Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy 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?	5% of regular teaching salary p. 8, III.B.11.
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, only vocational teachers or teachers of special subjects can receive credit for work-related experience; 7 years p. 88, 5.02.c.
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	yes; for teachers hired prior to September 1, 2001: 21, 26, 31, 36, 41 & 46; for teachers hired after September 1, 2001: 16, 21, 26, 31, 36, 41 & 46 pp. 6 & 7, Art. III.B.5.

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation is 4-6 weeks, consequences of continued unsatisfactory performance not defined pp. 30 & 31.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	teacher may request informal hearing before committee of at least 3 Board of Education members which makes recommendation to full Board which then votes, in accordance with state law District acknowledges Sec. 79-832 of state law. pp. 77 & 78, Board Policy 4.29 c & d.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Professional development plan Professional practice (Planning and preparation, Classroom environment, Instruction, Professional responsibilities) pp. 4 & 5, 10, 36.
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)?	Written report only pp. 4 & 5.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator pp. 4 & 5.
How many categories of ratings are there?	5: Exemplary, Distinguished, Proficient, Basic, Unsatisfactory Each standard of a component is rated Unsatisfactory, Basic, Proficient or Distinguished. A fifth overall performance level, Exemplary, is a final overall rating, given "infrequently," p. 43.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Multiple observations - announced and unannounced pp. 4 & 5.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	n/a pp. 11 & 42.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	n/a pp. 11 & 42.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year p. 5.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	3 formal observations p. 5.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	October 1 p. 5.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	March 15 p. 5.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	30 minutes p. 18.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Summative evaluation once every three years; formative in off years p. 10.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	2 formal observations p. 4.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	November 30 p. 4.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	March 31 p. 5
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	30 minutes p. 30.
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation is 4-6 weeks, consequences of continued unsatisfactory performance not defined pp. 30 & 31.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	yes (team of the teacher principal, and HR staff) District supervisory staff may be included at the discretion of the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Supervisors, elementary curriculum consultants, assistant principals, and department heads may provide intervention assistance and conduct formal and informal observations. Other staff such as an Instructional Facilitator or a mentor may assist with lesson planning demonstrating teaching support. However, these individuals may not conduct observations. pp. 30 & 31.
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	4-6 weeks p. 31.
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?	Yes pp. 79 & 80, Board Policy 4.31.c.1.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	Seniority is the sole criterion. pp. 79 & 80, Board Policy 4.31.c.1.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District level pp. 79 & 80, Board Policy 4.31.c.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. 80, Board Policy 4.31.c.2.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	24 months p. 80, Board Policy 4.31.c.2.

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 (10 sick; 2 personal) Teachers receive 1 extra sick day for each unused personal leave day each year, subject to limitations on maximum accumulation. p. 20, Art. IV.A.1 & p. 23, Art. IV.B.a.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	12 (10 sick; 2 personal) Teachers receive 1 extra sick day for each unused personal leave day each year, subject to limitations on maximum accumulation. p. 20, Art. IV.A.1 & p. 23, Art. IV.B.a.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 20, Art. IV.A.1.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	90 Formula: number of contract days (190) minus the number of paid vacation days (0) multiplied by 90/190. p. 20, Art. IV.A.1 & p. 4, Art. III.A.1.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	number of days not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents, district may request documentation from district-approved doctor p. 21, Art. IV.A.1.
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes paid absence for professional purposes (number of days not specified); 1 year partially-paid sabbatical (half salary) An employee must have worked seven years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. p. 25, Art. IV.F. pp. 69 & 70, Sec. 4.18.h.
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 of immediate family (4-5 days), bereavement of a near relative (1-2 days) Employees are granted four days of bereavement leave for immediate family and one day for other relatives; those who are required to travel a minimum of two hundred miles (200) one way to attend the funeral of an immediate relative will be granted an additional day of leave. p. 24, Art. IV.C.
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	yes, paid association leave to attend conferences, meetings, & conventions (number of days not specified) p. 27, Art. IV.L.
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	first 5 student days, days when parent/teacher conferences are scheduled, last 10 contract days, days immediately preceding or following a holiday or break p. 23, Art. IV.B.b.
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Yes teachers can earn 1 additional day of accumulated sick leave for each day of unused personal leave, and two extra sick days for perfect attendance each year after maximum accumulated sick days are reached After an employee has accumulated the maximum days of sick leave, appropriate to the length of the employee's contract, the employee shall be awarded two additional days toward the employee's maximum accumulation, thereby increasing their maximum an additional two days, for each year of perfect attendance occurring after accumulation of the maximum days of sick leave. Each school year that an employee has unused personal leave days, the employee shall be awarded one additional day of accumulated sick leave for each day of unused personal leave, subject to limitations on maximum accumulation. p. 21, Art. IV.A.1.
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 50% of the employees contracted daily rate at end of service multiplied by the number of unused sick days, not to exceed the maximum days accumulation p. 22, Art. IV.A.2.
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 paid absence for professional purposes (number of days not specified); 1 year partially-paid sabbatical (half salary) An employee must have worked seven years to be eligible for sabbatical leave. p. 25, Art. IV.F. pp. 69 & 70, Sec. 4.18.h.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	Unspecified p. 7, Art. III.B.6.
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 p. 59, Board Policy 4.05.d.
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
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?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Transfers are not addressed in any detail, however, the contract and board policy indicate that transfers are initiated and implemented by the Superintendent/Board. p. 61, Board Policy 4.10. p. 4, II.12.
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 maintain racial balance and experience/level of education balance in high minority schools and by initiative of the superintendent or other administrative officers in the best interest of the district or employee Superintendent may call for transfers and reassignments to insure that the average teaching experience and level of education of school faculties in elementary schools with disproportionately high enrollment of black students are comparable on average to the district-wide averages for elementary schools. pp. 61 & 62, Board Policy 4.10.a & c.
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Other no, teachers are identified for excessing based on best interests of school district
How are teachers identified for excessing?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	Yes p. 36, Art. VI.O.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents p. 36, Art. VI.O.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	agreed upon, in writing, by the union and board p. 36, Art. VI.O.