AUSTIN, MN--Teachers in Minnesota may not be able to use their seniority to escape a firing in case of layoffs.
A proposal at the state capitol would put an end to a state mandate, that requires school districts to consider seniority when conducting layoffs.
Republican lawmakers introducing the measure, say it will help keep the best teachers and get rid of lousy ones.
Local school districts say teacher performance has always been talked about and is good idea to stay on top of, but how do you grade someone?
Austin Public Schools Superintendent David Krenz says, "Now the concern is, how do you fairly administer an evaluation process. How do you objectively grade a teacher?"
The teacher's union disagrees with the proposal, saying it may be a way for districts to cut down on costs, if they get rid of higher paid tenured teachers in favor of ones that cost less. They say it may also hurt student education by getting rid of experience.
Several other states have made this switch, but about a dozen require the seniority mandate along with Minnesota.
