Reduction in Force...What it is to force reduced!

I have been an administrator and teacher for 24 years.  This spring is the first time I have experienced the "Pink Slip" that so many teachers fear.  Well administrators fear it just as much.  A teacher may be reduced but the teachers union and Master Contract provide opportunities for the individual to perhaps bump another less tenured person or if they are qualified they may take another position.

If you are an administrator ...not so many options.  I don't believe teachers or community know this fact.  If an administrator is reduced in force they don't get to bump a less tenured administrator unless the school board extends that option.  You are done and happy job hunting.

Now I do understand the need to 'reduce in force or RIF' staff , non-certified, certified, and administrative. I also understand all the angles and problems that happen when this procedure is used. (Lots!).
 

This is my concern...

 What is the force that is reduced?  

Often  the force reduced  is competent staff who have experience, creativity, and zeal and who ARE making a difference in children's lives and learning.  Reduction of force can also mean removing programs that help students learn in different ways or in a smaller student to teacher ratio (Title Math, At Risk Programs, Guidance, Art, Music etc.). Staff reduced often have to leave the community and find work elsewhere resulting in  loss of students if they have children in the district and homes being sold with loss of tax revenue for the community.

Usually the main reason for a 'Reduction in Force' is financial.  Now I know that you can't run a school or any business without the money.  Long term planning , not one year at a time knee jerk decisions are important. I would recommend  five and ten year planning and districts analyzing the needs of their students so any 'Reduction in Staff' notices sent out will not adversely affect student learning and graduation.  There are great step by step plans that school board members and superintendents can use offered by the state school board associations. Once a program is reduced or staff it is very difficult to get it back and if the program or staff position is added back it often will not have the same qualities as the previous.

So what to do?  
Start applying for jobs of course.
Are there other options?
Let me know...