Contract Waivers

As districts implement more alternative school models--often turnaround schools in dramatic need of improvement--they are negotiating separate provisions in collective bargaining agreements that afford such schools exceptions to traditional work rules. These exceptions are known as contract waivers and can include waiving entire collective bargaining agreements or just portions of it.

What sections of clauses of the contract that can be waived varies from district to district. Some districts do not have a process for waivers, while others allow any provision in the agreement to be waived. Common parts of the contract that can be waived include the length of the school year and school day and the amount of preparation time teachers receive. Waivers are frequently used at schools implementing improvement plans.

Teacher Contract Database Our database includes data on the waiver process at districts, including if teachers must vote in a request for a waiver and what the requirements are for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved. We only include waivers that refer to specific schools or groups of schools, not amendments made to collective bargaining agreements that affect all teachers district wide.