Bill > S0747

This bill modifies Rhode Island's teacher tenure laws specifically for the Providence public school district, establishing a unique process for teacher layoffs due to decreased student population. The bill creates a detailed framework that prioritizes teacher retention based on performance, qualifications, and specific criteria rather than solely on seniority. Under the new provisions, tenured teachers cannot be laid off if less qualified non-tenured teachers or teachers without certification are still employed, and certain teachers are protected from layoffs if they meet specific exemption criteria, such as working in high-needs schools, being a teacher of the year, having high performance evaluations, or possessing linguistic skills relevant to the district's student population. The bill allows the school committee and collective bargaining representative to negotiate seniority as a final tiebreaker only when teacher qualifications are otherwise equivalent. Teachers must be notified of suspension by June 1, with exceptions for emergency performance-related causes. The legislation aims to provide a more nuanced and performance-driven approach to managing teacher workforce reductions in the Providence school district, taking into account factors beyond simple length of service.

Education, Labor and Employment

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