Collective Agreement with East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division No 16

This Collective Agreement is in effect until August 31st, 2016.

This agreement is made in quintuplicate this 17th day of April 2015 pursuant to the School Act, 2000, as amended, and the Labour Relations Code.

Between the Board of Trustees of the East Central Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Regional Division No. 16 herein called "the Board," of the first part and The Alberta Teachers' Association, herein called "the Association," of the second part.

Whereas the Association is the duly certified bargaining agent for the teachers employed by the Board, and

Whereas terms and conditions of employment of such teachers and their salaries have been the subject of negotiations between the parties, and

Whereas the parties desire that these matters be set forth in an agreement to govern all the terms of employment of the teachers.

NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH

1.0   APPLICATION

During the currency thereof this agreement shall be applicable to all teachers employed by the Board except those designated as (a) Superintendent, (b) Deputy Superintendent, under engagement pursuant to the School Act, 2000, as amended.

2.0   TERM AND EFFECTIVE DATE

2.1   Except where otherwise specified; this agreement shall take effect on September 1, 2012, and shall remain in full force and effect until August 31, 2016 and thereafter, subject to variation by mutual agreement or under the provisions of the Labour Relations Code.

2.2   Notwithstanding the termination date of this agreement, if notice has been given to commence collective bargaining, the terms and conditions contained herein shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise altered through collective bargaining or until a strike/lockout commences whichever occurs first.

3.0   COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Either party may give the other not less than 60 days nor more than 180 days prior to the termination of the collective agreement, a notice in writing of its intent to commence collective bargaining.  At the first meeting between the parties following such notice, the parties shall exchange particulars of the amendments they seek.

4.0   MEMBERSHIP IN THE ALBERTA TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION

All teachers shall, as a condition of their employment by the Board, be and remain members of the Association.

5.0   SALARY SCHEDULE

5.1   The Board shall pay all teachers the salaries and allowances as herein set forth and computed. The following will apply to salaries as set out in the Collective Agreement grid, other rates of pay, allowances and substitute teacher daily rates of pay.

2012-13- 0%

2013-14 – 0%

2014-15 – 0%

2015-16 – 2% effective Sept. 1 2015

A one-time lump sum payment of 1% of the annual salary prorated by FTE as set out in the Collective Agreement grid in effect as of November 15, 2015 will be paid to all teachers on contract on that date, funded by Government and paid no later than the end of December of 2015.

5.2   All sums mentioned herein are "per annum" unless specifically stated otherwise.

5.3   The amount of university education of a teacher and the length of teaching experience computed as hereinafter provided, shall together determine the annual salary rate of each teacher employed by the Board.  The minimum salary, the maximum salary, and increments for each year of teaching experience are tabulated below.

(a) 2012-2015 September 1, 2012 – 31 August, 2015

 

Four

Five

Six

0

58,364

61,981

65,599

1

62,128

65,755

69,378

2

65,896

69,527

73,158

3

69,664

73,300

76,936

4

73,432

77,073

80,715

5

77,201

80,846

84,490

6

80,964

84,617

88,267

7

84,732

88,392

92,051

8

88,499

92,162

95,828

9

92,262

95,937

99,611

 

(b) For the school year September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, salary grid will be as follows: 

September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016

 

Four

Five

Six

0

59,531

63,221

66,911

1

63,371

67,070

70,766

2

67,214

70,918

74,621

3

71,057

74,766

78,475

4

74,901

78,614

82,329

5

78,745

82,463

86,180

6

82,583

86,309

90,032

7

86,427

90,160

93,892

8

90,269

94,005

97,744

9

94,107

97,856

101,603

 

5.4   The Board shall pay all teachers the salaries and allowances as herein set forth and computed. Payment shall be made on or before the 24th day of each month.

6.0   ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION ALLOWANCES

6.1   Administration Allowance as follows:

(a) Effective September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2015, for administrators shall be: 

$9,822.34

Base allowance;

$54.90

For each of the first 100 students;

$29.25

For each of the next 450 students;

$7.64

For all remaining students;

$4.56

For each home schooling student.

 

Effective September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016, for administrators shall be

$10,018.79

Base allowance;

$56.00

For each of the first 100 students;

$29.84

For each of the next 450 students;

$7.79

For all remaining students;

$4.65

For each home schooling student.

 

Each kindergarten child enrolled as of September 30 of each year shall be added to the preceding counts on the basis of 0.5 FTE  per child for the purpose of calculating the principal allowance.

