Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Human Resources topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews updated reduction-in-force policy as superintendent signals likely RIF at McKelvey
Summary
Superintendent warned of at least one anticipated reduction in force at McKelvey and proposed revisions to policy GCQA to separate classification groups and preserve attrition and disciplinary factors in layoff order.
The board opened a first reading of proposed revisions to GCQA, the district's policy governing reductions in work (RIF). The administration said the changes reflect shifts in teacher certifications and school staffing patterns and would separate McKelvey from Lourgio in application of the RIF sequence.
Assistant Superintendent Tom Liberty (presenting the policy) said the district anticipates at least one certified staff reduction at McKelvey and possibly two due to staffing and enrollment shifts; two reductions have already been planned at Riddle Brook. Liberty recommended revising the policy to avoid intermingling 5'08 staff across schools because middle-school certifications have diverged from the older K'8 generalist model.
Board members raised specific edits the NHSBA-derived draft removed: the earlier local policy included (1) attrition/resignation/retirement as the first step in reductions, and (2) explicit mention of disciplinary record as a factor. Trustees asked administration to reinsert language clarifying that reductions proceed by attrition first and that disciplinary history be considered in the file review stage. Members also questioned language that placed decision-making at the "sole discretion" of the board in places where practice delegates execution to the superintendent; the superintendent said he acts as the board's agent and will refine the draft wording to reflect that administrative role.
Superintendent Fournier explained that if a McKelvey staff member becomes subject to reduction, the district will attempt internal reassignments when certification allows; the administration said it would notify the teachers association president and provide lists and follow the March 1 retirement deadline that can alter the final need for reductions.
Why it matters: The revisions will determine how reductions are sequenced if budget or enrollment changes require layoffs or reassignments, and they affect certified staff across multiple schools. The board asked for clarifying edits and will take the draft up for a second read after the requested changes.
Next steps: Administration will reinsert attrition language, add disciplinary factors, clarify the role of the superintendent versus the board in decision execution, and return the revised policy for a second reading.
