This page contains a variety of resources for schools to use in labor negotiations. School districts face tough times financially, and it's possible this will be reflected in more difficult conversations at the bargaining table. For assistance with labor relations issues, contact Brad Banasik, 517.327.5929 or Tom White, 517.515.1604.
Summary of School Related Fact Finding Cases for 2010 - prepared by Tom White
Preparing Fact Finding Presentations & Reviewing Recent Reports - PPT presented by Tom White
School District Contract Survey Results, February 2010
Thrun Document: Implementing Teacher Evaluation and Compensation Policies
Public Act 205 of 2009, effective Jan. 4, 2010, requires an annual job performance evaluation for school teachers and administrators. MCL 380.1249. This legislation also requires a compensation method for teachers and administrators that includes job performance and job accomplishments as a "significant factor" in determining "compensation and additional compensation." Thrun Law Firm has prepared an overview of the legislation as well as an anlaysis of the MEA's prototype language that has appeared in some school districts.
The Bargaining Toolkit
School districts across Michigan continue to face tough challenges in the administration of their benefit programs. Declining funding and increased benefit costs make labor negotiations tough. In order to assist school districts in these difficult times, MASB, in collaboration with MASA and MSBO, has developed The Bargaining Toolkit: A Resource Manual for School Districts. The toolkit is a collection of best practices used by districts in negotiating their bargaining agreements. The overall theme is that the negotiations process is a long-term investment of time and resources, but the payoff comes when all individuals in the process are informed of the facts and make good short- and long-term decisions.
In order to offer this toolkit to members for free, it's only available for download from the Web. Download the Toolkit today and get started on the way to better negotiations!
The Bargaining Toolkit: A Resource Manual for School Districts
Single page format - 37 pages
The Bargaining Toolkit: A Resource Manual for School Districts
Spread format - 19 pages
Labor Relations/Bargaining Articles
MASB has published a variety of articles relating to labor relations and bargaining. Download these articles for important information to help during negotiations.
Headlines Special School Finance Issue – June 1, 2009
Framing the financial crisis, creating a plan and charting a course for your district – Headlines, June 15, 2009
Bargaining with less than zero - Part I – Headlines, July 20, 2009
Sample Templates
Framing the Financial Crisis Checklist
Thanks to Jeff Mills, superintendent, Van Buren ISD, for developing this template for school districts to use in preparing for a financial crisis.
Budget Communication Tips
Thanks to Jeff Mills, superintendent, Van Buren ISD, for developing this template for school districts to use in communicating about their financial situation.