(b) For the school years 2012/2013 to 2015/2016, administration allowance will be adjusted on the same dates and by the same percentage increases as are applied to the salary grid.

Only per student additions increased by the same percentage as the salary grid. (This sentence is suspended for the term of the 2012-2016 agreement and is to be reinstated when the agreement is renegotiated.)

6.2   The vice-principal's allowance.

6.2.1   The vice-principal will receive an administrative allowance equal to 50 percent of the sum allowed the principal.

6.2.2   Where there is more than one person sharing the vice-principal position (Management Team) each person will share an administrative allowance equal to 50 percent of the sum allowed the principal.  The distribution of this share will be determined by those sharing the position in consultation with the Board.

6.3   When the principal and vice-principal are unable to carry out their administrative duties for more than half a day, a teacher shall be designated as the acting principal.

6.3.1   A teacher appointed as acting principal shall receive an allowance equivalent to that of a vice-principal for each day the teacher is designated as the acting principal.

6.4   The student count for purposes of this clause shall be taken September 30.

6.5   Effective February 14, 2014, the 2006 Letter of Understanding on teachers designated as principals shall be deleted and replaced with: 

A teacher who is designated as a coordinator will receive an annual allowance equivalent to the base allowance payable to the principal. Part-time coordinators’ allowances will be prorated according to the FTE of the appointment.

7.0   APPLICATION OF SALARY SCHEDULE

7.1   Teacher Experience

7.1.1   A year of experience shall be a school year. In the case of a teacher teaching less than the school year, the days taught will be cumulative until 130 full-time equivalent days have been reached.  The salary adjustment will take place on January 1 or September 1 immediately following the accumulation of 130 days.

7.1.2   Whenever a year of teaching experience has been earned, the teacher shall not begin to earn credit toward another year of experience until commencement of another school year or January 1, whichever occurs earlier.  A teacher shall earn only one experience increment per school year.

7.1.3   Teaching experience obtained by a teacher prior to engagement by the Board shall be counted as if it had been teaching experience in a school under the Board's jurisdiction.

7.1.4   The teacher shall be responsible to submit satisfactory evidence of teaching experience to the Board.  Until 60 days have elapsed from the commencement of employment, or until satisfactory evidence is submitted, the teacher shall be paid for experience as claimed. If after 60 days satisfactory evidence is not submitted the teacher shall be paid the minimum for his/her years of university education.  Years of experience shall be paid retroactive to the commencement of employment.

7.2   Teacher Education

7.2.1   The evaluation of teacher education for salary purposes shall be determined by a statement of qualification issued by The Alberta Teachers’ Association Teacher Qualifications Service in accordance with the principles and policies established by the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement dated March 23, 1967, among the Department of Education, The Alberta Teachers’ Association, and the Alberta School Trustees Association.

7.2.2   The adjustment dates for changes in the allowances for university education are September 1 and February 1.

7.2.3   A teacher claiming additional university education or a teacher commencing employment with the Board shall supply the Board within 60 days of the above mentioned dates or from the date of commencement of duties a statement of qualifications to be issued by the Teacher Qualifications Service of the Association.  Until the teacher submits satisfactory evidence of qualification, the teacher shall be placed on the salary schedule according to the most recent acceptable statement of qualifications or according to the minimum education requirements for his/her teaching certificate.

7.2.4   If proof of application for the statement of qualifications is supplied within 60 days, as specified under clause 7.2.3, the university education shall be paid retroactively according to clause 7.2.2.

7.2.5   If proof of application for the statement of qualifications is not supplied within 60 days, salary shall be adjusted effective the beginning of the month following the submission of a statement of qualifications.

8.0   SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

8.1   A substitute teacher means a teacher employed on a day-to-day basis.

8.2   Effective September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2015, the substitute teacher rate will be:

- $190.30 per day inclusive of vacation pay.

- $95.15 payment for a half day inclusive of vacation pay.  

Substitute teacher rate will be adjusted on the same dates and by the same percentage increases as are applied to the salary grid.

If the substitute teacher is employed for more than a half day he/she shall be paid the full day rate. 

