Not sure how contract works for application

[miss-m]

So... Officially, I have not signed a contract for this year (2019/2020). I received one, but my pay adjustment was processed without my contract being updated, and theoretically HR is going to adjust my contract to match that. I'm waiting to sign until that happens, because I don't actually trust them to not drop my pay back down if I sign the contract with the wrong class level on it. But anyway, I would consider myself as being under contract.

However. I am looking for a new job next year. Another district posted for anticipated openings for the 2020/2021 year. I haven't resigned yet or told my P I'm looking to leave; it's still early in the year, but I plan on letting her know I'm looking for another job before I submit my application in the next couple weeks. The problem is that the application asks 2 things I don't actually know how to answer:
1. When does your contract expire? (I have no clue; it doesn't say on my contract. I assume it would be either the date I put on my resignation letter OR when I would get my last paycheck, which would be the end of July).
2. Have you resigned your current contract for the upcoming year? (I feel like this is just worded weirdly. Once I submit a letter of resignation, I'd answer yes, but right now it's a "not yet" and I don't want to resign officially until I get an offer.)

Will it look bad to answer "no" to question 2? I don't want to do anything to hinder my odds of getting hired, but I also don't want to be without a job next year because I resigned so early in the year.

 

[tchr4vr]

I'm sure there are circumstances that are not being explained in this post, but you haven't even signed your contract and you're already looking for a new job? . So, am I to understand that as soon as you sign your contract you're going to submit a letter of resignation? If I was hiring, that would be an immediate flag to me. But I'm sure there's more to this.

As for the questions, the first one is generally the last date of the school year. The second is a no, because as of right now, you haven't.

So,

 

[vickilyn]

Your contract expires at the end of the 2019-2020 school year, and you answer No for question #2. FWIW, I wouldn't go telling my principal that I'm looking until I had a definite lead that was already a for sure thing. Some schools will have commitment dates in the spring and that will be soon enough to deal with your decision.

 

[miss-m]

I'm sure there are circumstances that are not being explained in this post, but you haven't even signed your contract and you're already looking for a new job? . So, am I to understand that as soon as you sign your contract you're going to submit a letter of resignation? If I was hiring, that would be an immediate flag to me. But I'm sure there's more to this.

As for the questions, the first one is generally the last date of the school year. The second is a no, because as of right now, you haven't.

So,

This is my 4th year in the district. I was issued a contract that I haven't signed yet because my salary is wrong on the contract. I'll be emailing soon, but will likely get the same reply I got when my adjustment was approved -- that contracts will be updated, but that pushing adjustments through in a timely fashion took precedence. I actually don't think I ever even GOT a contract for last year. My district is a bit chaotic at the moment, hence me looking for a new job already.

 

[miss-m]

Your contract expires at the end of the 2019-2020 school year, and you answer No for question #2. FWIW, I wouldn't go telling my principal that I'm looking until I had a definite lead that was already a for sure thing. Some schools will have commitment dates in the spring and that will be soon enough to deal with your decision.

This is sort of what I was thinking.
The only reason I'd want to let my principal know I'm applying is to give her a heads up on any reference calls. I've had a pretty good relationship with her thus far and I'd rather not spoil it on my way out.

 

[vickilyn]

This is sort of what I was thinking.
The only reason I'd want to let my principal know I'm applying is to give her a heads up on any reference calls. I've had a pretty good relationship with her thus far and I'd rather not spoil it on my way out.

Simply ask any serious, getting deep into the interview process potential job opportunities to refrain from contacting your current job until you have a chance to speak to your principal. If it is down to just those references and you are hired, that is the time to tell your principal. Technically, if this is for the next school year, it won't make much of a difference to your current place of employment.