Section 1. Statement of Purpose
The legislature has recognized that teachers, as professional employees, possess knowledge, expertise, and dedication which is helpful and necessary to the operation and quality of public service, and which may assist the School Board in developing their policies. It is, therefore, the policy of the state and this school district to encourage close cooperation between the school district and the teachers by providing for discussions and the mutual exchange of ideas regarding all matters not included under terms and conditions of employment as defined in Article Three.
Section 2. Procedures
Subd. 1. EM-R, as Exclusive Representative, shall select up to five representatives to serve on the Meet and Confer Council. Consultants, as desired, may also participate.
Subd. 2. The school district shall select up to five representatives to serve on the Meet and Confer Council. Consultants, as desired, may also participate.
Subd. 3. The Meet and Confer Council may meet three times annually at the district offices on dates and at times as shall be mutually set by the Superintendent and the President of EM-R.
Subd. 4. The agenda for each meeting shall include:
A distribution of the discussion summaries from the previous meeting.
Items of unfinished discussion from prior meetings.
Items for discussion as identified by either party.
Section 3. Labor Management Council
As an alternative to the Meet and Confer Council, EM-R and the School Board have created a Labor Management Council to seek resolution of mutual concerns.
Subd. 1. Membership: EM-R and The School Board of District 623 will each appoint up to seven (7) members who serve two-year terms that coincide with the dates of the Master Contract. Resource persons may be invited to attend to provide counsel for resolution of mutual concerns.
Subd. 2. Meetings: The Council will meet at least once a month from September through May. Meetings can be canceled, re-scheduled, or added by mutual agreement.
Subd. 3. Leadership: The Council shall annually elect two co-chairs (one EM-R representative and one ISD 623 representative) to jointly chair meetings, schedule meetings, set agenda and to invite others to attend Council meetings.
Subd. 4. Empowerment: The Council shall be empowered to grant waivers, by consensus, to existing contract provisions via Memoranda of Understanding in order to promote the mission of the Council.