2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §15-538.01  Offer of contract to certificated teacher employed more than three consecutive school years

A. Subject to the provisions of sections 15-539, 15-540, 15-541, 15-544 and 15-549, the governing board shall, between March 15 and May 15, offer to each certificated teacher who has been employed by the school district for more than the major portion of three consecutive school years and who is under contract of employment with the school district for the current year a contract renewal for the next ensuing school year unless on or before May 15 the governing board, a member of the board acting on behalf of the board or the superintendent of the school district gives notice to the teacher of the board's intent not to offer a contract and to dismiss the teacher as provided in section 15-539.

B. The teacher's acceptance of the contract must be indicated within thirty days from the date of the written contract or the offer of a contract is revoked. The teacher accepts the contract by signing the contract and returning it to the governing board or by making a written instrument which accepts the terms of the contract and delivering it to the governing board. If the written instrument includes terms in addition to the terms of the contract offered by the board, the teacher fails to accept the contract.

C. If dismissal proceedings in reference to the teacher cannot be completed by May 15 through no fault of the governing board or the superintendent, or if the incidents relied on in whole or in part occurred after May 15, dismissal proceedings may continue or be initiated.