What happens in small districts that have declining enrollments?

Relatively larger districts have a much easier time absorbing teachers and other employees when student enrollment declines.  Over the last 10-15 years, Granite’s enrollment has decreased by more than 10,000 students.  No teacher has been terminated because of the enrollment decrease – they have been reassigned to other schools.  In a small district, attrition may not be able to keep up with declining enrollment.  As is frequently the case in small districts around the state, teachers are reluctantly let go.  Note that reduction in force (RIF) policies typically operate on a “last in, first out” basis.