House Passes Bill on Teacher Layoffs [AUDIO]

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UNDATED – The Minnesota House has passed a bill that would let schools consider teacher performance in layoff decisions.  State law currently requires that seniority be the only consideration. Opponents say the bill would make it easier for districts to layoff teachers with high salaries.

Republican State Representative Tim O’Driscoll of Sartell voted for the bill.  He says there are state laws already in place to protect those workers.

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Democrat Larry Hosch of St. Joseph voted against the bill.  He says he’s not completely opposed to the idea of teacher evaluations to playing a role in deciding which teachers to keep, however he says districts aren’t ready yet.

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The bill passed the House on a 68-61 vote.  The Senate companion bill is still in committee.