Developing a framework for collective bargaining

Oct. 21, 2008

The Springfield School Board approved a plan Tuesday night that will allow administrators and teacher groups to develop a framework for holding elections to choose collective bargaining representatives for teachers.

The board will be asked to review and approve the plan. Meanwhile, the district will continue to monitor state legislation in response to a 2007 state Supreme Court ruling that gave teachers a constitutional right to collective bargaining.

The school board wants the Missouri legislature to clarify the rules under which the district must comply with the ruling. The board will make it a 2009 legislative priority to request that legislators provide more guidance to school districts.

Also at Tuesday’s school board meeting:

* For the 16th year, the district has received an unqualified audit, meeting all standards of accounting principles in America. Less than 5 percent of Missouri school districts received unqualified audits. Al Kirchhofer Jr., president of the accounting firm Daniel Jones & Associates, presented the audit findings. The board approved the audit.

* The board approved funding for installation of a temporary modular classroom at Boyd Elementary School to relieve overcrowding. The modular classroom will be moved from Weaver Elementary School, which has used it for classroom space during renovations. It will accommodate 40-50 students, providing two classrooms and restrooms for boys and girls. The modular classroom will be in use by the beginning of the second semester.

* Marc Maness, district director of community relations and strategic planning, announced that district celebrations, good news and employee profiles will be featured beginning next month in a new district Web page called InnerView.

* Scott Wendt, district capital construction manager, provided a quarterly update on construction projects funded by a 2006 bond initiative. Board member Dr. Michael Hoeman said the updates have been very informative and provide public accountability to district capital construction. View the update.

* Jim Dow, interim director of business operations, announced that the district building services department was awarded the 2008 Facilities Masters Award by the Association of School Business Officials. Building services was recognized for exemplary facilities management practices and procedures including planning, maintenance and training.