Effective September 1, 2015, replace the preceding 8.2  with:

8.2   Effective September 1, 2015, the substitute teacher rate will be:

$207.06 per day inclusive of vacation pay and the 2% salary increase for September 1, 2015

$103.53 payment for a half day inclusive of vacation pay and the 2 % salary increase for September 1, 2015

Substitute teacher rate will be adjusted on the same dates and by the same percentage increases as are applied to the salary grid. The 2% salary increase effective for September 1, 2015 has been incorporated in the preceding rates.

If the substitute teacher is employed for more than a half day he/she shall be paid the full day rate. 

8.3   Payment shall be made at the daily rate for the first five consecutive school days.  On the sixth and subsequent days in the same school, where a substitute teacher continues to replace the same regular teacher, payment shall be made according to placement on the salary schedule effective the first day.

8.4   When a substitute teacher is required for a period in excess of five consecutive days in the same teaching assignment, the same substitute teacher shall be retained unless that teacher is unwilling to continue in the assignment.

8.5   When the assignment of a substitute teacher involves teaching before and after the noon intermission at the school, the substitute teacher shall be paid the full day rate specified in 8.2.

9.0   CUMULATIVE SICK LEAVE

9.1   Sick leave, with pay, shall be granted to a teacher for the purpose of obtaining necessary medical or dental treatment or because of accident, sickness or disability, in accordance with the following schedule:

(a) 20 school days upon commencement of employment.

(b) 90 calendar days after one year of employment

9.2   After 90 calendar days of continuous absence due to disability the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan shall take effect.

9.3   Whereas a teacher is off due to sickness or on disability for more than 3 days, the Board may require medical certificates at regular intervals.

9.4   A teacher who is absent from school duties to obtain necessary medical or dental treatment, or because of accident or sickness for a period of three consecutive teaching days or less may be required to present to the Board a signed statement giving the reason for such absence upon return to teaching duties.

9.5   In case of prolonged sick leave with pay, the Board may require, at its expense, a certificate from a medical or dental practitioner designated by the Board.

9.6   Where a teacher has suffered an illness and/or has been paid under the provisions of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan, upon his return to full-time duty, he shall be entitled to sick leave under the provision of clause 9.1.

9.7   When a teacher leaves the employ of the Board all accumulated sick leave shall be cancelled.

9.8   Notwithstanding 9.7 in the case of a teacher who has five or more years of service with the Board and re-enters its employ, the sick leave accumulated under clause 9.1 during the period of employment with the Board shall be reinstated, provided that the teacher re-enters within a period of two years.

9.9   If a teacher has been absent on extended disability, the teacher shall, prior to resumption of duties, provide medical certification of ability to return to work on a continuing basis.

10.0   SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONAL LEAVE

10.1   Teacher is entitled to a maximum of four days of leave during a school year to attend to the medical needs of a parent, child or spouse.  Such leave shall be at full pay and benefits.

10.2   A teacher who is absent from school duties to obtain necessary medical or dental treatment, or because of accident or sickness with regard to a parent, spouse or child, may be required to present to the Board a signed statement giving reason for such absence upon return to teaching duties.

10.3   The Board or designate may grant special needs personal leave, with pay, for the treatment of immediate family illness or injury that is considered an emergency or is the result of a local doctor’s referral.

10.4   A teacher is entitled to leave of absence with pay and applicable benefits for one day for each, convocation of the teacher and for the writing of an examination  related to the teacher’s academic studies provided that the convocation or the examination falls on a school day. Where possible, a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days notice shall be given to the superintendent.

10.5   Special needs personal leave under this article shall be prorated for part time teachers based on FTE.

11.0   MATERNITY, ADOPTION AND PARENTAL LEAVE

11.1   Teachers are entitled to maternity leave without salary and benefits for a period not exceeding 18 weeks.

11.1.1   When possible, a teacher will notify the Board of her leave requirements three months in advance of the first day of the leave.  The commencement of or return from maternity leave shall be determined by the teacher.  A medical certificate certifying pregnancy and expected date of delivery shall accompany such notification.

11.1.2   The Board will register and implement a 95 percent supplementary unemployment benefits plan which teachers shall access for pay during the health related portion of the leave.

11.2   Teachers are entitled to adoption leave without salary and benefits for a period not exceeding one year.

11.2.1   When possible, a teacher will notify the Board of the leave requirements three months in advance of the first day of the leave.

