From ajc.com:

Teachers could no longer rely on seniority as a safe harbor when school districts lay off workers, under legislation before the Georgia House Monday.

Senate Bill 184 would require local school systems to use teacher performance as the primary factor when deciding layoffs. Supporters argue that policy change will give job security to the best educators and give middling teachers incentive to improve.

“If we want the best students and to improve our education system, we have got to have the best teachers,” said Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, the measure’s sponsor. “Anything else is contrary to keeping the best employees.”

Opponents say the legislation isn’t necessary because job performance has been included as a factor in decisions on layoffs for years. They worry the issue draws focus away from school funding cuts the state has made for years.

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