The Compassionate RIF "Reduction in Force"

The Compassionate RIF "Reduction in Force"

Thanks again for the opportunity to "cyber hang" with so many insightful professionals.  Does the general public realize how much insight is here?

Anyway,  I'm one for discussing where I'm at...and... this is where I'm at.  Today was a difficult day.  Informing someone that has been nothing but professional, good for kids, and a TEAM player for the past 4 years that their name has been added to the list confuses me.  This goes against the very principle of "what's best for kids". 
Imagine with me if you will.... fade away... A young Peyton Manning being brought into the office of Tony Dungy.  "Son, you are great!  The fans love you and you get the job done.  In fact, you are the man, however you are the youngest quarter back on the roster and we need to reduce in order to stay under the salary cap. We're trying to pass some operating funds to keep you here but it's not looking good.  We'll do our best to bring you back.  You understand, we're hoping the other guy decides to hang it up.  I'm really sorry about this... Good luck.
Okay, a little far fetched but that's how I feel sometimes.
However, I believe in the positive. Tomorrow I will lace up my boots and work with my team to be the best we can be for our 407 fans.  We will work together to bring back up to speed our new starting quarterback not because we don't have a choice but because we believe we will still be successful.  We have to believe we will still be successful come what may. 
The thought I guess to ponder here is keeping the team motivated during this time of fear and confusion.  Any suggestions from those who have been through similar situations?

Comments

[knobloch]

Gary,

As an administrator, I have never had to let someone go because of a reduction in force, but I did go through it as a teacher.

You do have to be positive. The principal at the school I was teaching at became despondent with the reduction in force. His attitude was contagious. Many of the teachers' attitude became negative and started going through the motions.

We needed to hear that no matter what is happening outside the classroom, our students need our best. We will continue to provide our students the best possible educational program. They deserve nothing less. If your teacher is truly a Peyton Manning, he would not want their personal situation to effect the students.

Talk with him about their morale. Enlist his help. If he remains positive, it will go a long way to keeping the rest of the teachers positive.

Alan Knobloch

[Brad Davis]

It is hard to swallow that and the way in which someone handles something like a RIF is a major test of character. Doing what is innately right for our students is why most of us got into education in the first place.

Our district is in a state of flux now as well. The environment is negative and people really feel it. As an assistant principal I am always thinking about new ways to motivate and increase morale. Sometimes the "veterans" are a little hesitant because they have seen it all already and the nature of any AP position is transient.I try anyway though, I always have a smile on my face and people seem to like it (unless thay are faking it that is)

I haven't had to let anyone go yet in my career, but it looks as if I will have the experience very soon. This is not a RIF, but a performance issue. It is a not a pleasant feeling I have knowing that it is an experience I need to go through. I try an tell myself, though, that the kids do come first and any decision made in an educational setting has to have the kids at the core.

[Jan Borelli]

I was RIFed as a teacher in the early days of my career. The first thing I did was go right out and find another teaching job. I found one pretty quickly; I was lucky. I have had to RIF teachers in my career, and here's what they have found comforting: 1) I described my own experience with being RIFed and how I got experiences that I have valued my entire career, 2) I promised to provide a glowing recommendation that they could count on their entire career, 3) I promised to contact any of my colleagues where they were interested in teaching and make a strong personal recommendation, and 4) I promised that should I get an opening that they would be the first to hear from me.

Getting RIFed is scarey, but experienced great teachers are always in demand. They will find another position, and somehow you will make it without them. Right now, the teacher is worried about rent and car payments... ease the concern by helping them find another job. This too will pass. Do not dwell on your own concerns for your school; we have learned over the years of our careers that there are lean times and fat times. Provide support and leadership. It's going to be okay. Really.