Contract Between
National Park B/E-Gloucester
- and -
National Park EA
* * *
07/01/2014 thru 06/30/2017


CategorySchool District
UnitLibrarians, Nurses, Teaching/Professional Staff

Contract Text Below
AGREEMENT

Between

NATIONAL PARK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

and

THE NATIONAL PARK BOARD OF EDUCATION

July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article Number
Page
1
RECOGNITION
1
2
NEGOTIATION PROCEDURE
2
3
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
3
4
TEACHER RIGHTS
6
5
ASSOCIATION RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
7
6
TEACHER WORK YEAR
8
7
TEACHING HOURS AND TEACHING LOAD
9
8
SPECIALISTS
11
9
NON-TEACHING DUTIES
11
10
TEACHER EMPLOYMENT
12
11
SALARIES
13
12
TEACHER ASSIGNMENT
14
13
VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS AND REASSIGNMENTS
15
14
INVOLUNTARY TRANSFERS AND REASSIGNMENTS
15
15
SUMMER SCHOOL AND HOME TEACHING
16
16
TEACHER EVALUATION
16
17
FAIR DISMISSAL PROCEDURE
17
18
TEACHER FACILITIES
19
19
TEACHER-ADMINISTRATION LIAISON
19
20
SICK LEAVE
20
21
TEMPORARY LEAVES OF ABSENCE
21
22
EXTENDED LEAVES OF ABSENCE
23
23
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT
24
24
SUPERVISION OF STUDENT TEACHERS
26
25
PROTECTION OF TEACHERS, STUDENTS & PROPERTY
27
26
MAINTENANCE OF CLASSROOM CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE
28
27
AGENCY FEE
29
28
INSURANCE PROTECTION
30
29
PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM
32
30
DEDUCTIONS FROM SALARY
32
31
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
33
32
DURATION OF AGREEMENT
35
TABLE OF CONTENTS, continued

Schedule A-1
2014-2015 TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE
36
Schedule A-2
2015-2016 TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE
37
Schedule A-3
2016-2017 TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE
38
Schedule B
2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017 LIBRARIAN AIDE’S SALARY GUIDE
39
Schedule C
2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017
EXTRA CURRICULAR COMPENSATION GUIDE
40
Schedule D
TEACHERS’ LONGEVITY GUIDE
41
Schedule E
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT PLAN ACCOUNT
42

18
INTRODUCTION

THIS AGREEMENT, is entered into this 1st day of July 1, 2014, by and between THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, Borough of National Park, Gloucester County, New Jersey, hereinafter called the "Board," and the NATIONAL PARK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, hereinafter called the "Association."

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Board and the Association recognize and declare that providing a quality education for the students of National Park School District is their primary aim and that the character of such education depends predominately upon the quality of teaching, the availability of materials, the functional utility of facilities, the release of imagination in planning, the application of democratic processes in administration, and the maintenance of high morals among the teaching faculty, and

WHEREAS, the members of the teaching profession are particularly qualified to advise the formulation of policies and programs designed to improve educational standards, and

WHEREAS, the Board has an obligation, pursuant to Chapter 123, Public Laws 1974 to negotiate with the Association as the representative of employees hereinafter designated with respect to the terms and conditions of employment, and

WHEREAS, the parties have reached certain understandings which they desire to confirm in the Agreement,
be it

RESOLVED, in consideration of the following mutual covenants, it is hereby agreed as follows:

ARTICLE 1
RECOGNITION

A. Unit
      The Board hereby recognizes the Association as the exclusive and sole representative for collective negotiation concerning terms and conditions of employment for certificated and noncertificated personnel whether under contract implied or stated, employed or to be employed by the Board, including:
Teachers
Social Worker
Nurse
Library Aide


but excluding:

Superintendent
Supervisor of Personnel and Curriculum
Administrative Secretary
Custodial staff

B. Definition of Teachers
      Unless otherwise indicated, the term "teachers" when used hereinafter in this Agreement, shall refer to all professional employees represented by the Association in the negotiating unit as above defined, and references to male teachers shall include female teachers.
C. Definition of Employees
      Unless otherwise indicated, the term "employees" when used hereinafter in this Agreement, shall refer to all bargaining unit employees covered by this contract as defined above.
ARTICLE 2
NEGOTIATION PROCEDURE

A. Deadline Date
      The parties agree to enter into collective negotiation over a successor Agreement in accordance with Chapter 123 Public Laws 1974 in a good-faith effort to reach agreement on all matters concerning the terms and conditions of teachers' employment. Any Agreement so negotiated shall apply to all teachers, be reduced to writing, be signed by the Board and the Association, and be adopted by the Board.
B. Procedure
      During negotiation, the parties shall meet at mutually agreed upon times and shall freely exchange points of view, present relevant data and make proposals and counter-proposals. The Board shall make available a completed budget as soon as approved in public referendum.
C. Selection of Representatives
      Neither party in any negotiations shall have any control over the selection of the negotiating representatives of the other party.
D. Modification
      This Agreement shall not be modified in whole or in part by the parties except by an instrument in writing duly executed by both parties.

      The party seeking a successor agreement shall give notice to the other of its intent to negotiate said agreement no later than October 30 of the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which this Agreement expires. Following said notice, negotiations shall commence on a mutually agreed date.


E. Cost
      The cost of reproduction of the Agreement in sufficient number to supply the members of each principle shall be borne equally by the parties. A receipt stating the adequate description of the expenses will be given to the NPEA.
ARTICLE 3
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

A. Definitions
      1. Grievance
          A "grievance" is a claim by an employee or the Association based upon the interpretation, application or violation of this Agreement, policies or administrative decisions affecting a teacher or a group of teachers.
      2. Aggrieved Person
          An "aggrieved person" is the person or persons making the claim.
      3. Party in Interest
          A "party in interest" is the person or persons making the claim and any person who might be required to take action or against whom action might be taken in order to resolve the claim.
B. Purpose
      The purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible level, equitable solutions to the problems which may from time to time arise affecting teachers. Both parties agree that these proceedings will be kept as informal and confidential as may be appropriate at any level of the procedure.
C. Procedure
      1. Time Limits
          Since it is important that grievances be processed as rapidly as possible, the number of days indicated at each level should be considered as a maximum and every effort should be made to expedite the process. The time limits specified may, however, be extended by mutual agreement.
      2. Year-End Grievance
          In the event a grievance is filed at such time that it cannot be processed through all the steps in this grievance procedure by the end of the school year, and, if left unresolved until the beginning of the following school year, could result in irreparable harm to a party in interest, the time limits set forth herein shall be reduced so that the grievance procedure may be exhausted prior to the end of the school year.
      3. Level One - Informal Discussion
          Within thirty-five (35) days of a violation of the agreement, an employee with a grievance shall first discuss it with the immediate superior, either directly or through the Association’s designated representative. Within five (5) school days of the meeting, the administrator must render a decision in writing. If no decision is given within five (5) school days, the grievance shall move to Level Two.
      4. Level Two - Superintendent
          If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level One, the teacher/Association shall file the grievance within five (5) school days at the Superintendent’s level. The Superintendent shall schedule a hearing with the employee/Association within five (5) school days of receiving the grievance. Within five (5) school days of hearing the grievance, the Superintendent shall send a written decision to the employee/Association. If no decision is rendered, the grievance shall move to Level Three.
      5. Level Three - Board
          If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level Two, the employee/Association may request a hearing with the Board within five (5) school days of the Superintendent’s written decision. After the request, the Board shall call a hearing within thirty (30) days. The Board shall render a decision, in writing, within ten (10) days of the hearing. If no decision is rendered, the grievance shall move to Level Four.
      6. Level Four - Arbitration
          a. If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level Three, the Association shall notify the Board in writing within fifteen (15) school days of its intent to move the grievance to arbitration.

          b. The submission to arbitration shall be to Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) and the parties shall select the arbitrator in accordance with its rules.

          c. The Arbitrator so selected shall confer with the representatives of the Board and the Association and hold hearings promptly and shall issue his/her decision not later than twenty (20) days from the date of the close of the hearings or, if oral hearings have been waived, then from the date the final statements and proofs on the issues are submitted to him/her. The arbitrators decision shall be in writing and shall set forth his/her findings of fact, reasonings and conclusions on the issues submitted. The arbitrator shall be without power or authority to make any decision which requires the commission of an act prohibited by law or which is violative of the terms of the Agreement. The decision of the arbitrator shall be submitted to the Board and the Association and shall be final and binding on the parties.

D. Rights of Teachers to Representation
      1. Teacher and Association
          Any aggrieved person may be represented at all steps of the grievance procedure by himself /herself, or at his/her option, by a representative selected or approved by the Association. When a teacher is not represented by the Association, the Association shall have the right to be present and to state its views at all stages of the grievance procedure.
      2. Reprisals
          No reprisals of any kind shall be taken by the Board or by any member of the administration against any participant in the grievance procedure by any reason of such participation.
E. Miscellaneous
      1. Class Action Grievance
          If a violation affects three or more employees, it is considered a class action grievance.
      2. Written Decisions
          Decisions rendered at Level One which are unsatisfactory to the aggrieved person and all decisions rendered at Levels Two, Three and Four of the grievance procedure shall be in writing setting forth the decision and the reasons therefore and shall be transmitted promptly to all parties in interest. Decisions rendered at Level Four shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section C, paragraph 6 c. of this Article.
      3. Separate Grievance File
          All documents, communications, and records dealing with the processing of a grievance shall be filed in a separate grievance file and shall not be kept in the personnel file of any of the participants.
      4. Forms
          Forms for filing grievances, serving notices, taking appeals, making reports and recommendations, and other necessary documents shall be prepared by the Association and given appropriate distribution so as to facilitate operation of the grievance procedure.
      5. Meetings and Hearings
          All meetings and hearings under this procedure shall be conducted in private and shall include only such parties in interest and their designated or selected representatives heretofore referred to in this Article.
ARTICLE 4
TEACHER RIGHTS

A. Rights and Protection in Representation
      Pursuant to Chapter 123, Public Laws 1974, the Board and the Association hereby agree that every employee of the Board shall have the right freely to organize, join and support the Association and its affiliate for the purpose of engaging in collective negotiations and other concerted activities for mutual aid and protection, as well as to freely refuse. The Board and the Association agree that they shall not directly or indirectly discourage or deprive or coerce any teacher in the enjoyment of any rights conferred by Chapter 123, Public Laws 1974, or other laws of New Jersey or the Constitutions of New Jersey and the United States; that it shall not discriminate against any teacher with respect to hours, wages or any terms or conditions of employment by reason of the teachers' membership or non-membership in the Association and its affiliates, the teachers' participation or non-participation in any activities of the Association and its affiliates, collective negotiations with the Board, or the teachers' institution of any grievance, complaint or proceeding under this Agreement or otherwise with respect to any terms or conditions of employment.
B. Statutory Savings Clause
      Nothing contained herein shall be construed to deny or restrict to any teacher such rights as he/she may have under New Jersey School Laws or other applicable laws and regulations as of July 1, 1977. The rights granted to teachers hereunder shall be deemed to be in addition to those provided elsewhere. However, any rights which arise hereafter by statutory enactment or regulation shall be granted to the teachers only if the law requires. If such rights are not so required, then they shall not be applicable unless acquired by negotiations.
C. Just Cause Provision
      No teacher shall be disciplined, reprimanded, reduced in rank or compensation, or deprived of any professional advantage without just cause. Any such action asserted by the Board, or any agent or representative thereof, shall be subject to the grievance procedure herein set forth.
D. Required Meetings or Hearings
      Whenever any teacher is required to appear before the Superintendent or his/her designee, Board or any committee member, representative, or agent thereof, concerning any matter which could adversely affect the continuation of that teacher in his/her office, position or employment, or the salary or any increments pertaining thereto, then the teacher shall be given prior written notice of the reasons for such meeting or interview. The teacher shall be entitled to have a representative of the Association present to advise him/her and represent him/her during such meeting or interview. Any suspension of a teacher pending charges shall be in accordance with New Jersey Statutes.
E. Evaluation of Students
      The teacher shall have the initial right and responsibility to determine grades and other evaluations of students within the grading policy of the NATIONAL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT based upon the teachers' professional judgment of available criteria pertinent to any given subject area or activity to which he/she is responsible. No grade, retention, or other evaluation will be changed without the teacher being previously advised of such change and given the opportunity to consult with the Supervisor of Curriculum and submit written comments. The Supervisor of Curriculum shall acknowledge receipt in writing.
F. Criticism of Teachers
      Subject to law, any question or criticism by a supervisor, administrator or board member of a teacher and his/her instructional methodology shall be made in confidence and not in the presence of students, parents, or other public gatherings. Any authorized person outside of the jurisdiction of the Board shall be made acquainted with this provision and encouraged to abide thereby.
G. Notification of Criticism
      A teacher shall be notified within one (1) school day of any complaints whether verbal or written.
ARTICLE 5
ASSOCIATION RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES

A. Use of School Buildings
      At the beginning of the school year, the Board of Education shall grant the National Park Education Association the privilege of using the school building at all reasonable hours for meetings provided it does not interrupt the normal operation of the school. This shall not be construed to permit the Association to use the school building for planning action adverse to the Board.
B. Exclusive Rights
      The rights and privileges of the Association and its representatives as set forth in this Agreement shall be granted only to the Association as the exclusive representative of the teachers.
C. Orientation Programs
      The orientation programs for new teachers shall be co-sponsored by the Board and the Association with the Association obligated to assume only such costs as may be mutually agreed upon during planning of such programs. To the extent prohibited by law, the Board shall not be expected to assume the cost of purely social events conducted as part of such orientation programs, nor shall the Association be expected to assume the cost of speakers, consultants, and services normally considered an appropriate professional in-service training activity of a board of education. Duties and responsibilities of teachers involving student supervision shall be clearly explained as outlined in the Mentoring Plan developed by the Local Professional Development Committee.

      This orientation shall be held before the start of the school year, and conducted under the direction of the Supervisor of Curriculum, Supervisor of Personnel as well as the Superintendent.

ARTICLE 6
TEACHER WORK YEAR

A. In-School Work Year
      1. Definition of In-School Work Year
          The in-school work year shall include days when pupils are in attendance, orientation days, and any other days on which teacher attendance is required. The calendar shall provide for 186 working days for teachers.
      2. Event assignments
          Teachers will be required to attend four (4) events outside of school hours, including but not limited to at least one (1) evening of parent-teacher conferences and one (1) Back-to-School Night. The events will be mutually agreed upon between NPEA and administration.
      3. Inclement Weather
          Teacher attendance shall not be required whenever student attendance is not required due to inclement weather.
B. School Calendar
      The Local Professional Development Committee shall meet with the Superintendent to discuss the teachers viewpoints on in-service days in the school calendar.
ARTICLE 7
TEACHING HOURS AND TEACHING LOAD

