Q: What is the deadline for telling probationary teachers that we are not renewing their contract?
A: April 15
Q: What is the deadline for telling tenured teachers that we are terminating their contracts?
A: April 15
Q: What is the deadline for issuing notice of reduction in force?
A: April 15
Q: Are you saying April 15 is an important deadline for school districts?
A: April 15 is THE deadline by which school administrators must decide whether they want to proceed with the non-renewal or termination of a certificated employee's contract.
Q: Are teachers obligated by the April 15 deadline as well?
A: Yes. This is a mutual deadline between districts and their certificated staff. The Professional Practices Committee and the Nebraska Commissioner of Education have determined that teachers are contractually obligated for the following school year after April 15, unless:
The teacher has submitted a resignation prior to April 15, or
The board, through policy or provision in its negotiated agreement has agreed to release teachers through a later date.
Q: What happens if I do nothing?
A: If you do nothing, all principal and teacher contracts automatically renew. Unless staff members receive notice on or before April 15 that the board will consider non-renewing, terminating, or amending their contracts, they stay on their current contract. Please note: this also applies to reductions in force.
Q: What happens if I miss the deadline?
A: Missing the deadline, means you did nothing prior to the deadline. If you miss the deadline, the contract renews. The Nebraska Supreme Court, in Bentley v. School District No. 25 of Custer County, 255 Neb. 404 (1998), held that notice even one day late is insufficient notice under the law.
Q: Ok, but what if I want to extend the probationary period by one year, because I’m on the fence about a probationary teacher? Can I extend the probationary period from three years to four years by putting in their renewal agreement that they are still probationary, even though they are entering their fourth year?
A: NO. The probationary period is limited by law to three successive years. Prior to 1983 you could extend the probationary period, so you used to be able to extend the probationary period, which is probably why this question comes up with some frequency.
Q: What about March 15th?
A: What about it?
Q: There’s something about March 15th…
A: Yes, but it’s not a deadline. Teachers cannot be required to sign a renewal agreement or contract before March 15th. So think of March 15 as a floor, and April 15 as a ceiling.
Q: What if I’m not sure about a staff member, or not sure how to issue a notice of non-renewal, termination or cancellation?
A: If you have any questions or reservations about a teacher's continued employment, we recommend that you consult with your school district’s attorney or call Karen, Steve, Bobby, or Tim.
Q: Who is the most athletic member of KSB?
A: Shari. And it’s not close.