IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - April 22, 2010) - Orange County Business Council (OCBC) applauds Governor Schwarzenegger and the Senate Education Committee for their leadership and support of proposed SB 955 sponsored by local Sen. Bob Huff. The bill, now headed to the full Senate for consideration, would end the practice of laying off teachers solely based on seniority.
"With education funding constraints in a tough economy, flexibility is necessary to keep California's educational system on track," said Lucy Dunn, OCBC President and CEO. "This bill allows the state to concentrate on the needs of schools and students and helps ensure quality education."
The bill also includes common-sense reforms such as allowing schools until the end of the school year to notify teachers of potential layoffs, rather than forcing them to "over-notice" in mid-March before they have adequate state education funding information; giving local governing boards final decision-making authority on teacher dismissals and eliminating the requirement that teachers placed on administrative leave be paid until formally charged.
The Council strongly urges the full senate to support SB 955 and education reform that helps drive California's workforce preparedness. As the economy cycles through a major recession, we must be more proactive then ever -- not only to anticipate recovery, but to nurture it. Orange County remains a strong presence in the national and global economy. The obstacles we face include a lack of skilled workers who can fill future vacancies; educational and training needs for high-wage and high-growth occupations; and economic development challenges.
Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County's economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America's fifth largest county. For more information on OCBC, visit www.ocbc.org.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Matt Prince
Director of Communications
949.794.7221