HB 657 Summary

• Prohibits consideration of seniority, degrees, or credentials as a basis for reduction-in-force decisions, layoffs, recalls, and retention.

• Requires the primary factor for layoffs to be based on a weighted determination of demonstrated effectiveness in advancing student achievement, not length of service.

• Mandates interim reduction-in-force policies include individual employee performance (minimum 70 percent weighting), significant contributions to the school, and records of misconduct or excessive absences.

• Allows boards to temporarily implement an interim reduction-in-force policy pending adoption of a formal procedure for evaluating employee effectiveness in advancing student achievement.

• Effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.