PERSONAL DAYS - Each certificated employee is alloted three (3) personal days of absence from their duties each school year. Two (2) of the personal days, if not used, roll over and accumulate as sick days.

SICK DAYS - Each certificated employee is alloted one (1) sick day per month which are cumulative, if not used, producing a total of ten (10) sick days per year.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE - At the end of the school year, all employees who have a record of perfect attendance during the school year split a pot of money set aside to reward perfect attendance.

PAYDAYS - All personnel are paid on the 28th of the month. Employees do have the option of participating in a direct deposit plan.

HEALTH INSURANCE - Certificated personnel have the choice of participating in a Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan with three (3) different types of coverage(s) depending upon HOM, PPO, or POS coverage. Currently, the employee cost for health insurance is 12.60% of the premium for single coverage and 13.75% for family coverage depending upon the type of coverage chosen. Another outstanding insurance benefit for our teachers is that the same percentages also apply to increases in health insurance premiums which occur at least once a year. According to state statistics released by the Tennessee Education Association, the premiums for the three family health insurance programs ranks Lauderdale County's premiums as # 3 and # 2 in comparison with 136 other Tennessee school systems in relation to employee cost.

RETIREMENT PLANS - At the present time there are three (3) companies, Edward Jones Co., Horace Mann Co., and Valic, which are allowed to offer teachers participation in a 403-B retirement plan through payroll deduction.

TENNESSEE CONSOLIDATED RETIREMENT SYSTEM - In the state of Tennessee teachers contribute through payroll deduction approximately five (5) per cent of their gross salary to the retirement system.

CANCER INSURANCE - Teachers may participate in a cancer insurance program through one (1) of two (2) providers: Life of Alabama or U.S. Able. Amount of deduction(s) would depend on type of coverage selected.

DENTAL INSURANCE - Certificated personnel have the option of participating in the Guardian Dental Insurance Plan.

LIFE INSURANCE - Teachers may purchase through payroll deduction a term-life insurance policy up to $100,000 at very affordable rates beginning at $1.50 a month and going up to $15.00 a month depending upon coverage selected.

OTHER INSURANCE - Teachers may purchase through payroll deduction short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, coronary care insurance, term life insurance, and/or intensive care insurance.

STATE INCOME TAX - At the present time there is NO state income tax in the state of Tennessee.

CAFETERIA PLAN - Any of the above mentioned medical plans/coverages may be deducted through a cafeteria plan arrangement which reduces the amount of taxes paid out by the teacher.

TECHNOLOGY / LAPTOP - Each certified teacher is issued a wireless laptop computer loaded with internet access, email, grading program, Microsoft Office, and many other software applications. Teachers are being trained by the Technology Department to use this valuable tool in a classroom setting. Additionally, online tools are provided for each teacher including Nettrekker, United Streaming, and Brain Pop.

TEACHER TENURE - Teachers in the state of Tennessee may be eligible to receive tenure status after serving and being successfully evaluated and being recommended for tenure after a period of three (3) successive years in a school system.

EDUCATIONAL GROWTH - Teachers who are interested in obtaining licensure and/or endorsement in other teaching areas or who are interested in pursuing advanced degrees will be delighted with the close proximity within easy driving distance to several colleges and universities. (26 colleges and universities within a two (2) hour driving radius).

LOWER COST OF LIVING - Figures and statistics from local and state agencies indicate that individuals living in Lauderdale County do experience a lower cost of living whether it be in the area of housing, groceries, medicines, property taxes, entertainment, shopping, clothing, etc.