Dealing With A Reduction In Force

Every year at this time Principals begin the process of planning for the next school term. A major part of this process is determining your staffing needs. When times are good, minor fluctuations in enrollment data will not adversely affect your staffing needs . However, during times of fiscal constraint, which many communities are now facing, the result could be major staffing reductions and thus place the financial and professional lives of many young educators in jeopardy. So the question arises "How do you go about reducing the size of your work force and at the same time maintain a positive school climate?"

To begin with, schools are giant rumor factories where the least little bit of information can be turned into a 3 day melodrama. Therefore, you must try to keep a lid on any incorrect information from getting out to the public. Failure to do so will just heighten the anxiety level of your young teachers and redirect your student bodies attention away from their studies.

While you are waiting for your Superintendent to give you your budget there are several things that you can do. First, make certain that your staffing seniority lists are accurate and up to date. Review with your guidance department the course offering for the next school year to determine the number of classes that you will need to schedule. Keep in mind current staffing ratios and contractual limitations.

At a faculty conference make your staff aware of the general economic climate that you are facing . Try not to be an alarmist and provide realistic information in your discussion. The earlier you are able to share this information with your staff the better prepared they will be for any future news.

If you anticipate budget cuts than be pro-active. Review your operating budget and determine if you have any options to cut supplies or equipment. Look at your extra curricular program and review your offerings. Remember minor adjustments in these areas may allow you to keep a valuable new teacher on your payroll.

When the time comes to notify your teachers of any staff cuts make certain that you carry this out as quickly as possible. There' s nothing worse than being on the bottom of the seniority list and not knowing your future. Bring each teacher who will be terminated into your office and give him/her the bad news in person. Be prepared for an emotional reaction from your teacher. Be as supportive as possible at the time of your meeting and in the future. Make every effort to help your teacher find another job. Contacts with neighboring districts and letters of recommendation are a good start.

Being considerate and humane during this difficult process will go a long way to help these teachers and in the process you will gain support from the rest of your staff during this very difficult time.