Teacher tenure law tweaked

Proposed changes to teacher and principal contract statutes could add time to some educators’ probationary periods, but could help some teachers with specialty qualifications keep their jobs amidst layoffs due to declining enrollment and finances.

The House Education Reform Committee approved HF575, sponsored by Committee Chairwoman Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton) April 12. It now goes to the House floor. Sen. Dave Thompson (R-Lakeville) sponsors a companion, SF768, which awaits action by the Senate Education Committee.

The bill would lengthen the probationary period of teachers to three consecutive years in a district, with at least 120 teaching days per year, and require the teacher be evaluated three times throughout each year. Another three-year probationary period would be required for teachers moving into a new district.

A two-year probationary period would apply to a licensed teacher who moves into a principal or assistant principal job within a district, while retaining their continuing contract status, or tenure, if not promoted after the probationary period.

The bill would allow school boards to exempt certain teachers from seniority rules during layoffs due to financial constraints or downsizing, including those in Montessori or language immersion programs; who teach advanced placement courses; or hold a K-12 instrumental vocal license and are a choir, band or orchestra director, if they “meet a unique need in delivering curriculum.”

Rep. Kory Kath (DFL-Owatonna) unsuccessfully offered an amendment outlining a professional development and evaluation plan all districts would adopt, including specified evaluation procedures, peer review and coaching.

“This amendment was offered during the education omnibus bill hearing and it was voted down by the body,” said Rep. Branden Petersen (R-Andover).

“While it’s true that the majority may have spoken on this issue already, at the end of the day, this body’s going to have to arrive at accord with the executive branch in order to enact law,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul), adding that the governor has indicated the plan outlined in the amendment would be closer to his preference.

Erickson said she would keep the amendment available as the conference committee process moves forward.