ADMINISTRATOR FORUM
FALL 2008
I. Collective Bargaining: The Next Step
We are all familiar with “win/win” and “interest base” bargaining. The Federal Mediation Service has developed a new and improved bargaining process called “modified traditional bargaining”. You will probably be asked to use this process the next time you bargain. We will help you to be prepared. Our office has been trained. We have used it in Collective Negotiating. We will be discussing how the process differs from older processes, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
II. Labor
Relations: Arbitration and Unfair Labor Charges
There has been a significant increase in labor issues over the past year. Grievances, arbitration and unfair labor practice proceedings have become common place. We will discuss efficient ways for Administrators to address these matters and maximize your District’s likelihood of success.
III. New Legislation
The General Assembly has adopted several pieces of noteworthy legislation. We will be discussing the significance and potential impact to the education community.
IV. Student Discipline: New Developments
With the beginning of a new school year you will be facing many challenges. We thought it would be good to review recent changes as to student discipline. When can you rely on an anonymous phone tip that a student has contraband? When can you discipline off campus misconduct? Under what circumstances should (or may) a strip search be conducted? We will be examining the latest case law to answer these and other questions relating to student informants and strip searches in public schools.
V. New Case Highlights
State
and federal court decisions are continuously impacting the educational
landscape. It is important for each district to stay on top of
these changes. We will be summarizing the most important cases
rendered in the past six months.