Media Statement
April 27, 2010
For Immediate Release

Statement from Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Regarding the KEEP Act

“Losing even one teacher will hurt, but losing many teachers simply because they’re new to the job threatens our schools and would be devastating to the students in my district who need their passion, energy, and good ideas.

"If our schools must lay off teachers, the school community must have a say in who stays and who goes.

"I am not against seniority as some have suggested. However seniority must not be the only criteria for determining which teachers to retain.  The bill that I have introduced would give the principal of each school, along with an advisory committee of parents, teachers and administrators, the power to decide which teachers to retain and which to fire based on a variety of factors, including experience, effectiveness, and staffing needs in each subject area."