Teacher layoffs bill passes Pa. Senate

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A bill that would make it easier for Pennsylvania’s public school districts to lay off teachers has the state Senate’s approval.

The bill approved on a 38-12 today to allow school districts to lay off teachers and other professional employees to control costs. The bill also would allow districts to lay off teachers without regard to seniority, under certain circumstances.

The bill still needs approval from the House of Representatives.

Its sponsor, Republican Sen. Mike Folmer of Lebanon County, says the bill is necessary to give cash-strapped school districts the flexibility to balance their budgets.

However, Democratic Sen. Andrew Dinniman of Chester County says the bill won’t ensure the best teachers remain in classrooms because the state has no meaningful system of teacher evaluation.