Seniority in layoffs
Fort Wayne Community Schools is planning on laying off 49 people. They will do it by seniority. No matter how bad a teacher may be, they will keep their position over a more qualified teacher if they have more seniority. So when President Obama wants to pay teachers more, what would this actually accomplish under criteria used by FWCS?
Does FWCS want the best teachers? If they cannot distinguish good teachers from bad and rely on seniority to decide who gets laid off, what message does this send to those wanting to pay good teachers more?
posted by William Larsen @ 12:23 AM
2 Comments:
Bill:
Having married a teacher with the FWCS, there are some criteria I would set upon to "choose" what teachers (if any) should be laid off.
I would have to consider which teachers are "bad", and by that I mean ones that have been cavalier in their attitude TOWARDS teaching.
I would not base any decision upon the class performance alone, unless it was a class of honor students that flunked out...that would NEED to be looked into.
Also, you have to have the kids' asses IN THE CHAIRS in those classrooms to teach them, and if they don't bother to show up, that shouldn't be counted AGAINST any teacher.
Educators will drop off the role due to attrition, as well., Some will retire, or just go to the private sector.
I think FWCS needs to look into that, and not just select 49 people due to lack of seniority.
But that's just *my* opinion.
Bob,
You are correct that they need to use other criteria in reducing the teacher work force. If it were me I would reduce some administrative positions, put wage freezes in place as they have in the private sector, eliminate travel to name a few.
Relying o seniority alone is easier, but it is the wrong way.
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