A. Teacher Day
      1. Check-In Procedure
          As professionals, teachers are expected to devote to their assignments the time necessary to meet their responsibilities, but they shall not be required to "clock in and clock out" by hours and minutes. Teachers shall indicate their presence for duty in a prescribed manner agreed upon by both Administration and Association.
      2. Arrival and Dismissal Time
          Effective with the 2014-2015 year, the teacher’s workday shall be 7 hours,10 minutes in length. The time added shall be for the purpose of student supervision. The work day for the social worker shall be 7 hours, 20 minutes. Teachers shall be notified by August 20th as to times of the pupil day. No teacher shall be required to report for duty earlier than fifteen (15) minutes before the opening of the pupil's school day, and shall be permitted to leave ten (10) minutes after the close of the pupil's school day.
B. Leaving the Building
      Teachers may leave the building without requesting permission during their scheduled duty-free lunch period but must sign out and in upon return.
C. Meetings
      1. Faculty and Other
          Teachers may be required to remain after the end of the regular work day or report before school for the purpose of attending a reasonable number of faculty or other professional meetings, not to exceed 40 meetings per year, with no more than five (5) meetings in a month. Such meetings shall begin no later than ten (10) minutes after the student dismissal time or shall not start before 8 AM and shall run for a reasonable amount of time. Except in cases of emergency involving the health and safety of students and teachers, if additional time is needed, students shall be dismissed early. If these exceed five (5) meetings, employees shall be paid at the rate set forth in Schedule C. The Principal shall consult with the Association about meeting dates by September 30 each year.
      2. Prior to Holidays and Weekends
          Absent extraordinary circumstances, meetings which take place after the regular in-school work day and which require attendance shall not be called on Fridays or on any day immediately preceding any holiday, or other day upon which teacher attendance is not required at school.
      3. Association Right to Speak
          An Association representative may speak to the teachers during any meeting referred to in paragraph 1 above on the request of the representative. The topics shall be non-controversial and shall not involve Board-Association labor relations.
      4. Notice and Agenda
          The notice of, and agenda for, any meeting shall he given to the teachers involved at least one (1) day prior to the meetings, except in an emergency. Teachers shall have the opportunity to suggest items for the agenda.
D. Preparation Time
      Teachers will each be given a minimum of 210 minutes of preparation time each week (full days/week schedule.) However, additional preparation minutes may be made available depending upon the final master schedule each year. Preparation time shall be permitted for the teachers when their classes are covered by an authorized person, such as art, music, physical education, technology, or library instructors. Teachers shall not be assigned to any other duties at these times.
E. Extra-Curricular Activities
      1. Guidelines for Selection of Personnel
          a. Notice of vacancies shall be given to entire staff through the usual administrative channels. Such notice shall clearly define necessary qualifications for position, duties involved, and rate of compensation.

          b. Applications must be submitted to administration in writing within the time limit set by the administrative office.

          c. Qualifications for Selections

              The qualifications set forth for a particular position shall not be changed unless the Association has been notified in advance of such changes. All qualified teachers shall be given adequate opportunity to make application and no position shall be filled until all properly submitted applications shall be considered. The Board agrees to give consideration to professional background and attainments of all applicants, and other relevant factors.

              Announcements of appointments shall be made by posting a list. The list shall be given to the Association and shall indicate which positions have been filled and by whom.

      2. Salary
          Teacher participation in extracurricular activities when extended beyond the regularly scheduled in-school day shall be compensated according to the rate of pay in Schedule C. Voucher shall be submitted at end of activity.
F. Field Trips
      Field trips shall be scheduled and implemented according to Board policy.

      1. Field trips of any type must be approved through the Superintendent. Any group leaving the school grounds must have clearance. Teachers will not be required to attend any class trips extending more than one hour beyond the school day.

      2. Once a field trip is approved, the teacher in charge will be responsible for planning the trip, issuing pupil permission slips (form to be supplied by the office) and all the details that go with running a trip, except transportation. Contact the office when plans are completed and permission slips and transportation will be arranged.

      3. Any participation in events with other schools must he cleared with the Superintendent before arrangements are made.

ARTICLE 8
SPECIALISTS

A. Minimums
      The Board and the Association recognize the fact that an adequate number of competent specialists, such as art, music, physical education, technology and nurse are essential to the operation of an effective educational program.
B. The Board shall make every effort to maintain a complete list of substitutes as circumstances permit, so that coverage may be available for all teaching staff members.
      The Board shall also endeavor to have the substitute become acquainted with the physical layout of the school and disciplinary procedures of the NATIONAL PARK SCHOOL, as well as normal procedures such as fire drill, arrival, dismissal, and threat procedures.
ARTICLE 9
NON-TEACHING DUTIES

A. Intent
      The Board and Association acknowledge that a teacher's primary responsibility is to teach and that the teacher's energies should, to the extent possible, be utilized to this end. Therefore, they agree as follows:
B. Transporting Students
      Teachers shall not be required to transport students. If a teacher agrees to transport students, the teacher shall be considered to be a designated agent of the Board of Education and covered by the insurance program of the Board.
ARTICLE 10
TEACHER EMPLOYMENT

A. Placement on Salary Schedule
      1. Adjustment to Salary Schedule
          Each teacher shall be placed on his/her proper step of the salary schedule in accordance with paragraph 2 below.
      2. Credit for Experience
          For purposes of placement on the salary guide, credit for years of experience in teaching in a duly accredited public school may be given on a year-for-year basis at the discretion of the Board up to the tenth (10th) year. Credit for teaching experience may be at the discretion of the Board but in no event shall the Board pay a new employee a salary not represented in the salary guide or above that step for which they are entitled or inappropriate for the level of that employee’s education. Additional credit not to exceed 4 years for military experience shall be given upon initial employment.
B. Returning to the District
      Teachers with previous teaching experience in the NATIONAL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT shall, upon returning to the system, receive full credit on the salary schedule for all outside teaching experience, military experience or alternative civilian service required by the Selective Service System up to the maximum set forth in Section A above. Such teachers who have not been engaged in other teaching or the other activities indicated above shall, upon returning to the system, be restored to the next position on the salary schedule above that at which they left.
C. Notification of Contract and Salary
      Teachers shall be notified of their contract and salary status for the ensuing year no later than May 15th.
ARTICLE 11
SALARIES

A. Salary Schedule
      The Salary Guide shall apply to the following group of employees:

      1. See Schedule A

          a. Teachers

          b. Nurse

          c. Social Worker

              The Social Worker employed at the time of the ratification of the 2014-2017 Agreement shall be placed on the Masters’ column, Step 8 in 2014-2015.
      2. See Schedule B
          a. Librarian Aide
B. Method for Summer Pay Plan
      1. The Federal Credit Union shall be employed as a savings account for summer retrieval by the faculty and other staff members.

      2. The accounts are in the name of the individual employees and it is their responsibility to change the amount of withholding and to make contact regarding withdrawal of funds after the school year ends. This account is contributions plus interest payable to the employee.

      Method of payment can be changed with the approval of the Board and Association.


C. Pay Dates
      1. Pay Dates shall be the 15th and 30th of the month.

      2. Exceptions

      When a pay day falls on or during a school holiday, vacation or weekend, staff shall receive their pay checks on the preceding school day.

D. Part-Time Employees
      The salary for a part-time employee shall be prorated by calculating the proportion of the work year and work day she/he works in proportion to the work year and work day of a full-time employee.
ARTICLE 12
TEACHER ASSIGNMENT

A. Notification

      1. Date for Presently Employed Teachers

      All teachers shall be given written notice of their class and/or subject assignments, building assignments and room assignments for the forthcoming year not later than May15th.

      2. New Teachers

      The Superintendent shall assign all newly-appointed personnel to their specific positions within that subject area and/or grade level for which the Board has appointed them. The Superintendent shall give notice of assignments to new teachers as soon as practicable, and except in cases of emergency, not later than June Ist.

      3. Revisions

      In the event that changes in such schedules, class and/or subject assignments, building assignments, or room assignments are made by the Board or proposed by the Administration after May15th, the Association and any teacher affected shall be notified promptly in writing. Upon the request of the teacher and the Association, the changes shall be promptly reviewed between the Superintendent and the teacher affected and to his/her option, a representative of the Association.

