SB227 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 16-1-33 to establish specific requirements for local board of education reduction-in-force (RIF) policies.

• Prohibits consideration of seniority in RIF decisions except when two employees have equal performance ratings, and prohibits considering degrees, credentials, and pay scale location.

• Requires individual employee performance ratings based on objective evidence of increased student achievement to be the most heavily weighted factor (at least 50 percent) in RIF determinations for instructional employees.

• Allows boards to consider additional criteria such as demonstrated pedagogical skills, classroom management, contributions to school, and records of misconduct or excessive absences.

• Authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to develop a model RIF policy and mandates all policies comply with state and federal antidiscrimination laws; becomes effective three months after passage.