Tuesday, February 28, 2012

What Does it Mean to be RIFd?

During these tough budgetary times, most school districts will be doing RIFs (Reduction in Force) at the February and March Board of Education meetings in Illinois. The Board of Education may have made decisions to RIF employees due to the following: increase class size, thus eliminating a classroom; is unsure about enrollment at this time, so RIFing teachers, in the event that enrollment does not support the need for another teacher; or is unsure about the budget from the state and other state payments.

The School Code requires that written notice for Reduction in Force be given to non-tenured teachers at least 45 calendar days before the end of the school year. In the school code all releases, either due to budget or due to performance for non-tenured teachers are documented as "non-renewal of probationary teachers." At this time, non-tenured teachers do not have a statutory right to bump other teachers and do not have seniority rights. Your principal will inform you that you will be RIFd and what that means. If you have questions, you can ask your union representative as well.

This is a very emotional time for most teachers being RIFd-- it means losing your job. Most teachers feel that they have worked hard and given their heart and soul, and now are losing their job. Understand that most RIFs in current time are due to the tough economy and lack of local and state monies available to districts. Always be professional during this time; do not get caught up in the rumor mill and negative conversations. Continue to work hard and meet the needs of your students.

The Reductions in Force are publicly announced at the board meeting stating the names of employees to be RIFd and the Board of Education must vote to accept those reductions.

It is possible for the Board to recall non-tenured teachers at any time, and teachers could be recalled right up to the week before school. There is no seniority for recall of non-tenured teachers, so districts have the option to recall who they feel is the best candidate should a position open.

If you are RIFd, begin looking at your options for employment immediately! The competition for open positions will be fierce, so you need to be assertive early! Get those online applications, resumes, and cover letters out to districts that have posted vacancies!!

Ask you principal about compensation arrangements if you are on 24 pay and the duration of insurance benefits.

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