ST. PAUL, MN -- On Thursday, March 16th, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation that repeals the last in, first out (LIFO) requirement when school districts are forced to make staff changes. By removing this default in state statute, school districts and local bargaining units are able to explore alternative options in addition to seniority, helping keep the best teachers in the classroom. The legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 71-59.
“School districts need to have all the tools on the table in order to negotiate teacher contracts that are in the best interest of our students; relying simply on seniority is short sided.” said Representative Cal Bahr (R-East Bethel). “Our students deserve to have the most qualified teachers in the classroom.”
Currently, Minnesota is one of only six states where seniority is the sole factor in teacher retention decisions. The bill does not discourage seniority to be included as a factor, but opens up negotiations to include teacher effectiveness, evaluations and other criteria.
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