Bill > A04411

This bill aims to empower school boards to make employment decisions based on performance, qualifications, and the best interests of students, rather than solely on seniority. Specifically, the bill modifies several sections of New York's education law to establish new criteria for retaining or removing teachers and administrative staff during position abolishments or reductions. The key changes require superintendents and principals to recommend which teachers or staff should be retained based on multiple factors, including: annual professional performance reviews, student educational achievements, teacher qualifications, length of service, certifications, demonstrated ability, attendance, and specific school needs for particular expertise. Importantly, the bill prohibits using salary as a factor in retention decisions and requires school boards to minimize adverse impacts on students and educational quality. When positions are abolished, affected employees will be placed on a preferred eligible list for similar positions, with reinstatement decisions based on the new performance-oriented criteria rather than traditional seniority-based methods. These changes apply to various scenarios such as school district reorganizations, program transfers, and changes in student enrollment, effectively modernizing employment practices in educational institutions to prioritize educational quality and individual performance.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4411