MO HB1526

Repeals section 168.291 and amends sections 168.124 and 168.221 regarding teacher employment and reduction in force procedures.

Changes reduction in force criteria to base retention on performance-based evaluations (weighted at minimum 70 percent) rather than seniority, explicitly prohibiting use of seniority, years of service, or salary as determining factors.

Requires consideration of performance factors including student achievement, misconduct records, special contributions, and relevant certifications when making reduction in force decisions.

Shortens the notification period for incompetency or inefficiency charges from one semester to 30 days and requires the superintendent and teacher to meet and confer to attempt resolution.

Adds requirement that school districts with fund balances exceeding 10 percent of current expenditures must pay affected teachers $3,000 if placed on leave due to state appropriation decreases after 40 days following the governor's signing of the education appropriation bill.