Code 219

SEDC may reduce the number of staff through a reduction in force due to one or more of the following at any time during the calendar year.

• The discontinuance or substantial reduction of a particular service or program;
• The shortage of anticipated revenue after the budget has been adopted; or
• Declining student enrollments or loss of revenue in the districts of the SEDC service region that might cause said districts to be unable to pay assessments for services.

No reduction in force shall take place without approval of the SEDC Executive Board. Such approval will be documented in board minutes.

When a reduction becomes necessary, the following items shall be considered:

• Categories of work to be eliminated, such as programs and services provided.
• Part-time and temporary employees will be released before “At Will” full time employees.
• Seniority at SEDC: Less senior employees in the affected programs will be released before more senior employees, except as outlined in 4 below. Seniority will be calculated on the basis of continuous, full time employment at the center. Any leave without pay time may not be counted for purposes of seniority.
• Retention consideration will be given to employees who have the certification, training and expertise to provide a needed service.
• Performance on the job: If two or more employees have equal seniority, performance and proficiency ratings will be used to determine reduction.

Re-employment of employees affected by staff reductions will be done in accordance with the following:

• If any abolished positions are reinstated within one calendar year from the employee’s official termination date, those positions will first be offered to the employee’s who lost their positions through a reduction in force.
• The order of reinstatement will follow the same steps as when a reduction becomes necessary, (1) seniority, (2) certification, training and ability, and (3) performance.