Webster board agrees to enter negotiations with staff; members debate requested bargaining dates

The Webster Area School Board voted to enter negotiations with district staff about bargaining dates for the 02/2027 fiscal year after reviewing a letter of intent dated Feb. 3, 2026.

In the letter staff requested that the board “select dates for actively negotiating with our preference being on or after 04/01/2024,” language members noted is likely a typo. Board members discussed timing, saying they preferred to wait until the legislative session concludes and then coordinate calendars. Candidates for negotiation meetings mentioned in discussion included dates in March and April; the chair asked trustees to check calendars and get back to staff.

One member noted the letter’s stated preference would require dates after the staff’s listed date; another board member said the date clearly appears to be in error. The chair asked staff to follow up once trustees have checked availability. The motion to enter into negotiations was approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: setting negotiation dates affects bargaining preparation time for both sides and can be influenced by the legislative calendar; board members emphasized allowing the legislative session to finish so both negotiating parties have clarity.

Next steps: staff will receive the board’s proposed dates after trustees confirm availability; the board indicated it will return the finalized scheduling information to staff.