Recently there was discussion and debate in Harrisburg over the role of seniority in determining teacher layoffs.  Part of those proposals, including the bill that passed the General Assembly and was vetoed by the Governor, would have expanded the list of reasons a school district can furlough professional employees by adding “economic reasons”.  Under section 1124 of the PA School Code, furloughs can occur because of a “substantial decrease” in enrollment, the curtailment or alteration of the education program, or where schools are consolidated wither within the district or via a merger or consolidation of existing districts.

Two districts in western Allegheny County are dealing with their 2016-17 budgets and the topic of furloughs has come up in both.

Moon Area School District plans to raise property taxes and possibly borrow some money.  Because the District has not had a drop in enrollment, the superintendent noted “[their] hands are tied as to what you can do“.  She also noted “In the commonwealth, you are not allowed to furlough people for economic reasons. You have to have a drop in enrollment, which we do not have a significant drop” (the other two reasons were not mentioned). Moon did shutter a school building in March and furloughed the staff there.

A district that borders Moon Area, Montour, also is planning on raising property taxes for 2016-17 and may furlough teachers and staff but can do so because enrollment has fallen and the District may eliminate duplicative classes.  Based on comments made in an article, enrollment fell by 500 but staff adjustments were not made.  Based on a 2014 series on school size and district adjustments, Moon Area has about 1,000 more pupils than Montour, and are in various stages of closing schools.