B. Assignment Criteria
      In order to assure that pupils are taught by teachers working within their areas of competence, teachers shall only be assigned to teach in areas for which they hold a standard teaching certificate issued by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners.
C. Traveling Teachers
      1. Schedules
          Schedules of teachers who are assigned to more than one school shall be arranged so that no such teacher shall be required to engage in an unreasonable amount of inter-school travel. Such teachers shall be notified of any changes in their schedules as soon as practicable.
      2. Expenses

      Teachers who may be required to use their own automobiles in the performance of their duties and teachers who are assigned to more than one (1) school per day shall be reimbursed for all such travel at the Federal Rate of Reimbursement per mile for all driving done between arrival at the first location at the beginning of their work day, provided, however, that, if the distance from the teachers home to his/her first location or from the teachers last location to his/her home is greater than the distance between the teacher's home and his/her base school, he/she shall be reimbursed for the difference at the State Rate of Reimbursement per mile.

ARTICLE 13
VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS AND REASSIGNMENTS

A. Notification of Vacancies
      1. Date
          No later than May 15 of each school year, the Superintendent shall deliver to the Association and post in school office a list of the known vacancies which shall occur during the following school year.
      2. Filing Requests
          Teachers who desire a change in a grade may file a written statement of such desire with the Superintendent not later than May 1st. Such statement shall include the grade to which the teacher desires to be assigned.
      3. Posting
          As soon as practicable, and no later than June 1, the Superintendent shall post and deliver to the Association a schedule showing the names of all teachers who have been reassigned and the nature of such reassignment.
ARTICLE 14
INVOLUNTARY TRANSFERS AND REASSIGNMENTS

A. Notice
      Notice of an involuntary reassignment shall be given to teachers as soon as practicable, and except in cases of emergency, not later than May 15.
B. Meeting and Appeal
      An involuntary transfer or reassignment shall be made only after a meeting between the teacher involved and the Supervisor of Personnel and Superintendent, at which time the teacher shall be notified of the reason therefor. In the event that a teacher objects to the reassignment at the meeting, upon the written request of the teacher, the matter shall be referred to the Board to be resolved. The Board shall meet within thirty (30) days after the request and shall render its decision within fifteen (15) days thereafter. The teacher shall have the right to attend the hearing.
ARTICLE 14
SUMMER SCHOOL AND HOME TEACHING

A. Posting
      If summer programs are available, all openings for positions in the program shall be publicized by the Superintendent.

      Summer openings shall be publicized as early in the month of May as possible and teachers shall, be notified of the action taken not later than June 1. Home teaching openings shall be posted as they occur.

B. Criteria
      In filling such positions, consideration shall be given to a teacher's area of competency, major and/or minor field of study, quality of teaching performance, attendance record, and length of service in the National Park School District.

      Teachers employed in the National Park School District shall have priority to such assignments before appointment to applicants from outside the district.

C. Salary
      Salary schedules for positions included in this Article shall be negotiated under procedures outlined in Article II of this Agreement along with regular salary schedules wherever possible, or at such other times as may be appropriate (June 1), in order to conform to the time requirements for the implementation of such programs. See Schedule C.
ARTICLE 16
TEACHER EVALUATION

A. Evaluation Committee
      1. Membership
          All monitoring or observation of the work performances of a teacher shall be conducted openly and with full knowledge of the teacher.
B. General Criteria
      No material derogatory to teacher's conduct, service, character or personality shall be placed in his/her personnel file unless the teacher has had an opportunity to review the material. The teacher shall acknowledge that he/she has had the opportunity to review such material by affixing his/her signature to the copy to be filed with the express understanding that such signature in no way indicated agreement with the contents thereof. The teacher shall also have the right to submit a written response to such material and his/her response shall be reviewed by the Supervisor of Personnel or Supervisor of Curriculum or Superintendent and attached to the file copy.

      The response must be placed in the file no later than ten (10) school days after the evaluation is entered into the employee's file.

C. Complaints
      Any complaints regarding a teacher made to any member of the administration by any parent, student, or other person which are used in any manner in evaluating a teacher shall be promptly investigated and called to the attention of the teacher. The teacher shall be given the opportunity to respond to and/or rebut such complaint and shall have the right to be represented by the Association at any meetings or conferences regarding such a complaint. If a complaint is so raised, the teacher is not to use said complaint or its being raised in any manner to the detriment of the student, the parent, or other person.
D. Evaluation procedures are goverened by the State Administrative Code on evaluation.

E. Termination of Employment

      No adverse material received after a teacher’s termination shall be placed in his/her file.
ARTICLE 17
FAIR DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

A. Notification of Status
      1. Date
          On or before May 15 of each year, the Board shall give to each non-tenured teacher continuously employed since the preceding September 30, either:

          a. A written offer of a contract for employment for the next succeeding year providing for at least the same terms and conditions of employment but with such increases in salary and benefits as may be required by law or agreement between the Board and the Association, or

          b. A written notice that such employment shall not be offered.

      2. Reasons
          Any non-tenured teacher who receives a notice of non-employment may within fifteen (15) days thereafter, in writing request a statement of reasons for such non-employment from the Superintendent, which statement shall be given to the teacher in writing within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such request.
      3. Hearing
          Any non-tenured teacher who has received such notice of non-employment and statement of reasons shall be entitled to a hearing before the Board, provided a written request for hearing is received in the office of the Board within fifteen (15) days after receipt by the teacher of the statement of reasons.
      4. Determination of Board
          The Board shall issue its written determination as to the employment or non-employment of said non-tenured teacher for the next succeeding school year within five (5) days after the completion of the hearing. Said proceedings shall be complete and the Board's determination presented to the teacher no later than May 31.
      5. Appeal to Grievance Procedure
          A tenured teacher may utilize the grievance procedure in connection with his/her termination during the life of his/her employment contract. However, the grievance procedure shall not be eligible for utilization by the teacher or the Association regarding non-renewal of a non-tenured teacher's contract.
B. Failure to Comply
      The Board shall give a non-tenured teacher either an offer of contract for employment for the next succeeding year or a notice that such employment shall not be offered. Upon request by the teacher to the Superintendent, a statement of reasons and a hearing shall be given by the Board. In the event of such hearing and the failure to make and serve a copy of the determination within the time and in the manner provided by this ARTICLE, the Board shall be deemed to have offered to that teacher continued employment for the next succeeding school year upon the terms and conditions of employment as may be required by law or agreement between the Board and the Association.
C. Notification of Intention to Return
      If the teacher desires to accept such employment, he/she shall notify the Board of such acceptance, in writing, on or before June 1, in which event such employment shall continue as provided for herein. In default of such notice the Board shall not be required to continue the employment of the teacher.
D. Termination of Employment
      Any non-tenured teacher who receives a notice that his/her employment shall be terminated shall be entitled to a statement of reasons and a hearing as provided for in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this Section except that a determination of the Board shall he made and served thirty (30) days before the expiration of the notice period provided for in said contract. Should the Board fail to comply herewith, then said notice of termination shall be invalid and of no force and effect and the employment of the teacher shall continue as if such notice had not been given.
ARTICLE 18
TEACHER FACILITIES

A. Listing of Facilities
      Teachers shall be provided with the following facilities:

      1. Space for each teacher within each instructional area in which he/she teaches to store his/her instructional materials and supplies.

      2. Suitable, private closet space with lock and key for each teacher to store coats and personal belongings;

      3. Well-lighted and clean teacher rest rooms, separate from students' rest rooms;

      4. A serviceable desk, chair, and/or filing cabinet for the exclusive use of each teacher;

      5. Copies, exclusively for each teachers use, of all texts used in each of the courses he/she is to teach;

      6. Adequate chalkboard/whiteboard space in every classroom;

      7. Adequate books, paper, pencils, pens, chalk, erasers and other such material required in daily teaching responsibility;

      8. An appropriate furnished, heated and air conditioned room which shall be reserved for the exclusive use of teachers’ as a faculty lounge and work area. Although teachers shall be expected to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of said lounge, it shall be regularly cleaned by the school's custodial staff.