11.3   A teacher who wishes to resume employment upon the expiration of maternity leave or adoption leave (clause 11.2) to which they are entitled, shall give the Board two weeks notice in writing of the day on which they intend to resume employment and the Board shall:

(a) reinstate the teacher in the position occupied at the time of maternity or adoption leave commenced; or

(b) provide the teacher with alternative work of a comparable nature, at not less than the same wages, entitlements and other benefits that had accrued to the teacher to the date that the teacher commenced maternity or adoption leave.

11.4   In addition to maternity leave, each teacher shall be eligible for parental leave without pay and benefits for up to 34 weeks provided such is continuous and complete within 52 weeks after the child’s birth.  During the 34 week period, each teacher shall be eligible to maintain his/her benefit insurance coverage provided he/she pays 100 percent of the premiums.  The teacher must give the employer at least four weeks written notice of the date which the employee intends to resume work.

11.4.1   If both parents are Board employees, the parental leave may be accessed entirely by one of the parents or shared between the parents.  However, the Board is not required to grant parental leave to more than one employee at a time.

11.5   A father shall be entitled to one day leave with pay to attend the birth of his child.

12.0   PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT LEAVE

12.1   After five years of continuous service with the Board, a teacher may be granted Professional Improvement Leave for the purpose of improving his/her education training.

12.1.1   The teacher shall be required to return to the employ of the Board for a period of three years after completing the Professional Improvement Leave.

12.2   A teacher on Professional Improvement Leave shall receive an annual salary of 50 percent of their salary at time of leave.

12.2.1   A teacher who resigns from service of the Board before completing the required three year period of service following such leave, shall repay the Professional Improvement Leave salary on a prorated basis.

12.2.2   Should a teacher fail to return to the employ of the Board following Professional Improvement Leave, the teacher shall repay the Professional Improvement Leave salary.

12.3   A teacher who takes Professional Improvement Leave of absence shall retain his/her years of service and position.  Upon resumption of duties, the teacher shall be returned to a position no less favourable than the one the teacher held before the leave was taken; where reduction of staff is required the teacher resumes his/her status in relation to the staff as a whole.

12.4   Written application for a Professional Improvement Leave of absence must be made by a teacher before February 1 prior to the school year for which such Professional Improvement Leave is requested.

12.5   If application is made, the Board may grant one Professional Improvement Leave per year, and may in its discretion, grant more than one. Preference shall be given to years of service.

13.0   OTHER LEAVES OF ABSENCE

13.1   Compassionate Leave

13.1.1   A teacher is entitled to compassionate leave with salary and benefits for not more than five days for each occurrence because of the critical illness or death of a spouse, child, parent of teacher or spouse, brother, sister, or a relative who is a member of the teacher's household, and up to 5 additional days at full salary and benefits less the cost of a substitute teacher.

13.1.2   A teacher is entitled to compassionate leave with salary and benefits for not more than three days for each occurrence because of the critical illness or death of a grandparent of teacher or spouse, grandchild, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, or to act as a pallbearer, and up to 5 additional days at full salary and benefits less the cost of a substitute teacher.

13.1.3   A teacher is entitled to compassionate leave with salary and benefits for not more than one day for each occurrence because of the critical illness or death of an aunt or uncle of teacher or spouse, niece, nephew, godparent of teacher or spouse, godparent of child and up to two additional days at full salary and benefits less the cost of a substitute teacher.

13.1.4   A teacher is entitled to compassionate leave with salary and benefits less the cost of a substitute teacher for not more than two days for each occurrence because of the critical illness or death of a friend.

13.1.5   Compassionate leave under this article shall be prorated for part time teachers based on FTE.

13.2   Personal Leave

13.2.1   Effective until August 31, 2014:  Upon prior notification of the Board or designate, a maximum of three days personal leave each school year shall be granted.  The first day of leave shall be at full pay.  The other two days shall be at full pay less the cost of a substitute teacher, if required, and is to be paid to the Board through payroll deductions or from some other source.  The leave will not be unreasonably denied. Additional leaves of absence may be granted by the Board on application, with or without pay.

13.2.2   Notwithstanding the provisions of clause 13.2.1 teachers may accumulate up to five days unused personal leave and  take such leave for personal purposes.  Leave taken pursuant to this clause shall be provided for in clause 13.2.1.  Any unused accumulated leave may be carried forward for further accumulation.  Teachers should notify the Board’s designate at least one week in advance of using accumulated personal leave days.  

Effective September 1, 2014, replace above provisions ( 13.2.1 and 13.2.2)  with the following :

13.2.1   A teacher shall be granted two paid personal days each school year in accordance with the provisions of this section.

