With the State Senate having passed a bill that would end the seniority-based teacher-layoff law in New York City schools, officials on Long Island disagree on whether seniority should be the only factor in culling staff during economic hard times.
Some superintendents say they would like the opportunity to retain new teachers while others worry that highly paid employees - or those who fall out of their principal's favor - might be unfairly targeted if the state changes its layoff policies.
The issue is timely as local school districts face drastic budget cuts; many have already notified their staffs about possible layoffs.
Charles Murphy, superintendent for the Island Trees school district, said merit-based layoffs would help him retain his most effective teachers. His district let go 17 employees last year, based on seniority.
"There were people there who were unbelievable and you're grunting and groaning because they're leaving," Murphy said. "Meanwhile, there could be someone higher on the list and you're grunting and groaning because they're staying."
Herricks Superintendent Jack Bierwirth said he doesn't think districts should wait for layoffs to bounce ineffective teachers.
"You are starting from the premise that I have a mix of effective and ineffective teachers," he said. "I don't want that. There needs to be a process that allows districts to remove teachers who are not doing their jobs."
Bierwirth supports the idea of a five-year renewable license for all educators, including principals and superintendents.
Daniel N. Onorato, assistant superintendent of the Valley Stream 24 district, said he doesn't see a need for merit-based cuts, saying there already are procedures in place to dump unsatisfactory teachers, including those with tenure.
Jeff Rozran, president of the Syosset teachers union and board member of New York State United Teachers union, said the removal of underperforming teachers should not be tied to budget cuts.
"I see it as a subtle and indirect attack on teacher tenure," he said of the legislation.
But Lorraine Deller, executive director for the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, said merit-based layoffs should be an option that boards of education can bring to the bargaining table during negotiations.
John Heslin, president of the Sachem Central Teachers' Association, said state officials are already addressing the issue. As part of its successful Race to the Top bid last year, the state is crafting a new Annual Professional Performance Review that would use student test scores in teacher evaluations.
"If it's already being done, why is the governor so hot on it?" Heslin said. "Obviously, that's not what it's about. It's about getting rid of the higher-priced employees."