B. Keys
      In order to permit freedom of access both during and after regular school hours, all teachers shall be given keys to the classroom and a fob for entrance to the building.
ARTICLE 19
TEACHER-ADMINISTRATION LIAISON

A. Liaison Committee
      The Association shall select a Liaison Committee which shall meet with the Supervisor of Personnel and/or the Supervisor of Curriculum whenever necessary during the school year to review and discuss local school problems and practices, and to play an active role in the revision and development of building policies. Areas for consideration shall include but not be limited to such matters as curriculum, textbooks, distribution of materials and supplies, discipline and parent visitation. Said committee shall consist of no less than three (3) members appointed by the Association and one (1) member of the Board.
B. Meetings with Supervisor of Personnel
      The Association's representative shall meet with the Supervisor of Personnel as an advisory council and coordinator of current school problems and practices and the administration of this Agreement. Such meetings shall take place when necessary.
ARTICLE 20
SICK LEAVE

A. Accumulative
      All teachers employed shall be entitled to sick leave days each year as of the first official day of said school year whether or not they report for duty on that day. Unused sick leave days shall be accumulated from year to year with no maximum limit.

      Teachers hired before July 1, 1999 shall be entitled to thirteen (13) days per year.

      Teachers hired between July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2008 shall be entitled to ten (10) sick days per year. Upon reaching tenure in the district they will be entitled to thirteen (13) days per year from that point forward.

      Effective July 1, 2008, all newly hired staff shall be entitled to ten (10) sick days per year.

      For all employees who are entitled to 13 sick leave days per year up to three (3) of those days may be used for family illness.

      Sick leave for a part-time employee shall be prorated by calculating the proportion of the work year and work day she/he works in proportion to the work year and work day of a full-time employee.


B. Notification of Accumulation
      Teachers shall be given a written accounting of accumulated sick leave.
C. Retirement
      In the event a teacher has met the following requirements:

      1. a minimum of twenty (20) years of service to the National Park School District,

      2. has accumulated sick leave and qualifies for a service, age, or disability retirement under the New Jersey State Pension Plan, and

      3. notifies the BOARD on or before January 15th of the school budget year in which s/he retires,

      the BOARD shall make payment, at the beginning of the next school budget year, to that teacher in the following amount:

          Sick Leave: Seventy-five ($75) per day for all unused sick days up to 100 days.
D. If a teacher notifies the BOARD after January 15th, it will result in the payment of the bonus the beginning of the school budget year next following the year in which payment would have been made had timely notice been provided. Emergency or unusual circumstances concerning this provision of notification will be addressed on an individual basis.

E. In the event of the death of an employee who has met all requirements under this section for sick day payment, payment shall be paid to his/her estate.

F. An employee who opts to take a deferred retirement is not eligible for sick leave payment.

ARTICLE 21
TEMPORARY LEAVES OF ABSENCE

A. Types of Leaves
      Employees shall be entitled to the following temporary nonaccumulative leaves of absence with full pay each school year.

      1. Personal

          Three (3) days leave of absence for personal, legal, business, household or family matters which require absence during school hours. Personal leave for a part-time employee shall be prorated by calculating the proportion of the work year and work day she/he works in proportion to the work year and work day of a full-time employee.

          Application to the employees immediate superior for personal leave shall he made at least two (2) days before taking such leave (except in the case of emergencies) and the applicant for such leave shall not be required to state the reason for taking such leave other then that he/she is taking it under this Section. Unused personal days shall be added to accumulated sick leave days.

      2. Religious
          For observance of religious holidays, where said observance prevents the employee from working on said days, the teacher shall use personal days.
      3. School Visitation
          Days for the purpose of visiting other schools or attending meetings or conferences of an educational nature, upon approval of the Superintendent.
      4. Legal
          Time necessary for appearance in any legal proceeding connected with the employees employment or with the school system or in any other legal proceeding, if the employee is required by law to attend.
      5. Temporary Military
          Time necessary for persons called into temporary active duty of any unit of the U.S. Reserves or the State National Guard. An employee shall be paid the difference between his/her regular pay and military pay.
      6. Paternal Leave
          Two (2) days for the purpose of taking his wife to and from the hospital in the event of pregnancy.
      7. Good Cause
          Other leaves of absence with pay may be granted by the Superintendent and/or Board for good reason.
B. Death
      All the employees of the Board of Education, in the event of death in the immediate family shall be granted allowance with pay, for attending the death bed or funeral as hereinafter stated:
      1. An allowance for five (5) days shall be granted in case of death of any of the following:
          Employee's parents, spouse or child.
      2. An allowance for three (3) days shall be granted in the case of death of any of the following:
          Employee's brother, or sister, parents of employee's spouse, and any other of the immediate household.
      3. An allowance of one (1) day shall be granted to attend the funeral of any of the following:
          Employee's grandparents, niece, nephew, in-law, aunt or uncle.
      4. An allowance of one (1) day shall be granted for the death of a friend.

      5. In the case of unusual circumstances, the granting of additional days shall be left to the discretion of the Superintendent.

C. In addition to Sick Leave
      Leaves taken pursuant to Sections A & B above shall be in addition to any sick leave to which the teacher is entitled.
ARTICLE 22
EXTENDED LEAVES OF ABSENCE

A. Military
      Military leave without pay, consistent with the Family Leave Act shall be granted to any employee who is inducted or enlists in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States for the period of said service and three (3) months thereafter, or three (3) months after recovery of any wound or sickness at time of discharge. A similar leave shall be granted to the spouse of any inductee or enlistee to join him/her for the period of special training in preparation for duty overseas in combat zones.
B. Maternity
      1. Natural Birth
          At the employee’s request and consistent with the Family Leave Act and pursuant to law, the Board shall grant a leave of absence for any period of maternity disability. The employee seeking such a leave of absence for reasons associated with maternity disability shall file a written response with the Superintendent at least 60 days in advance of the anticipated date of birth of the child. Such request shall include the anticipated date of birth and the ancticipated date on which said employee expects to return.
      2. Adoption
          Any employee adopting a child shall receive leave consistent with the Family Leave Act which shall commence upon his/her receiving de facto custody of said child, or earlier if necessary, to fulfill the requirements for the adoption.
C. Illness in Family
      A leave of absence without pay consistent with the Family Leave Act of up to one (1) year shall be granted for the purpose of caring for a sick member of the employee’s immediate family. Additional leave may be granted at the discretion of the Board.
D. Good Cause
      Other leaves of absence without pay consistent with the Family Leave Act may be granted by the Board for good reason.
E. Return From Leave
      1. Salary
          Upon return from leave granted pursuant to Section A of this Article, a teacher shall be considered as if he/she were actively employed by the Board during the leave and shall be placed on the salary schedule at the level he/she would have achieved if he/she had not been absent. A teacher shall not receive increment credit for the time spent on a leave granted pursuant to Sections, B, C, and D of this Article.
      2. Benefits
          All benefits to which an employee was entitled at the time his/her leave of absence commenced, including unused accumulated sick leave, shall be restored to him/her upon his/her return, and he/she shall be assigned to the same position which he/she held at the time said leave commenced, if available, or if not, to a substantially equivalent position.
F. Extensions and Renewals
      All extensions or renewals of leaves shall be applied for and granted in writing.
ARTICLE 23
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

A. Purpose
      In our rapidly changing society, teachers must constantly review curricular content, teaching methods and materials, educational philosophy and goals, social change and other topics related to education. The Board recognizes that it shares with its professional staff responsibility for the upgrading and updating of teacher performance and attitudes. The Board and the Association support the principle of continuing training of teachers, the improvement of instruction, and the curriculum development necessary as a part of the Gateway Group of Schools.
B. Programs
      To work towards the ends stated above, the Board agrees to implement the following:

      To pay up to the Board cap of $5,000 in each year of the contract, up to $2,500 for the Summer and Fall terms and $2,500 for the Winter and Spring terms. If the full $2,500 for the Summer/Fall term is not utilized, the balance will carry over to the Winter/Spring reimbursement. Reimbursement shall be made for the cost of tuition and texts for courses taken above the Bachelor's Degree.