13.2.2   Teachers may accumulate unused personal days up to a maximum of five days in total and take such leave for personal purposes. Any unused accumulated leave may be carried forward for further accumulation up to the five day total maximum.

13.2.3   Personal leave shall be taken in consultation with the Board’s designate and where possible, two weeks’ notice shall be provided.

13.2.4   No more than five days personal leave may be taken in any school year.

13.2.5   Non cumulative personal leave days shall be accessed first.

13.2.6   Leave is subject to operational considerations of the school and will not be unreasonably denied.

13.2.7   Personal leave under this clause shall be prorated for part time teachers based on FTE.

13.2.8   Additional leaves of absence may be granted by the Board on application, with or without pay.

13.3   Jury Duty or Subpoena

13.3.1   Leave of absence without loss of salary and benefits shall be granted

(a) for jury duty or any subpoena related thereto:

(b) to answer a subpoena to attend as a witness in any proceeding, except against the employee or an employee's defense against the Board, authorized by law to compel the attendance of witnesses, provided that the teacher remits to the Board any witness fee or jury stipend (excluding allowances and/or expenses) set by the Court or other body.

13.4   Weather, Road Conditions, Transportation Failure

A teacher who, despite reasonable effort, is unable to travel to school because of inclement weather, impassable road conditions, or the failure of transportation facilities other than the teacher’s own, is entitled to full salary and benefits for the period of absence.

13.5.   Association Leave (Effective the first of the month following signing):

13.5.1   Occasional leave of absence for Alberta Teachers’ Association business may be granted, subject to operational considerations, without loss of salary and benefits provided that the cost of a substitute,  shall be paid to the Board for each day of such leave. 

14.0   GROUP INSURANCE

14.1   Subject to the provisions of the master policies, all teachers appointed to the staff of the Board, after the signing of this collective agreement, shall be required to enroll in the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan.  All teachers enrolled in the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan on the signing date of this agreement shall continue to be enrolled in the plan.  A teacher may be exempted from participation in the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan and the Alberta Health Care Plan where they receive coverage through the spouse.

14.2   The Board shall pay 100 percent of the monthly premiums of the following plans in which a teacher is enrolled:

(a) ASEBP Extended Disability— Plan D1

(b) ASEBP Life and Accidental Dismemberment—Plan 2A

(c) ASEBP Dental Plan—Plan 3C

(d) ASEBP Extended Health Care—Plan 1

(e) ASEBP Vision Plan 3

(f) Alberta Health Care

14.3   Benefits for part time staff and job share staff shall be prorated according to their percentage of full time equivalency:

(a) ASEBP Extended Disability – Plan D1

(b) ASEBP Life and Accidental Dismemberment – Plan 2A

(c) ASEBP Dental Plan – Plan 3C

(d) ASEBP Extended Health Care – Plan 1

(e) ASEBP Vision Plan 3

(f) Alberta Health  Care

The balance of the premiums shall be deducted from the monthly salary of the participating teachers.

14.4   Payments made towards benefit plans by the Board shall permit the Board to retain and not pass on to teachers any rebates of premiums otherwise required under Canada Employment and Immigration Commission Regulations.  

14.5   Health Spending Account

The Board will establish, for each eligible teacher, a Health Spending Account (HSA) that adheres to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements.  Effective September 1, 2011, the Board will establish for each eligible teacher, a HSA of $400 allotted on an annual basis, prorated to an employee’s FTE.  The unused balance will be carried forward to the extent permitted by the CRA.  Eligible teachers are those teachers on a continuing, probationary, or temporary contract of at least five (5) months duration.  Notwithstanding, no HSA credits will be contributed for teachers who are in receipt of extended disability benefits (EDB), in receipt of a pension under the Alberta Teachers Retirement fund, or on leaves of absence of 30 days duration or more.  Teachers leaving the employ of the Board for any reason will forfeit any remaining balance.

