Performance over seniority in teacher negotiations under bill passed by Legislature

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Beacon Hill lawmakers say that for the state’s teachers, performance should be more important than seniority. They sent that message with a bill approved by the Senate last week, and the House on Wednesday.

If it is signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick, it will require school districts and local teacher associations to negotiate layoffs and transfers based on teacher performance instead of seniority. It would also prevent the decision from being made by voters; as a ballot question on this topic was in the works for the November election.

Joann Schuman, executive director of the Collaborative of Educational Services in Northampton , says reaching an agreement has been a challenge, because historically unions have had a strong stand on seniority.

“The new evaluation system, while it does not discount seniority and no one is not saying that seniority is not good, but it shouldn't be the only reason or rationale for keeping the teacher,” Schuman said.

The bill was backed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association and Patrick is expected to sign it into law.