      If all tuition reimbursement claims under the above paragraph exceed the cap set forth in the Summer/Fall term, or in the Winter-Spring term, all claims for that term shall be prorated. For example, if the cap set forth will cover 95% of all claims, all individual claims will be reimbursed at 95% of the claim amount.

C. The Superintendent's prior approval shall be obtained to qualify for reimbursement under this Article. However, such approval shall not be withheld so long as the courses taken are in the area of the fields of education, guidance and/or administration or are part of a curriculum leading to certification or degree in said areas. Successful completion shall be required for reimbursement.

D. Requirements

      1. Staff member must be an employee of the National Park Board of Education when the courses were taken.

      2. Staff member must be an employee of the National Park Board of Education when the payment is made.

      3. Staff member shall receive reimbursement for courses which are taken between July 1 and June 30 of each school year.


E. Procedure for Payment
      1. Staff member shall submit the following to the Board Secretary:
          a. Receipted bill for tuition from institution.

          b. Transcript from institution indicating successful completion of course.

      2. All reimbursement for which the staff member is eligible will be paid based on the following schedule:
          Summer or Fall term to be submitted by January 15th to be reimbursed by February 15th ;

          Winter or Spring term to be submitted by June 15th to be reimbursed by July 31st.

          Salary Adjustment shall be pro-rated at the completion of requirements for lateral promotion.

F. A teacher who receives reimbursement under B. and who then leaves the District’s employment within one (1) year of the receipt of the reimbursement, except in a retirement situation, a separation due to disability, a reduction-in-force or a non-renewal shall reimburse the District 100% of that reimbursed amount.
      1. The application form for reimbursement shall contain an acknowledgement by the applying teacher that the provisions of the prior paragraph is in effect and that the teacher shall reimburse the District pursuant to them and that the above monies may be withheld from the last paycheck of the departing teacher.

      2. All returned monies shall be placed back in the tuition reimbursement pool in the year that they are recovered and may be used in that year if the term pool amount set forth in B. is exceeded.

ARTICLE 24
SUPERVISION OF STUDENT TEACHERS

A. Mutual Responsibility
      The Board and the Association mutually recognize that the education of children of the National Park School District is their primary responsibility. The Board and the Association further recognize their responsibility to assist in the effective training of future teachers under the highest standards.
B. Procedures
      The following procedures shall govern the supervision of student teachers.

      1. Experience

          No teacher shall have a student teacher under his/her supervision until his/her tenured year of teaching.
      2. Voluntary Participation
          Supervision by a teacher of a student teacher shall be voluntary.
      3. Consent
          Each teacher shall have the right to accept or reject a student teacher. The teacher shall receive the request to take a student teacher at least two (2) weeks prior to the student's introduction to the classroom.
      4. Released Time
          Each cooperating teacher shall be provided with released time with pay for: attendance at scheduled orientation, completion of written evaluations as per college/university guidelines, and conferencing with the supervisor of the student teacher.
      5. Assignments
          A cooperating teacher shall not be given additional assignments outside of his/her regular responsibilities during the period he/she is supervising a student teacher.
      6. Information for Cooperating Teachers
          Any preparing institution with which the Board shall cooperate in a program of student teaching shall provide each cooperating teacher in writing with the following:

          a. Information about the college program and the college's expectations and requirements for student teachers.

          b. Specific information about the date the student will begin the assignment, when he/she will complete the assignment, and holidays or special events which affect the student teachers attendance.

ARTICLE 25
PROTECTION OF TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PROPERTY

A. Unsafe and Hazardous Conditions
      Teachers shall not be required to work under unsafe or hazardous conditions or to perform tasks which endanger their health, safety, or well-being. In the event of any disorder or disruption in the regular school program, the Association shall have the right to meet with the Board immediately to develop mutually acceptable programs to guarantee the safety of students, teachers, and property.

      1. Employees will be notified if an administrator will not be available in the building until 4:00 P.M. on teacher workdays.

      2. Reasonable Force

          As specified in 18A:6-1, a teacher may, within the scope of his/her employment, use and apply such amount of force as is reasonable and necessary; to quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon the person or within the control of the pupil; for the purpose of self-defense; and for the protection of persons or property.
      3. Action Before Board or Commissioner
          Whenever any action is brought against a teacher before the Board or before the Commissioner of Education of the State of New Jersey upon the allegation of the committing of an assault, which may affect his/her employment or salary status, the Board of Education shall reimburse him/her for the cost of his/her defense if the action is dismissed or results in a final decision in favor of the teacher.
36B. Assault Arising Out of and in the Course of Employment
      1. Legal Assistance
          The Board shall give full support including legal and other assistance for any assault upon the teacher while acting in the discharge of his/her duties.
      2. Leave
          When absence arises out of or from such assault or injury, the teacher shall be entitled to full salary and other benefits for the periods of such absence but not forfeit any sick leave or personal leave.
      3. Reimbursement for Personal Property Damage
          The Board shall reimburse teachers for the reasonable cost of any clothing or other personal property damaged or destroyed as a result of any assault suffered by (excluding motor vehicle) a teacher while the teacher was acting in the discharge of his/her duties within the scope of his/her employment.
      4. Medical
          The Board shall, pursuant to its workers' compensation obligation, maintain appropriate insurance to provide medical, surgical or hospital services incurred as the result of any injury sustained from the assault.
C. Reporting Assaults
      1. Immediate Superior
          Teachers shall immediately report cases of assault suffered by them in connection with their employment to their immediate superior.
      2. Superintendent
          Such notification shall be immediately forwarded to the Superintendent who shall comply with any reasonable request from the teacher for information in the possession of the Superintendent relating to the incident or the persons involved, and shall act in appropriate ways as liason between the teacher, the police, and the courts.
ARTICLE 26
MAINTENANCE OF CLASSROOM CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE

A. Definition of Responsibilities
      A definition of the duties and responsibilities of all administrators, supervisors and other personnel pertaining to students discipline shall be reduced to writing by the Superintendent and presented to each teacher at the start of each school year.

B. Special Assistance
      When, in the judgment of a teacher, a student requires the attention of the Administration, Child Study Team, physician, or other specialists, he/she shall so inform the appropriate individual as per the chain of command. The immediate superior shall arrange as soon as possible for a conference among himself /herself, the teacher, and, if necessary, an appropriate specialist to discuss the problem and to decide upon appropriate steps for its resolution.
C. Disruptive Students
      When, in the judgment of a teacher and administration, a student is by his behavior seriously disrupting the instructional program to the detriment of other students, the teacher may exclude the student from the classroom and refer him/her as per chain of command. In such cases, the Supervisor of Personnel shall arrange as soon as possible, and under normal circumstances, not later than the conclusion of the following school day, a conference among himself/herself, the teacher, and, if necessary, an appropriate specialist to discuss the problem and to decide upon appropriate steps for its resolution.
ARTICLE 27
AGENCY FEE
    Effective July 1, 2004, the Board of Education, pursuant to a proposal made by the Association under the terms of N.J.S.A. 34:13A-5.5, agrees to a representation fee in lieu of dues under the following terms:
A. Purpose of the Fee
      If any employee does not become a member of the Association during any membership year which is covered in whole or in part this agreement, said employee will be required to pay a representation fee to the Association for that membership year. The purpose of this fee will be to offset the employee's per capita cost of services rendered by the Association as majority representative.