14.5   Health Spending Account

Effective September 1, 2015 replace current provisions with the following:

The Board will establish, for each eligible teacher, a Health Spending Account (HSA) that adheres to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements.   Effective each September 1 the Board will establish for each eligible teacher, a HSA of  $500 allotted on an annual basis, prorated to an employee’s FTE.  The unused balance will be carried forward to the extent permitted by the CRA.  Eligible teachers are those teachers on a continuing, probationary, or temporary contract of at least five (5) months duration. Notwithstanding, no HSA credits will be contributed for teachers who are in receipt of extended disability benefits (EDB), in receipt of a pension under the Alberta Teachers Retirement fund, or on leaves of absence of 30 days duration or more.  Teachers leaving the employ of the Board for any reason will forfeit any remaining balance

15.0   PAYMENT OF NON-CREDIT AND CREDIT COURSES

15.1   The Board agrees to pay the sum of the course expenses incurred by the teacher for courses taken at the request of the Board. Travel, living expenses, or per diem will be paid at the discretion of the Board.

15.2   Tuition fees for post-secondary courses of a religious or theological nature shall be reimbursed on proof of successful completion of the course.  Application procedures must be made in accordance with Administrative Procedure 441.  The Board is not required to reimburse a teacher for more than one course every two school years.

16.0   GRIEVANCES

16.1   The party entering into dispute shall give a written notice to the committee, as per 16.2, stating full particulars of the cause of the dispute. The grievance shall also be submitted in writing to the Board Chairperson or Superintendent and to the Teachers’ Economic Policy Committee (EPC) within 31 days.

16.1.1   The teacher may meet with the Superintendent to attempt to resolve the grievance within 10 days of the receipt of the grievance notice.

16.2   A committee consisting of two members from the teachers' EPC, together with two indicated members of the Board, shall function as a committee to discuss the settlement of any dispute regarding the interpretation, application, operation, or any alleged violation of this agreement.

16.3   If the committee reaches a unanimous decision as to the disposition of any differences, the decision shall be binding and final.

16.4   If the parties fail to reach an agreement under the above step, either party may by written notice to the other party stating the nature of the difference, require the establishment of an arbitration board.  Such written notice must be served within 15 days following completion of the preceding step.

16.5   Each party shall appoint one member as its representative on the arbitration board within 15 days of such notice.  The two members so appointed shall endeavour to select an independent chairperson.

16.6   If the two members fail to select a chairperson within five days after the day on which the last of the members is appointed they shall request the Director of Mediation Services, Department of Labour, to select a chairperson.

16.7   The arbitration board may not change, modify or alter any of the terms of this agreement.

16.8   The arbitration board shall render its decision not later than 14 days after the appointment of the chairperson except that with the consent of both parties such limitation of time may be extended.  The findings and decisions of a majority of members of an arbitration board on all arbitrable questions shall be the findings and decision of the arbitration board and shall be binding on all parties.

16.9   Each party to the difference shall bear the expense of its respective nominee to the arbitration board and the two parties shall bear equally the expenses of the chairperson.

17.0   DEFERRED SALARY LEAVE PLAN

17.1   The Board shall maintain a Deferred Salary Leave Plan as per policy.

18.0   General

18.1   Teachers shall be assigned for not more than 200 days in any school year. Any teacher who is in receipt of the administrative allowance as provided in clause 6, shall accept the responsibility for having the school unit operational on the commencement day of each school term, semester or other division of the school year.

19.0   TEACHER TRANSFER

19.1   Teachers will only be transferred voluntarily.

19.2   The Board will establish a procedure by which teachers may request transfer to another school or to another grade and/or subject assignment.  The procedure must be posted in each school in an appropriate location.

19.3   Teachers who desire a transfer to another school must file a written statement with the Board prior to June 1, annually.  Such statement must include the subjects and/or grade levels desired and the school(s) to which the teacher seeks transfer.

19.4   Prior to and including the last day of the school year, when a vacancy occurs, a teacher who has filed a notice of intent to transfer for that type of assignment shall be interviewed.  Should the teacher not be selected, he/she may request a written explanation of the reason(s).

20.0   NOON-HOUR SUPERVISION

20.1   A school staff may implement a noon-hour supervision program on a non-profit or cost recovery basis.

21.0   EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

21.1   Teacher participation in extracurricular activities is strictly voluntary.

22.0   HOME SCHOOLING

22.1   Home schooling students are those students registered with the Home Schooling Program established by the Board.

22.1.1   A teacher providing instruction in a classroom setting shall not have home schooling students assigned unless the teacher agrees.

23.0   TEACHER RETIREMENT INCENTIVE PLAN

23.1   The Board shall maintain a Teacher Retirement Incentive plan as per policy.

24.0   SCHOOL OF HOPE MILEAGE

24.1   Mileage for School of Hope teachers will be paid at the Board rate.