Negotiation Trends for School Districts in 2015

One of the key responsibilities of a school board member is negotiating the contract for teachers and staff.  It is, by far, the place where most of the district’s financial resources are allocated; as well it establishes other protocols which affect student achievement.  Each year brings new challenges.  In 2015, what are those challenges?  How should boards approach the Chapter 78 health benefit reform legislation?  What is the importance of average settlement rates?  How long can a district expect negotiations to take?  What are some common misperceptions the public has about negotiations?  Please join host Ray Pinney as he discusses these and other issues with Patrick Duncan, Manager of NJSBA Labor Relations Department.