A survey of teacher employment and tenure statutes in the 50 states reveals a variety of provisions directly relating to reduction in force. A chart illustrates the variations in statutory provision of reasons for reduction in force, of order for release, and of order for recall. (Author/MLF)

This legal memorandum provides an overview of the growing body of legislation and litigation concerning reduction in force (RIF). The focus of the article is the suspension or dismissal of teachers for reasons unrelated to their competence or behavior. Cases concerning other professional personnel such as principals, or other staffing strategies…

Declining enrollment and lower teacher turnover have forced many school districts to reduce the number of professional personnel employed. State legislatures, the courts, and local collective negotiations have been the principal scenes of legal activity concerning reduction in force (RIF). In this monograph, both technical legal information and…