In the process of collective bargaining, the Board shall endeavor to bargain in good faith on mandatory subjects of collective bargaining. The Board shall select a chief spokesperson who shall have the authority to represent the Board in the phases of collective bargaining including, but not limited to, reaching tentative agreement. Only the Board has the authority to ratify master labor agreements.
Upon appointment of the chief spokesperson, negotiations between certified bargaining unit and its members shall be directed to the Board’s chief spokesperson. Individual board members shall not be contacted directly by members of, or representatives for, the bargaining unit concerning issues relating to the negotiation process.
The Board, in conjunction with their chief spokesperson, shall determine the composition of management’s bargaining team.
The Board shall be responsible for determining the composition of the school district’s collective bargaining meet and confer teams. In developing these teams, the board shall consider the nature of the employee group, the individuals’ familiarity with or expertise in the area represented by the employee groups, and team continuity and consistency.
The Board shall set the parameters and goals for the negotiations and meet and confer process. Periodic strategy sessions shall be considered with the entire board to maintain open communications between the board, the meet and confer teams, and the chief spokesperson throughout the negotiations process.
Legal Reference: Burlington Community School District v. Public Employment Relations Board, 268 N.W.2d 517 (Iowa 1978)
621 Iowa Admin. Code 6
1982 Op. Att’y Gen. 162
Iowa Code §§20.17, 21.9 (1991)
Cross Reference: 400 Personnel
Approved: 2-10-92
Reviewed: 10-09-23
Revised: