Little Rock Education Association Votes to Ratify Contract
By: Deedra Wilson
Updated: January 8, 2013
Members of the Little Rock Education Association voted overwhelmingly to change the way local schools think about layoffs.
At issue was which teachers would be laid off if school districts made cuts.
Right now if a reduction in force were to happen, it goes by seniority, meaning those that have been around the longest would keep their jobs.
But Tuesday, members voted to add five other qualifiers: attendance, evaluation, special certifications, professional development and education.
"We can't just say because you have the most years, you are the best person. There are other factors that are crucial, including being bilingual for our students in little rock school district," said LREA President Cathy Koehler.
Koehler also says the school district has had a reduction in force only once in 20 years.
However, she adds, when the desegregation funding goes away, the district will have to find a way to make up the millions of dollars lost.
The vote now goes to the Little Rock School Board Members.
At issue was which teachers would be laid off if school districts made cuts.
Right now if a reduction in force were to happen, it goes by seniority, meaning those that have been around the longest would keep their jobs.
But Tuesday, members voted to add five other qualifiers: attendance, evaluation, special certifications, professional development and education.
"We can't just say because you have the most years, you are the best person. There are other factors that are crucial, including being bilingual for our students in little rock school district," said LREA President Cathy Koehler.
Koehler also says the school district has had a reduction in force only once in 20 years.
However, she adds, when the desegregation funding goes away, the district will have to find a way to make up the millions of dollars lost.
The vote now goes to the Little Rock School Board Members.
