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Reduce the Chance of RIFs
Locals Can Take Steps, Work with Districts
If there are going to be Reductions in Force in your school district this year, your school board and administrative team has probably started to think about which teachers and programs will face cuts.
Thus, it would be wise for you and your association to begin planning ahead. There are ways to avert, or at least minimize, RIFs -- and your NSEA UniServ director can help you organize and implement such plans.
First, listen closely. If you hear rumblings about budget cuts, contact your NSEA UniServ director to discuss strategies. Consider addressing the school board at the very next meeting. If timing doesn't allow for that, set up a special meeting with the superintendent, school board president and/or other board members. Choose the best association spokesperson and tell the board about the importance of keeping staff. Expand on these points:
- RIFs hurt teacher and school morale, and hurt kids.
- Budget cuts should always be made as far from the classroom as possible.
- Cuts in staff lead to cuts in programs and curriculum. That means students will be cheated through fewer class offerings, larger class sizes, fewer educational opportunities and overloaded teachers.
- School spending is economic development. Job cuts at school are no different than job cuts at the local ball bearing plant.
Other Options
Encourage and work with the board to consider other options, such as a levy override or cuts that don't eliminate staff.
Further, encourage the board to delay or table any motions dealing with RIFs until all other options have been explored. RIFs should be the very last resort.
Meanwhile, if you hear talk of RIFs, let your NSEA UniServ director know at once. And if you receive a RIF notice, call NSEA immediately at 1-800-742-0047.
