Daley Backs Bill That Would Overturn Seniority System in Schools

Eagan Sen. Ted Daley (R) is one of a handful of legislators challenging seniority-based layoffs in Minnesota schools.

Daley is listed as a co-author on HF 1870, which introduced on Jan. 13 by District 39B Rep. Branden Petersen (R). The proposed bill requires school districts to lay off teachers based on their licensure field and most recent evaluation results, rather than seniority. The bill passed by a 68-61 vote in the House earlier this February, and the Senate approved it by a 36-26 vote on Monday. The bill will now head to a conference committee before it is sent to Gov. Mark Dayton's office.

Bipartisan proponents of the bill say that the "last in, first out" standard hurts student achievement because districts lose more effective but less experienced teachers. Minnesota is one of 11 states using "last in, first out" policies, Daley wrote in a press release issued today.

But Critics say the legislation is moving too quickly, and has the potential to draw lawsuits from laid-off teachers. The bill would make it easier for districts to ditch more expensive, experienced teachers for their less expensive, less seasoned counterparts, an Education Minnesota spokesperson told the Pioneer Press.

"Ending seniority-only layoff will help our schools keep their best teachers in the classroom," Daley said in a press release. "Layoff reform will help ensure that Minnesota’s students are getting the best education we can provide.”