House Takes Up Proposal To Change Teacher Layoffs Statewide

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota House has taken up a bill to change the teacher layoff system statewide.

Rep. Jenifer Loon's proposal would minimize seniority when school boards decide which teachers to lay off. It would require teacher evaluations play a role in the decisions.

The Eden Prairie Republican and her colleagues say that will ensure the best teachers stay in classrooms. Opponents say it will lead to cutthroat competition between educators.

Loon's bill also streamlines the licensure process for out-of-state teachers. Some say teachers have had to retake college courses in Minnesota despite having classroom experience.

The Republican-controlled House is likely to pass the bill Thursday, though debate could take hours. It will face an uphill battle in the Democratic Senate. Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a similar layoff bill in 2012.