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Board seeks feedback from bargaining units before forming ad hoc negotiations committee
Summary
Board members discussed creating a small ad hoc committee to observe certified contract negotiations; administration will seek input from bargaining-unit leaders and return with a recommendation.
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools board members discussed forming a 2–3 member ad hoc committee to participate in the certified-negotiations process as observers and conduit to the full board. The board did not appoint members at the study session; instead administration will solicit feedback from bargaining-unit leadership and report back.
Nut graf: The proposal aims to give the board better ongoing information during a negotiation cycle without changing the legal roles of negotiators. Staff and multiple board members flagged potential pitfalls: an ad hoc committee cannot change negotiation parameters and must not create the appearance that it can. Administration noted the committee would be advisory and that any substantive direction still must be taken in closed session by the full board.
Board discussion touched on timing and confidentiality. Several directors said observation and regular updates help the board prepare for closed-session votes. Others cautioned that the presence of board representatives can change the dynamic at the bargaining table and stressed the need for clear ground rules. Administration will contact bargaining-unit lead negotiators and report back to the board; the idea will be revisited at the next regular meeting or in the upcoming closed session.
Ending: No formal committee was formed; staff will collect union feedback and return recommended committee composition and ground rules for board review.
