Memorandum of Understanding Timelines

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) documents agreement between the Board of Education and its professional employees on compensation, insurance benefits, fringe benefits, grievance procedures, payroll deductions, leave, and working conditions.

Upon mutual agreement between MNEA and MNPS, the following timelines are enshrined in the MOU. Both parties are required to meet these requirements.

Before July 1:

·      MNPS, in consultation with MNEA, will publish a guidance document indicating the professional development and planning designations for all noninstructional workdays for the academic year. (p.26)

July 1:

·      All professional employees shall be placed on the proper step of the salary schedule as of July 1 of each year in accordance with the years of experience and educational attainment. (p.11)

Prior to the first instructional day:

·      Financial and auditing policies and procedures for Basic Education Program (BEP) purchases will be posted and shared with professional employees by the district. (p.23)

·      According to school-based budgeting guidelines issued by the district, schools must allocate the per-student amount available to purchase classroom supplies for professional employees. In partnership with the school leadership team, school principals must establish a process for professional employees to request their supply needs. Principals must share the process for requesting and approving supply requests. (p.23)

·      The district shall create and implement a system by which principals monitor and request personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure adequate amounts are continuously available to all professional employees. (p.40)

At the beginning of the school year:

·      MNPS shall publish the criteria and eligibility requirements for teacher of the year as outlined by the Tennessee Department of Education and will send that information to principals along with an overview of the selection process outlined below. (p.36)

By the end of the first week of school:

·      The faculty, in collaboration with the principal and/or department head, shall determine the regular schedule and purpose for faculty meetings. (p.26)

The start of each semester:

·      The principal shall determine the planning schedule after consultation with the faculty. Individual professional employee schedules shall indicate which days are individual planning (minimum 180 minutes/week) and which days are administrative planning (maximum 120 minutes/week) when individual professional employee schedules are distributed at the start of each semester.

September 15:

·      Compensation Committee shall convene no later than September 15 of each year and meet quarterly. (p.14)

·      Retention Committee shall convene no later than September 15 of each year and meet quarterly. (p.29)

·      Elect Faculty Advisory Committee (recommended but it may be formed at any time during the school year) (p.31)

October 1:

·      Faculty Advisory Committee organized (recommended but it may be formed at any time during the school year) (p.31)

Prior to October 31:

·      Basic Education Program (BEP) shall be distributed to professional employees no later than October 31. (p.23)

Throughout the school year:

·      Professional employees shall be provided with the technology, devices, and support necessary to complete assigned job duties/responsibilities. (p.32)

·      Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools shall provide personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compliant face masks, face shields, and gloves, for all professional employees who request it. (p.40)

·      Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools will also publish a clearinghouse page on its website indicating who to contact for specific concerns related to health and safety. (p.39-40)

·      Space for each professional employee within each instructional area to store instructional materials and supplies. (p.41)

·      A furnished space reserved for the exclusive use of professional employees. Although employees are expected to exercise reasonable care in maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of the staff area, it shall be cleaned and maintained regularly by the custodial services staff. (p.41)

·      A communication system, which allows professional employees to communicate with the main building office from their classrooms. (p.41)

·      Private closet, desk, filing cabinet, or cabinet space with lock and key for each professional employee to store coats, bags, and other personal articles. (p.41)

·      Write-on board space in every classroom. (p.41)

·      Adequate and appropriate space for professional employees who work in more than one school building shall be provided in each school in which they work. (p.41)

·      All professional employees shall be provided building access to the staff area, work area, and interior hallways from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM during scheduled workdays. (p.41)

Reference: mnea.com/mou