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Board hires Rumbarger, Kirk & Caldwell for labor and union negotiations
Summary
The Hardee County School Board approved retaining Rumbarger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A. to represent the district on union negotiations and contested labor matters; the board said the firm’s statewide labor expertise complements in-house counsel.
The Hardee County School Board voted on July 10 to retain the law firm Rumbarger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A. to provide legal counsel for union negotiations and other general labor matters.
Board members said the district’s in-house counsel does not routinely handle contested personnel matters and that the retained firm’s statewide labor specialization will be an advantage. "I'm more a generalist...I don't do that type of work," a board counsel (Mr. McKinley) said, explaining why the outside firm was recommended. Meeting discussion noted the firm's Tallahassee presence and that attorneys could appear virtually or travel from Tampa or Orlando when necessary.
RJ Dakota, identified in the meeting as president of the Hardy Education Association United, asked whether the district would fund the representation from general funds or a designated state negotiation stipend; Superintendent Bennett said she would follow up after the meeting.
The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor of retention with Dr. Sharp, Andrew Smith, Miss Dasher, Miss Cornell and Chairman Galyard voting aye.
