HB353 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ed Henry

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Mary Sue McClurkinMac ButtramPhil WilliamsDavid Sessions

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Education, contents of local written reduction-in-force policies provided further for, Sec. 16-1-33 am'd.

Summary

HB353 would require local boards of education to adopt more detailed reduction-in-force policies, set criteria and weightings for layoffs, allow a state model policy, and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 16-1-33 to specify what must be in a local reduction-in-force policy. It requires policy content on layoffs, recalls, and notifications based on objective criteria, and it sets weightings that prioritize measured student achievement. It prohibits using seniority, degrees, or pay location as primary factors and allows certain high-priority considerations, with a possible model policy developed by the State Superintendent and compliance with anti-discrimination laws. It also requires teachers and administrators to be involved in developing the instructional policy and aims to maintain teaching quality.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education and their employees, who must adopt and follow the new, more detailed reduction-in-force policies.
• Teachers and school administrators (instructional staff) who will participate in policy development and be subject to the policy's criteria, weightings, and anti-discrimination protections.

Key Provisions

• Boards must adopt a written reduction-in-force policy consistent with existing law; content includes layoffs, recalls, and layoff/recall notifications based on objective criteria.
• For instructional employees, policy development must involve teachers and administrators to focus on maintaining quality instruction.
• Seniority, degrees/credentials, and pay scale location cannot be used as primary factors in RIF decisions; subject-area priorities may be considered if high priority or hard to staff.
• Performance ratings with objective evidence of increased student achievement must be at least 50% of the weighting in RIF determinations; if not present, other criteria from later provisions must be used and weighted more heavily.
• Additional criteria may include pedagogical skills, classroom preparation/management, contributions, and misconduct/absences.
• The State Superintendent may create a model reduction-in-force policy.
• Policies must comply with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

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