      The representation fee to be paid by nonmembers/fee-payers will be pursuant to the determination of an impartial arbitrator in accordance with the law.

B. Determination of Fee
      Prior to the beginning of each membership year (September 1 through August 31), the Association will notify the Board in writing of the amount of the regular membership dues, initiation fees, and assessments charged by the Association to its own members for the academic year. The representation fee to be paid by non-members will be determined by the Association in accordance with the law.
C. Deduction and Tramission of Fee
      1. Notification
          Once during each membership year, but no later than October 1 of the year, the Association will submit to the Board a list of those employees who have not become members of the Association for the then current year. The Board will deduct from the salaries of such employees, in accordance with paragraph 2. below.
      2. Payroll Deduction Schedule

      The Board will deduct the full amount of the yearly representation fee in equal installments from the paychecks paid to each employee on the aforesaid list during the February through June period.

      3. Termination of Employment

          If an employee terminates his or her employment with the Board before the Association has received the prorated amount of the representation fee to which it is entitled under this Article, the Board will deduct the unpaid portion of the prorated fee from the last paycheck paid to said employee during the academic year in question.
      4. Mechanics
          The mechanics for the deduction of representation fees and the transmission of such fees to the Association will, as nearly as possible, be the same as those used for the deduction and transmission of regular membership dues to the Association.
      5. New Employees
          Each month in which the Board hires a new unit member(s), the Board will notify the Association in writing of the name(s), job title(s) and date(s) of employment of the new employee(s).
D. Indemnification
      The Association shall indemnify and hold the Board harmless against any and all claims, demands, suits, and other forms of liability that may arise out of, or by reason of, any action taken or not taken by the Board in conformance with this provision.
ARTICLE 28
INSURANCE PROTECTION

A. Full Health-Care Coverage

      The Board shall provide the health-care protection designated below. The Board shall pay the full premium for each employee, as well as for full family plan coverage for those employees who require such coverage.

      1. Changes in the benefits of the health-care insurance program shall be agreed upon by the Board and the Association.

      2. Carriers

          For employees hired prior to July 1, 2008, the health insurance carrier shall be the Amerihealth PPO $20/$20/80% plan. Employees hired effective July 1, 2008, and after shall be entitled to the PPO $15/$25/70% plan.

          Effective July 1, 2012, the prescription co-pay shall be $25 brand name, $15 generic, withone pay per 30 day supply at retail or 90 day mail order.

          A fiscal year Health Reimbursement Account will be offered of $200 for single/$300 for 2 adult or parent/child(ren)/$500 for family coverage to cover prescription, doctor and emergency room co-pays only. If an employee does not use the amount of coverage alloted in that fiscal year, they will not be reimbursed the difference and the amount will not be carried over. New employees hired on or after July 1, 2014, shall not be covered by the prior two sentences.

          Employees shall also have the option to opt out of the health/hospitalization, prescription, and vision coverage and accept the Health Reimbursement plan of $275 accrued per month ($3,300.00 per fiscal year) as offered in a. below as long as they can provide proof of coverage. The amounts set forth in this paragraph shall be prorated according to the months the new or departing employee works in the year.

      a. The plan would also cover a spouse.
          b. There will be no deductible.
          c. Reimbursement covers the items contained in schedule E.
        3. Complete Annual Coverage
            For each employee who remains in the employ of the Board for a full school year, the Board shall make payment of insurance premiums to provide insurance coverage for the full twelve (12) month period commencing September I and ending August 31. When necessary, payment of premiums on behalf of the employee shall be made retroactively or prospectively to assure uninterrupted participation and coverage.
    B. Dental
        The Board will pay one hundred percent (100%) of the single premium cost for dental insurance. Dependent coverage, if made available by the provider, will be offered. The full cost of dependent coverage will be the responsibility of the employee. A cap will take effect at the expiration of the 2011-2014 Agreeement in the amount equal to the dollar cost of premium at that time.
    C. Description to Teachers
        The Board shall provide to each teacher a description of the health-care insurance coverage provided under this ARTICLE, no later than the beginning of the school year, which shall include a clear description of conditions and limits of coverage as listed on the previous page.
    D. Committee
        There shall be a committee of an equal number of Association representatives and Board/Administration representatives which shall meet each year of this Agreement beginning no later than October 1 with the object of discussing either party’s ideas concerning insurances under this Article. The committee shall provide a written report to the parties by February 1 of each year detailing its discussions and recommendations it is making. Neither party is required to accept the recommendations of the committee, but if they wish to do so, any changes to this Article must be jointly ratified by the parties.
    ARTICLE 29
    PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC FREEDOM

    A. Citizenship
        Teachers shall be entitled to full rights of Citizenship, and no religious or political activities of any teacher or the lack thereof shall be grounds for any discipline or discrimination with respect to the professional employment of such teacher, providing said activities do not violate any local, state or federal laws.
    ARTICLE 30
    DEDUCTIONS FROM SALARY

    A. Association Payroll Dues Deduction
        1. The Board agrees to deduct from the salaries of the teachers for the National Park Education Association, the Gloucester County Education Association, the New Jersey Education Association or the National Education Association, or any one of any combination of such Associations as said teachers individually and voluntarily authorize the Board to deduct. Such deductions shall be made in compliance with Chapter 310, Public Laws of 1968 (N.J.S.A. 52:14-15, 9(e) and under rules established by the State Department of Education. Such monies together with records of any corrections shall be transmitted to the treasurer of the National Park Education Association by the fifteenth of each month following the monthly pay period in which the deductions were made. The Association treasurer shall disburse such monies to the appropriate association or associations.

        2. Each of the Associations named above shall certify to the Board, in writing, the current rate of its membership dues. Any Association which shall change the rate of its membership dues shall give the Board written notice prior to the effective date of such change.

    B. Local, State and National Services
        The Board agrees to deduct from teachers' salaries money for Local, State and/or National Association services and programs as said teachers individually and voluntarily authorize the Board to deduct and to transmit the monies promptly to such association or associations. Any teacher may have such deductions discontinued at any time upon sixty (60) days written notice to the Board and the appropriate association.
    ARTICLE 31
    MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

    A. Non-discrimination
        The Board and the Association agree that there shall be no discrimination, and that all practices, procedures, and policies of the school system shall clearly exemplify that there is no discrimination in the hiring, training, assignment, promotion, transfer or discipline of teachers or in the application or administration of this Agreement on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, domicile, or marital status.
    B. Board Policy
        This Agreement constitutes Board policy for the term of said Agreement, and the Board shall carry out the commitments contained herein and give them full force and effect as Board policy.
    C. Savings Clause
        Except as this Agreement shall otherwise provide, all terms and conditions of employment applicable on the signing date of this Agreement to employees covered by this Agreement as established by the rules, regulations and/or policies of the Board in force on said date shall continue to be so applicable during the term of this Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall be interpreted and/or applied so as to eliminate, reduce nor otherwise detract from any teacher benefit existing prior to its effective date.
    D. The Board shall retain all rights which it heretofore had, except as modified by this Agreement.

    E. Separability
        If any provision of this Agreement or any application of this Agreement to any employee or group of employees is held to be contrary to law, then such provision or application shall not be deemed valid and subsisting, except to the extent permitted by law, but all other provisions or applications shall continue in full force and effect.
    F. Compliance Between Individual Contract and Master Agreement
        Any individual contract between the Board and an individual teacher, heretofore or hereafter executed, shall be subject to and consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If an individual contract contains any language inconsistent with this Agreement, this Agreement, during its duration, shall be controlling.
    G. The tuition paid by staff members who reside out of district for their childrens’ attendance in the National Park School District shall be $5,000 annually. Effective beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the tuition paid by staff members who reside out of district for their childrens’ attendance in the National Park School District shall be $2,500 annually.

