Minnesota teachers could see seniority-only based layoffs end.
HF1870, sponsored by Rep. Branden Petersen (R-Andover), proposes that school administrators examine teacher evaluations when making a decision to demote or discharge a teacher, or place him or her on an unrequested leave of absence.
Approved Feb. 9 by the House Education Reform Committee, the bill awaits action by the full House. Its companion,
SF1690, sponsored by Sen. Pam Wolf (R-Spring Lake Park), awaits action by the Senate Education Committee.
Supporters argue that
HF1870 will add fairness to layoff practices and increase the quality of teachers in the classroom. Opponents claim that legislators are addressing the issue without considering current layoff policies. They urged the committee to value the experience that more seasoned teachers offer.
Committee members debated a variety of amendments to the bill, including six successfully offered by Petersen. Changes to the bill include pushing back the bill’s effective date and a requiring that teacher evaluations be designated as private, individual information.
Rep. Kory Kath (DFL-Owatonna) proposed, then withdrew, an amendment that would mandate negotiations between teachers and local school boards in special cases, creating an exception to the bill. Kath highlighted language immersion and Montessori teachers as examples, whom he said need to be considered differently for layoffs because they meet a unique need in schools.
Rep. John Benson (DFL-Minnetonka) was one of several members who argued for a compromise, saying, “There’s a constant notion, it seems, that the Legislature knows all and that local committees, local school boards and citizens-elect somehow can’t quite be trusted.”
“Quality-blind layoffs, seniority-based layoffs are incompatible with a system that places student achievement first,” Petersen countered.
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