Prek-12 RIF Rights
The School Code requires that a school board must provide written notice to any teacher who will be the subject of a reduction in force (honorable dismissal) as a result of a decision by the school board to decrease the number of teachers employed, to discontinue some particular type of teaching service (or related service) or a reduction in the number of programs or positions. Specifically, on or by April 15, written notice must be mailed to the teacher and must also be transmitted to the teacher either by electronic mail, certified mail with return receipt requested, or by personal delivery with receipt, together with a statement of honorable dismissal with a reason provided. The term “teacher” includes all district personnel regularly required to be certified/licensed (e.g., school nurses, social workers, etc.).
ESP RIF Rights
Written notice (sent certified mail, return receipt requested or personal delivery) of an honorable dismissal (RIF) or reduction in hours of employment because of a reduction in the number of employees or reduction in an educational service provided must be given at least 30 days before the dismissal or reduction in hours is effective. However, if reduction in hours is due to an unforeseen reduction in student population, then written notice must be issued as described above at least five days before the employees’ hours are reduced.
Community College Full-Time Faculty RIF Rights
Written notice (sent certified mail or delivered in person) of an honorable dismissal (RIF) of a full-time faculty member for the ensuing school year, because of a decision to decrease the number of faculty or discontinue a particular teaching service or program, must be given 60 calendar days before the end of the preceding school year. Failure to provide the notice within the 60-day timeframe results in the faculty member being deemed re-employed for the following school year.