    ARTICLE 32
    DURATION OF AGREEMENT


    A. Duration of Period
        This Agreement shall be effective as of July 1, 2014, and continue through June 30, 2017, subject to the Association's right to negotiate over a successor Agreement as provided in Article 2. This Agreement shall not be extended orally, and it is expressly understood that it shall expire on the date indicated, unless it is extended in writing.
    B. Status of Incorporation
        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective presidents, attested by their respective secretaries, and their corporate seals to be placed thereon.

    NATIONAL PARK EDUCATION ASSOCIATION


    BY: _____________________________________
    President


    BY: _____________________________________ DATE __________________
    Secretary


    NATIONAL PARK BOARD OF EDUCATION


    BY: _____________________________________
    President


    BY: _____________________________________ DATE __________________
    Secretary











    SCHEDULE A-1
    2014-2015 TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE
    STEP
    BA
    BA + 15
    BA +30
    MA
    MA +15
    MA +30
    MA +45
    DOC
    1
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    7
    54149
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    8
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    9
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    10
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    62049
    63049
    64049
    65049
    66049
    11
    61949
    62949
    63949
    64949
    65949
    66949
    67949
    68949
    12
    64849
    65849
    66849
    67849
    68849
    69849
    70849
    71849
    13
    68049
    69049
    70049
    71049
    72049
    73049
    74049
    75049
    14
    72855
    73855
    74855
    75855
    76855
    77855
    78855
    79855
    SCHEDULE A-2
    2015-2016 TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE
    STEP
    14-15
    STEP
    15-16
    BA
    BA + 15
    BA +30
    MA
    MA +15
    MA +30
    MA +45DOC
    ***/1
    2
    52978
    53978
    54978
    55978
    56978
    57978
    5897859978
    2
    3
    53478
    54478
    55478
    56478
    57478
    58478
    5947860478
    3
    4
    54178
    55178
    56178
    57178
    58178
    59178
    6017861178
    4
    5
    54478
    55478
    56478
    57478
    58478
    59478
    6047861478
    5
    6
    54978
    55978
    56978
    57978
    58978
    59978
    6097861978
    6
    7
    55478
    56478
    57478
    58478
    59478
    60478
    6147862478
    7
    8
    55978
    56978
    57978
    58978
    59978
    60978
    6197862978
    8
    9
    57978
    58978
    59978
    60978
    61978
    62978
    6397864978
    9
    10
    60378
    61378
    62378
    63378
    64378
    65378
    6637867378
    10
    11
    63278
    64278
    65278
    66278
    67278
    68278
    6927870278
    11
    12
    66178
    67178
    68178
    69178
    70178
    71178
    7217873178
    12
    13
    69378
    70378
    71378
    72378
    73378
    74378
    7537876378
    13
    13B
    71781
    72781
    73781
    74781
    75781
    76781
    7778178781
    14
    14
    74184
    75184
    76184
    77184
    78184
    79184
    8018481184
    Step 1 has been deleted. Those teachers on Step 1 in 2014-2015 are on same step as new teachers in 2015-2016. A step (13B) has been inserted between Steps 13 and 14.
    SCHEDULE A-3
    2016-2017 TEACHERS’ SALARY GUIDE
    STEP
    15-16
    STEP
    16-17
    BA
    BA + 15
    BA +30
    MA
    MA +15
    MA +30
    MA +45
    DOC
    ***
    2
    54261
    55261
    56261
    57261
    58261
    59261
    60261
    61261
    2
    3
    54761
    55761
    56761
    57761
    58761
    59761
    60761
    61761
    3
    4
    55461
    56461
    57461
    58461
    59461
    60461
    61461
    62461
    4
    5
    55761
    56761
    57761
    58761
    59761
    60761
    61761
    62761
    5
    6
    56261
    57261
    58261
    59261
    60261
    61261
    62261
    63261
    6
    7
    56761
    57761
    58761
    59761
    60761
    61761
    62761
    63761
    7
    8
    57261
    58261
    59261
    60261
    61261
    62261
    63261
    64261
    8
    9
    59261
    60261
    61261
    62261
    63261
    64261
    65261
    66261
    9
    10
    61661
    62661
    63661
    64661
    65661
    66661
    67661
    68661
    10
    11
    64561
    65561
    66561
    67561
    68561
    69561
    70561
    71561
    11
    12
    67461
    68461
    69461
    70461
    71461
    72461
    73461
    74461
    12
    13
    70661
    71661
    72661
    73661
    74661
    75661
    76661
    77661
    13
    13B
    73064
    74064
    75064
    76064
    77064
    78064
    79064
    80064
    13B/14
    14
    75467
    76467
    77467
    78467
    79467
    80467
    81467
    82467
    SCHEDULE B
    2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017 LIBRARIAN AIDE’S SALARY GUIDE

    STEP
    2014-2015
    2015-2016
    2016-2017
    1
    29253
    29732
    30240
    2
    29753
    30232
    30740
    3
    30253
    30732
    31240
    4
    30753
    31232
    31740
    5
    31253
    31732
    32240
    6
    31753
    32232
    32740
    7
    32253
    32732
    33240
    8
    32753
    33232
    33740
    9
    33253
    33732
    34240
    10
    33753
    34232
    34740
    11
    34253
    34732
    35240
    12
    34784
    35263
    35771
    13
    35315
    35794
    36302
    14
    35846
    36325
    36833
    15
    36377
    36856
    37364




    SCHEDULE C
    2014-2015, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017 EXTRA CURRICULAR COMPENSATION GUIDE

    Listed below are those activities to be compensated for at the rate indicated next to each activity as well as the time of the year for each activity.

    POSITIONS

    Summer Curriculum Work 35.00
    Homebound Instruction 30.00
    Summer Staffings 30.00
    I&RS 30.00
    Volleyball 30.00
    Art Club 30.00
    Detention Supervision 30.00
    Other Position as Approved 30.00
    Additional meetings 30.00

    Workshop and in-service presentations $192
    (covers preparation and presentation)

    STIPENDS

    Facilitator 2,500
    Music 2,600
    Safety Patrol 850
    Student Council 1,500

    A proposal must be submitted before an activity is established.

    The Board of Education does not view the involuntary assignment of extracurricular activities as a desirable practice. While circumstances may require such as approach on a case-by-case basis, the Board of Educaiton strongly prefers voluntary assignments.

    Summer Curriculum work that is directed through the Gateway Group Curriculum Consortium will be compensated at that established rate.

    SCHEDULE D
    TEACHERS’ LONGEVITY GUIDE

    Each employee in the Bargaining Unit with appropriate years or more of service in this district shall receive a longevity increment as shown below, in addition to any other compensation:
      Years of Service

      20 Years $900.00
      25 Years $950.00
      30 Years $1100.00



    SCHEDULE E
    HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT PLAN ACCOUNT
            Acupuncture
            Animals, trained to assist handicapped individuals
            Birth control pills
            Chiropractic visits
            Christian Science practitioner
            Co-payments and co-insurance
            Communication equipment for the deaf and hearing-impaired
            Deductibles
            Dental expenses
            Dermatogist
            Diagnostic services
            Educational aids for handicapped individuals
            Eye exams/eyeglasses/contact lenses/saline solution/sens cleaner
            Gynecologist visits
            Hearing aids and batteries
            Immunizations/vaccinations
            Infertility treatment
            Insulin
            Laboratory fees
            Laser/Lasik eye surgery
            Orthodontia
            Orthopedic shoes
            Physical therapy
            Prescription drug co-pays
            Psychiatrist/psychologist/social worker counseling
            Smoking cessation programs
            Special education for the handicapped, including tuition at special schools
            Special equipment or home improvements prescribed for a specific condition
            Substance abuse treatment
            Transportation expenses for medical services
            Well-child exams
            Wheelchair/durable medical equipment


    National Park BE and National Park EA 2014.doc