Teacher Rep Election Recommended by Administration

Board to Consider Recommendation for Teacher Rep Election

The agenda for tomorrow's (October 21) School Board meeting contains an Action Item titled "Teacher Collective Bargaining" that should be of great interest to all teachers in the district. It is very likely that the School Board will vote on a new administration proposal to hold an election for the purpose of collective bargaining with teachers.

The Action Item reads:

Subject: TEACHER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

A. Pertinent Facts:

1. The Board advised the Administration on October 7, 2008, they were not interested in passing the recommendation for establishing an advisory team to discuss wages, benefits, and working conditions. They instead requested that the Administration bring forth a new recommendation regarding an election for the purpose of collective bargaining.

B. Fiscal Note:

1. Uncertain

C. Recommendations:

1. That the Board direct the Administration to work with teacher organizations toward holding an election or elections for the purpose of choosing a representative or representatives to engage in collective bargaining with the District.

2. That the Board and Administration, with the assistance of its lobbyists, monitor legislation developed in response to the Supreme Court ruling regarding the rights of teachers to collective bargaining in an attempt to ensure compliance with potential statutory requirements.

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What's Next?

If the recommendation is approved by the board . . . what's next?

You will notice that the language in item C-1 above is carefully crafted and omits any details regarding the establishment of a Bargaining Unit (who votes) or Show of Interest (who or what is on the ballot). These important components of any rep election will no doubt be covered as teacher groups meet with district leadership in the coming days.

SNEA believes that board approval of a representative election is a huge step forward for teachers in our district. Springfield teachers, counselors, nurses, librarians and parent educators have followed this issue, gathered petition signatures and talked about collective bargaining with their colleagues throughout the district. . . and one cannot under-estimate how important that grassroots discussion has been in moving this issue forward.

SNEA also believes that the professionals working closely with students on a daily basis can provide incredibly valuable insights into educational improvements in our district. Collective bargaining is a pathway to more teacher involvement and a mutually respectful partnership with school administration regarding better working conditions for teachers. The rest of the equation is simple:

Better Working Conditions for Teachers = Better Learning Conditions for Students

Our hope is that an election allowing teachers to choose a bargaining agent would soon be followed by good faith negotiations toward a 2009-2010 contract this spring.