HB657 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Craig Ford

Independent

Co-Sponsors

Jim McClendonBarry MaskPhil WilliamsEd HenryMac ButtramDavid Sessions

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Local boards of education, written reduction in force policies, consideration of certain credentials in making staff decisions, temporary interim reduction-in-force policy provided, Sec. 16-1-33 am'd

Summary

HB657 would require Alabama local boards to base staffing decisions on employee effectiveness rather than credentials, and allow a temporary interim reduction-in-force policy.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits using seniority, degrees, or credentials as the basis for layoffs, recalls, retention, or other staffing decisions. It requires boards to adopt a written reduction-in-force policy that uses a weighted determination of an employee’s effectiveness in advancing student achievement as the primary factor. It allows a temporary interim RIF policy while a formal evaluation procedure is developed, with criteria including at least 70% weight on individual performance and factors such as demonstrated student achievement, instructional and preparation skills, and feedback from school leaders or peers. It also lets boards consider contributions to tutoring or enrichment programs and any misconduct or excessive unexcused absences, and the policy must align with existing law (Section 16-1-30).

Who It Affects

• School district employees (teachers and other staff) who could be affected by layoffs or staffing decisions based on the new weighted effectiveness criteria, rather than credentials or length of service.
• Local boards of education and related district bodies that must adopt and implement the new staffing and interim policy requirements.
• Students in public schools, whose staffing and classroom experiences may be influenced by decisions tied to demonstrated effectiveness and student achievement outcomes.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits using seniority, degrees, or credentials as the basis for staffing decisions related to reduction-in-force, layoffs, recalls, retention, and other staffing actions.
• Requires a written reduction-in-force policy based on objective criteria, with the primary factor being a weighted determination of demonstrated effectiveness in advancing student achievement.
• Allows temporary use of an interim reduction-in-force policy pending adoption of a formal evaluation procedure, with criteria including: (a) individual performance as the most heavily weighted factor (not less than 70%), (b) evidence of increased student achievement and instructional/preparation skills assessed by administrators or peers, (c) contributions to tutoring or enrichment programs, and (d) records of misconduct or excessive unexcused absence.
• Policy must be consistent with Section 16-1-30, and the act amends Section 16-1-33 of the Code of Alabama 1975.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education