February 2011

Q&A: Contract renewal and nonrenewal preparations

Q: What steps do we take to prepare for contract renewal and nonrenewal?

A: This is the time of year when school boards begin considering contract actions for the coming school year.

The steps we recommend are as follows:

  • Ask the board to adopt TASB’s new model contracts before they are issued to employees.
  • Establish the deadline to notify employees of proposed board action. This is done by counting 45 calendar days before the last day of instruction.
  • Review the list of employees who are performing successfully and will be recommended for renewal.
  • Review the years of experience and the amount of time employed of probationary contract employees. Determine whether they are subject to an additional year of probation or need to be moved to a term contract (see Employment Contracts in the HR Library This link opens in a new window. for a summary of probationary contract rules).
  • Review the actual contract of employees not being recommended for renewal to determine the type of contract used and the required process that must be followed. Probationary contracts are terminated at the end of the contract term with a one-step process; term contracts are nonrenewed with a two-step process.
  • Maintain district control and flexibility wherever possible, especially for positions that are likely to be affected by a reduction in force (RIF). Refrain from extending or reissuing multiple-year term contracts and move employees to one-year contracts. Move uncertified and part-time employees to non-Chapter 21 contracts (if previously issued) or no contracts (Note: be aware that uncertified employees can be moved to non-Chapter 21 contracts without due process, so long as they are employed in same professional capacity the following school year).

The HR Library has several resources to help you with these processes including the following:

  • Termination of Contract Employees
  • Preparation Checklist for Contract Nonrenewal or Termination
  • Sample notices regarding board action to renew or terminate a contract
 
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