2009-2010 Negotiations Slowed Despite Better Relations with Board

Espanola-NEA President Brian Every wrote this bargaining update for the membership:

Hi Everybody –
We had our 3rd bargaining session on the 09-10 school year issues on Thursday night (May 14, 2009). This meeting had been planned for seven weeks . We found the evening to be less than satisfactory.

We were prepared, had our financial proposals and proposed several minor changes in the contract. We were ready to start negotiating, as agreed to do with the team appointed to represent the Board.

Sadly the other side was completely unprepared. They had no proposals of their own, nor did they counter any of our offers. What a complete waste of our time, and of district funds for the expenses involved!

This recent experience helps explain to those of you not at the table why it took 17 months to get to an agreement, and another two months to get the agreement approved and signed by the board. On top of all that, their negotiator refused to schedule another bargaining session for at least another two weeks .

Your negotiation team has consistently brought to the table proposals and ideas that sought to accomplish 3 things:
* Are true to the concept of what was best for the students was also best for us and for the district.
* Are fair, reasonable, and honest.
* Are respected the districts needs.

We also attempt to work at all times to find the best solution for all issues – solutions that respected us as employees and satisfied the districts needs. This has not always been easy, especially because one member of the team has on occasion been quite difficult. I am proud of our team, especially Chief Negotiator Laurel Fain for keeping our cool in the face of provocations.
I believe the school board has come to appreciate the work and efforts we are making. Our efforts are professional. The Board has been responsive! Opening up the superintendents selection, holding a ceremony to recognize our CBA, and signing the CBA all point to a change in focus and in attitude from the board. We welcome this change and are encouraged by it.
Thank you all for your support – and for those of you who are now contributing to our blog – We are a growing community of interested, involved and dedicated public school employees and we are proud to be working in Española.