NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Louisiana's education chief says four school districts are risking lawsuits by refusing to comply with a law forbidding seniority-based layoffs.
The law is part of the education package Gov. Bobby Jindal pushed through the Legislature earlier this year. The law strips seniority protection for teachers when local districts decide layoffs are needed because of financial crunches.
Superintendent of Education John White said in a telephone news conference Thursday that the state does not plan any action against the parishes of St. Bernard, St. Martin, St. Tammany and Vermilion. But he says those systems face possible litigation from any teachers laid off in favor of teachers with seniority.
Also, says White, voters may be unhappy if teachers are laid off based on length of service instead of merit.