Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I be sure my paycheck is correct?

    You should always carefully check your paystub to make sure you are being paid correctly, that your deductions for health insurance (if you've opted in to the GIC), any stipends you are entitled to, and sick time are being recorded accurately.  


    To calculate if your pay is accurate (as listed in the contract), multiply your gross pay by 22 weeks or 26 weeks depending on whether you opted to be paid over 22 or 26 paychecks.

  • When do I become eligible for longevity?

    After you complete your 15th, 20th, or 25th year, you will begin receiving the corresponding longevity stipend. 


    Longevity stipends are paid annually, split between 22 checks (even if you have opted in to 26 checks).

  • How do I know if I am eligible for critical needs?

    Areas that are considered critical needs are Math, Science, SPED and ELL educators.  In order to receive a critical needs stipend you must be teaching in that position all day and be licensed in that area.

  • Where can I find information about my retirement?

    The Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System website is a useful resource for answering retirement questions.

    https://mtrs.state.ma.us/


    If you do not have a DESE license you are part of the municipal retirement system. https://www.springfieldretirement.com/your-pension

  • How many sick days do I get each year?

    Each member receives 10 sick days on the first day of each school year. If you use four or fewer days during that school year, you'll receive an additional 5 days on the last day of the school year, to carry over to the next year (in addition to your other unused days, which accumulate from year to year for as long as you are continuously employed in SPS).  


    Certain absences do not count toward the four days, including 2 personal days per year (must be approved by principal), bereavement leave, professional development, jury duty, religious leave, workers’ compensation, and graduation leave. (See Article 12, A-J in the CBA for more details.)


    Sick Bank:

    When you are first hired in SPS, one of your 10 days is given to the Sick Bank, so you will only have 9 days for that year. 


    If the number of days in the Sick Bank falls below 500, every educator in the bargaining unit gives another day to the Sick Bank.

  • Where can I find out how many sick days I currently have?

    On your pay stub, there is a section labeled Leave Balance. Your current accumulated leave is shown in hours (7 per day). 


    To find your current sick day total, divide the balance number by 7. 


    If you don't have your pay stubs, you can go to  the SPS Employee Self Service page (Munis). Your username is your employee number (you can click "forgot my username" or "forgot my password" to have login instructions sent to your SPS email).

  • Who is eligible for the sick bank?

    Any member in good standing is eligible for up to 30 days from the sick bank. To access the sick bank you must submit a doctor's note with a letter explaining the request to HR.   


    You can find more information and instructions here.

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