TC-6000-1

 

6000—NEGOTIATIONS

 

(This section on negotiations is confined to professional employees negotiating under the Public Employment Relations Act, MCL 423.201 et seq.)

 

6001                            Goals and Objectives

6050                                                        Recognition of Bargaining Units

                                       Classroom Teachers

                                       Non-Certified Employees

6100                            Board Negotiating Agents

6150                            Superintendent’s Role in Negotiations

6400                            Contract Ratification Procedures


6001    Goals and Objectives                                                                                            6001

The Board recognizes that education is a public trust; it therefore is dedicated to providing the best possible educational opportunities for the children of the community.  In negotiations, this objective may be best attained if there is a climate of mutual trust and understanding between the negotiating parties.

The Board believes that the best interests of public education will be served by establishing procedures to provide an orderly method for the Board and representatives of the staff to discuss matters of common concern.

It is further recognized that nothing in negotiations shall compromise the Board’s legal responsibilities nor will any employee’s rights and privileges under state statutes be impaired.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF:   MCL 423.201


6050    Recognition of Bargaining Units                                                                             6050

The Board shall not recognize by stipulation any bargaining unit within the District.  All units desiring recognition by the Board shall do so through an election conducted by the Michigan Employees Relations Commission as provided by statute.

Classroom Teachers

The District recognizes the Kalkaska Education Association in conjunction with the Michigan Education Association as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for those employees of the Board described as full-time and contracted part-time classroom teachers (including long-term substitute teachers, but excluding temporary substitute teachers) with regard to wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Non-Certified Employees

The District recognizes the following associations as the exclusive bargaining agent for all non-certified employees:

·        KASE Group.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF:   MCL 423.212; 423.213; 423.214


6100    Board Negotiating Agents                                                                                     6100

The Board shall appoint a committee to carry out negotiations with employee units.  The Superintendent shall advise the committee in all matters related to collective negotiations.

The Board may appoint a member of the Board or staff, or the Superintendent, or an outside consultant, to serve as chief negotiator in its negotiations with each employee group recognized under the Public Employment Relations Act.

The Board shall appoint other member(s) of the administrative staff to each negotiating team to assist and counsel the chief negotiator.

The appointed chief negotiator shall be fully empowered to reach a tentative agreement on collective bargaining agreements on behalf of the Board within the parameters established by the Board.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF:   MCL 423.211


6150    Superintendent’s Role in Negotiations                                                                   6150

The Superintendent may serve as the chief negotiator for the Board at the discretion of the Board.  If the Superintendent is not serving as the chief negotiator, he may serve as a negotiating team member or as a consultant to the negotiating team.

The Superintendent shall serve as the liaison between the Board and the bargaining team and shall be responsible to keep the Board informed on the progress of negotiations.

The Superintendent shall arrange for the chief negotiator to meet with the Board to develop negotiation goals and objectives, establish parameters and provide periodic updates on the progress of negotiations.

The chief negotiator shall be expected to maintain close communication with the Superintendent on the status of negotiations including proposals discussed or offered at the bargaining table.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:


6400    Contract Ratification Procedures                                                                           6400

Prior to the ratification of any negotiated master contract, the Superintendent shall conduct or direct a thorough proofreading of the entire master contract.

The final draft of any negotiated master contract shall be forwarded to each Board member, by the Superintendent, not less than five calendar days prior to the Board’s scheduled ratification meeting.

 

Approved:        February 13, 2002

Reviewed:


6400-R      Contract Ratification Procedures                                                                 6400-R

The proofreading of each negotiated master contract shall be under the supervision of the Superintendent.  The draft copy of any negotiated master contract which is submitted to the Board prior to final ratification shall have the following conditions met:

1.      The master contract draft shall contain all amendments, additions, and changes in wage rates indicated in “bold” lettering;

2.      A letter shall accompany the draft document which reflects a summary of any provisions deleted from the former negotiated master contract;

3.      The master contract draft shall be accompanied by a letter from the recognized bargaining agent indicating the tentative negotiated master contract has been ratified, and that the master contract draft has been proofread by the agent and accurately reflects the terms of the tentative negotiated contract;

4.      A copy of the recognized bargaining agent’s letter and the Superintendent’s letter to the Board, along with the final draft of the negotiated master contract shall be given to each Board member in the time frame as provided for in policy; and

5.      The Superintendent shall prepare a written motion for the Board which states as follows:

         “It has been moved by _________________ and supported by ________________ that the Board of education moves to accept the amendments, additions, and deletions to the 19___ - 19___ master contract between the Board of education and ___________________________________ as presented in writing by the Superintendent.”