It’s a tough time for teachers around the country, as school districts announce layoffs to counter budget cuts. But one district has a very unusual way of deciding which teachers to let go.
Local news reports that 70 positions will have to be cut in Kanawha County, West Virginia, due to budget problems. How did they choose whom to axe for the 2017-2018 school year? They asked the teachers to draw numbers from a hat, and teachers aren’t happy about it.
Rebecca Rhett, a local kindergarten teacher, told local news that 34 teachers were forced to draw a number from a hat, and teachers that drew 1-24 were guaranteed their job for the next school year. “If you drew number one through 24, you get to keep your job or a job,” Rhett said. “I was already crying before I went up because I was frustrated, so when I drew the 28 I just left”.
Rhett says all of the teachers there had one thing in common, their start date with the school district. Every one of them started in August of 2016. “I looked around the room and it appeared most people were very young.” Rhett said “Probably right out of college or not too far out of college.”
The school district says the decision was based on seniority, and that that is a part of the district code. Rhett, a teacher with over 20 years of experience elsewhere, says it isn’t fair that overall experience and credentials don’t seem to matter. “Seniority is the only factor that counts.” she said. “Experience from other counties doesn’t count or your credentials doesn’t count.”
All teachers that drew numbers 25 or higher will be employed through June and will be the first to fill slots left by retiring teachers. Those that don’t have a job by the time school starts up in the fall will be placed on a preferred rehire list.