A.  Tenure is defined as full-time employment by a degree holding employee for three (3) successive years and one (1) day.  The calculation of tenure shall begin on the first paid day of employment.

B.  An employee having tenure shall not be discharged except for reasons of serious and/or public immorality, insubordination, incompetency, serious neglect of duty or other just cause.  Such discharge, when based upon incompetency shall be preceded by at least a ninety (90) calendar day period during which the employee shall have the opportunity to correct the areas of incompetency. The ninety (90) day period shall commence following a conference with and a written evaluation of the employee detailing the areas of incompetency and the requirements to correct the same.

     1.  Employee may be otherwise disciplined for just cause which warrants disciplinary action, but falls short of cause for dismissal.  This may include suspensions without pay.  The Schools shall endeavor to provide written notice of the reason for any suspension at the time of the suspension.  However, in no event shall such notice be provided later than 24 hours thereafter.  Verbal notice of the reason shall be given at the time of suspension.

    1.  Notwithstanding grievance and arbitration procedures hereinafter specified, any grievance arising from the dismissal of a teacher for serious and/or public immorality and/or public rejection of official doctrine or teachings of the Church, and/or the policies of the Diocese of Camden related thereto as stated by the Bishop of the Diocese shall first be discussed orally with the principal.  The charge shall then be reduced to writing and presented to the teacher.  The teacher or Union may then file a grievance at the Office of Superintendent level.  If the grievance is not resolved at the previous level, the teacher or the Union may request arbitration by the Bishop of the Diocese, or his designee.  In those matters which, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Bishop of the Diocese, concern serious and/or public immorality and/or public rejection of official doctrine and/or teachings of the Church and/or the policies of the Diocese of Camden related thereto as stated by the Bishop, the Bishop of the Diocese shall be the ultimate judge whose decision shall be final and binding on all concerned.