Refresher on Educational Support Staff RIF Procedures and Updates to Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines

As we quickly approach the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year, school districts are in the midst of planning for their teacher and educational support personnel staffing needs for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. In assessing staffing options, some districts may determine it is necessary to implement a reduction-in-force of its educational support staff, a process governed by The School Code. In addition to planning for future staffing levels of educational support staff, school districts are, at the same time, also likely to be considering the potential non-reemployment of non-tenured teachers at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, or a reduction-in-force of teachers, statutory processes that were modified in August 2023 via Public Act 103-0500. In light of the myriad of procedural requirements imposed on school districts, we believe a brief refresher will assist districts plan for their future personnel and staffing needs.