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Policy DHB - Reduction in Force

Policy DHB-Reduction in Force (PDF)

Issue Date: May 16, 2012

Purpose

The Board of Education recognizes that from time to time it may be necessary to reduce its work force under certain circumstances.  Any time a reduction in force becomes necessary, the primary goal of the Board is to identify those positions that can be eliminated, combined, or reduced to meet the needs of the District.  The maintenance of educational programs is the top priority when a reduction in force becomes necessary.

Delegation

The Board of Education hereby delegates to the Superintendent the duty to identify which programs or positions should be eliminated, combined, or reduced whenever a reduction in force becomes necessary.  In suggesting such action, the Superintendent should consider :

  1. Why the Reduction in Force is necessary.
  2. Which positions can best be eliminated, combined, or modified to meet the educational goals of the School District.

In considering which positions to eliminate, combine or modify in the best interests of education in the school district, the Superintendent may, at his or her discretion, consider the following factors 

1,         The results of an employee’s performance evaluation; and

  1. A school’s personnel needs.

Necessary Reductions

The School District may reduce the number of employees in force, combine, or modify positions or programs without following Orderly Termination Policies of the School District only when it becomes necessary to reduce the number of employees for one or more of the following reasons:

  1. Declining student enrollments in the School District;
  2. Discontinuance of a particular service or program;
  3. The shortage of anticipated revenue after the budget has been adopted; or 
  4. School consolidation.

“Last Hired, First Fired” Procedure for Layoffs Prohibited

The District may not utilize a last-hired, first-fired procedure for layoffs when terminating District employees.  “last-hired, first-fired procedure for layoffs” means staff reduction that mandates the termination of an employee who started to work for the District most recently before terminating a more senior employee.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to reduction in force of both classified and certified employees.