MINNEAPOLIS — A new poll shows 68 percent of Minnesota residents believe a teacher’s performance, not his or her seniority, should be the deciding factor in making layoff decisions.

The results of the latest Star Tribune Minnesota Poll were published Sunday. The survey found that Minnesota residents across party lines, across the state, and from all age groups supported performance over seniority when public schools are faced with layoffs.

“Experience does come with teaching for a number of years, but I don’t think it should be the only factor in teachers being laid off,” said Janelle Kanz, 77, a retired educator and Winona resident. “Seniority is for the advantage of the teacher. Performance is for the advantage of the student.”