Sen. Bonoff Sides With Republicans On Last In, First Out Teacher Bill

The state House and Senate have both passed bills to place teacher effectiveness over senority during layoffs.

The Republican-sponsored bill, referred to as "First In, First Out," would create legislation to stop school boards from automatically laying off the newest teachers.

On Monday, Feb. 27, the Senate passed the bill 36 to 26, after a similar bill had previously passed the House, according to a HometownSource.com article. Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, joined with Republicans in passing the legislation authored by Sen Pam Wolf, R-Spring Lake Park.

Supporters of the legislation say promising young teachers are often pushed out by teachers who have more seniority but who are not necessary better teachers.

Democratic senators argued that a dependable teacher evaluation model would be hard to find and that the legislation invites school districts to get rid of highly-paid teachers and keep lowered paid ones.