Ask Mr. (School) Answer Person: Questions about reorganization and the possibility of displaced teachers

(Lucas e-mails: "I see the reorganization has passed, I noticed in a prior article it stated that this would provide protection for existing teachers for North Winneshiek. What about the teachers at Decorah? How is this best for everyone? How is saving an individuals job by taking another persons job a great solution? Yes, it's not a good situation for the North Winneshiek teachers, but how about the Decorah teachers that may have just lost their job because Decorah residents want to make the district bigger? Why not bring those teachers into the system as substitutes and associates until a position opens? I see positives for North Winn. And no positives for Decorah staff, can you provide a silver lining for the people that possibly just lost their dream jobs?")

Mr. (School) Answer Person says:  Our reader raises some good questions.  There is no bottom line answer. But we need to recognize that voters in both districts overwhelmingly voted for the reorganization, and that ultimately the vote is about education of children in the most effective and economic manner. As much as we hope that committed professionals do not get displaced, we need to remember that "reductions in force" do occur, and have happened relatively recently in the Decorah district.

That having been said, when the potential for reduction in force happens, districts typically strategize to limit that – via shuffling of staff, special early retirement programs, etc.  Superintendents of the Decorah and North Winneshiek schools acknowledge their concerns about this issue, and assume a newly constituted board for the new district will address this in the best manner possible. The reorganization vote provides that teachers in both districts be on the "same playing field" in regard to their "points" that are used in determining seniority and job security. It provides no advantage for teachers from either district.

It is also important to note that the newly organized school board and administration will be officially organized next month, and this will undoubtedly be on their agenda. Your input to them with suggestions, such as offering substitute and associate positions, would surely be welcome.