Layoffs should start with underperforming teachers

Dear Editor,

As a former student, parent, grandparent and teacher, I have had 56 years of experience in public education in three different school systems in Virginia. I am continually amazed by the fact that school administrators fail to remove "educators" who are not performing to established standards in the classroom and other educational positions. The most frequent excuse I have heard from administrators is the tremendous amount of time and "documentation" that is necessary to remove a school system employee after they have been "tenured." I have seen public school employees moved from school to school, from position to position, or from classroom to classroom where it was perceived they could do the least amount of damage rather than do what was necessary to remove that employee from the system. I know of no private or public business that would condone employees who were not working up to minimum standards.

The Chesterfield County school system in its proposed reduction in force policy to meet budget restrictions is planning to lay off the newest teachers in the system. In my opinion it is these teachers who should be kept. I have found that the youngest, most recent college graduates are the most enthusiastic and bring with them the most current knowledge of educational practices and course content. It is not fair to our students to deprive them of good teachers and keep those who are not performing in a satisfactory manner.

I suggest that Chesterfield County make a speedy and concerted effort to weed out underperforming educators (in teaching, administrative and staffing positions) and keep those who will make a positive difference in the lives and education of our children. Get rid of the dead wood, and keep those who will keep the system growing in the desired direction. Carol M. Ray Chester