A. The Parties of this agreement recognize the Committee's exclusive authority to select and employ new professional personnel In keeping with the high standards of the community, the parties agree to make a good-faith effort to continue to attract teachers who possess high qualifications, and to keep such teachers in the Foster School System.

B. Teachers new to this school system shall be given full increment credit on the salary scale for only that outside experience which was performed as a full time teacher in the public schools of Rhode Island. Any other increment credit shall be given only with the prior approval of the Foster School Committee.

C. The teacher who has taught in the Town of Foster one hundred and thirty-five (135) days in a given school year on a regular  basis shall be given credit for a school year and placed on the next salary step if hired as a full-time teacher for the next school year or any portion thereof.

D. In unusual and infrequent circumstances, up to two extra increments on the salary scale, or beyond it, may be allowed in order to compensate or retain in the system, teachers of extraordinary skill and ability. Such infrequent extra increments will be given by the Committee only after written evaluation of the teacher involved by the school administration and the Superintendent of Schools.

E. If evaluation shows a teacher's specialized non-teaching professional experience has a direct relevance to her or his teaching assignment, it may be recognized by advancement on the salary scale However, no more than three (3) steps on the salary schedule will be given on the recommendation of the Superintendent and approval of the School Committee.

F. Employment may be terminated by the Committee for cause as provided by state statute and decisional law. The teacher may resign by submitting at least thirty (30) days written notice.