Bargaining with unions can, at times, be a daunting and difficult task, especially for members who are new to the board or even new to the board’s negotiations committee.
These negotiations are crucial because they have an extraordinary impact on a district’s budget and educational programming.
To help ensure that board members are prepared to negotiate with experienced and well-trained union teams, NJSBA is offering two opportunities for school district teams to attend “Preparing for Bargaining.” The program will be offered on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, December 2. The programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with registration and continental breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Both programs will be held at New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group, 501 Sullivan Way, West Trenton, NJ.
This fast-paced training will guide districts through the preparation activities and legal framework critical to effective bargaining. Topics include: boards’ obligations and rights; the roles of the bargaining team and the board/governing body; costing out the current agreement including salary guides and benefits; and developing board proposals.
Preparing for Bargaining offers 4 Board Member Academy credits. Application for 6.5 Continuing Legal Education Credits for New Jersey lawyers is pending before the New Jersey Supreme Court and 3.5 Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) credits is pending for business administrators.
Registration Information Registration for the programs may be done online by clicking on the program dates above, but only by the school business administrator. Business administrators wishing to register officials from their districts should have a scanned purchase order ready to attach to the registration.
Cost The registration fee for members is $149 and the fee for non-members is $298. The fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch and program materials.
For questions regarding this program, please email NJSBA labor relations.