SERIES 4000: DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT

4400 Professional Staff

4402- R Placement (Effective July 1, 2024)

This Policy must be implemented consistent with Policy 1101.

A. Teacher as Defined by Revised School Code Section 1249

The appropriate placement of effective teachers is an essential component in promoting student academic growth, educational outcomes, and quality educational services. The Superintendent or designee may make teacher placement decisions at their discretion consistent with this Policy.

Placement includes, but is not limited to, assignment, transfer, or the filling of a position with current staff or newly hired teachers. For vacant positions see Paragraph C (Vacancy).

Placement does not include reduction in force or recall decisions governed by Policy 4405.

1. Consistent with Revised School Code Section 1248, teacher placement decisions shall be based on the following clear and transparent factors:
2. Staffing the curriculum with the most effective, certified, and qualified teachers to instruct the applicable courses, grades, and school schedule.
3. Appropriate certification, approval, or authorization for all aspects of the assignment. The certification, approval, or authorization, as applicable, will be determined by the Revised School Code, MDE’s Teacher Certification Code, MDE's Rules for Special Education Programs and Services, and other applicable statutes and regulations.
4. Teacher placement decisions must be made based on teacher effectiveness criteria established in Revised School Code Section 1249 and Policy 4403.
5. Teacher placement decisions will be guided by the following criteria:
6. Retaining the most effective teachers who are certified (or otherwise approved or authorized) and qualified to instruct the courses within the curriculum, academic level(s), and department(s).
7. Teachers must be properly certified, approved, or authorized for all aspects of their assignments. The teacher’s certification, authorization, or approval status will be:

A) Determined by the Revised School Code, MDE’s Teacher Certification Code, MDE’s Rules for Special Education Programs and Services, and other applicable statutes and regulations; and

B) Based on documentation on file with the Superintendent’s office.

1) A teacher must maintain valid certification, approval, or authorization, as applicable, and is responsible for filing a copy of the certificate, approval, or authorization with the Superintendent’s office in compliance with Revised School Code Section 1532.

2) If a teacher petitions for nullification of the teaching certificate or any endorsement, the teacher must promptly provide written notice of that petition to the Superintendent’s office.

   iii. In addition, teachers must be fully qualified for all aspects of their assignments, as determined by           the Board, based on documentation on file with the Superintendent’s office, including:

A) Compliance with applicable state or federal regulatory standards, including standards established as a condition to receipt of foundation, grant, or categorical funding;

B) Credentials needed for District, school, or program accreditation;

C) District-provided professional development, training, and academic preparation for an instructional assignment that is anticipated to contribute to the teacher’s effectiveness in that assignment and is integrated into instruction;

D) Relevant special training, other than professional development or continuing education as required by state or federal law, and integration of that training into instruction in a meaningful way;

E) Disciplinary record, if any

F) Length of service in a grade level(s) or subject area(s);

G) Recency of relevant and comparable teaching assignments;

H) Previous effectiveness ratings;

I) Attendance and punctuality;

J) Rapport with colleagues, parents, and students;

K) Ability to withstand the strain of teaching;

L) Compliance with state and federal law; and

M) Other relevant factors as determined by the Superintendent or designee.

e. Length of service may be considered as a tiebreaker if a teacher placement decision involves 2 or more teachers and all other factors distinguishing those teachers from each other are equal.

B. Placement of Non-Teaching Professionals Not Subject to Revised School Code Section 1249

If a collective bargaining agreement or individual employment contract governs the Non-Teaching Professional’s employment, the Superintendent or designee will comply with the applicable language on placement.

If a collective bargaining agreement or individual employment contract does not address the placement of Non-Teaching Professionals, the Superintendent or designee is authorized to place Non-Teaching Professionals at their discretion.

C. Vacant Positions

1. Vacancies may be posted consistent with Policy 4205. The Superintendent or designee determines when a vacancy exists. Generally, a vacancy is an unassigned, open position or a newly created position which the District intends to permanently fill.

   2. Vacancies may be filled by a certified and qualified internal or external candidate consistent with this Policy. The Superintendent or designee has full discretion to assign Professional Staff or contractors to cover employee absences consistent with business necessity and operational needs.

Legal authority: MCL 380.11a, 380.601a, 380.1248, 380.1249

Date adopted: 12/19/23

Dated revised: