sunday's class

I was surprised by the seriousness and intensity when the two sides sat down to the table to negotiate on Sunday. I made the comment to Dr. Closen how many of us had taken several classes together in the past couple of years but on this occasion for this simulation we were true adversaries. There was a definite intensity that one would experience in a real collective bargaining negotiation meeting.

I really enjoyed the presentation by attorney Jay Greening, he was outstanding and explained the Collective Bargaining process in a direct way that all parties would be able to understand whether experienced in the CB process or not. His financial breakdown was exceptional and he definitely hammered home the importance of the Superintendent and the board doing their financial homework. He gave sound advice that matched what I have read in the course textbooks as well as what Dr. Closen has pointed out also in class. Financial plus points: 1. know the financial conditions of your district (with past data and future projections), 2. know your teacher salary schedule compared to the market (like schools, conference schools), 3. What was the consumer price index for the last period? Use a one page document with thorough financial information to share with your people, and maybe the other side if it will not hurt you in the CB process. His professionalism and expertise probably earned him some more business when my colleagues and I become superintendents in the future.
I like this class very much because of its practicality and dealing with situations that our realistic to training as a superintendent. There is definitely more substance than fluff in this course!