The state Republicans are asking for K-12 education reform. They have put together some reforms that they feel will improve our educational system. Teachers, parents and school administrations want the best teachers teaching students.

It’s very difficult for all of us to see outstanding teachers let go because of seniority rules — “last in, first out.” We see this happening in the Albert Lea School District as they are now going through teacher cuts. We know that these cuts have nothing to do with who is the best teacher.

In our state, Minnesota, it takes an almost impossible process to terminate a bad teacher. School districts many times have to hope that the bad teachers will just move on to other districts or they just have to continue to maintain the status quo.

Everyone understands that a system that promotes mediocrity will get just that — mediocrity. We need reforms that give more local control over who is let go and who continues employment. I hope that Gov. Mark Dayton does the right thing for Minnesota students and allows reforms to be implemented.

Sybil Broskoff

Albert Lea