Bill > SB669

This bill modifies Oregon's procedures for reducing teacher staff positions in school districts by primarily focusing on seniority as the key factor when determining which teachers to retain during staff reductions. The bill removes previous provisions related to "cultural or linguistic expertise" and simplifies the staff reduction process. Under the revised law, school districts must prioritize the length of time a teacher has been employed when making layoff decisions, with seniority calculated from the first day of actual service. The bill allows some flexibility for school districts to retain teachers with less seniority if they can demonstrate that the retained teacher has more competence or merit than a more senior teacher. The law still requires school districts to make reasonable efforts to transfer teachers to other positions and maintain curriculum needs. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, and it applies to contracts entered into, renewed, or extended on or after its effective date. The goal appears to be streamlining the teacher reduction process while maintaining a focus on preserving teaching positions based primarily on years of service.

Education

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB669