During the 45th annual Spring Conference for the Florida Educational Negotiators (FEN), Leonard Dietzen discussed how the current economic pressures on school districts are affecting the bargaining process. He shared a number of factors that are affecting the amount of funds districts have and that overall less recurring revenue means less money is available for wage increases.

He discussed strategies for dealing with these constraints such as being more strategic with staffing and advised that school boards must proactively review and revise staffing plans. He also reviewed best practices and emphasized the importance of understanding the rules for reductions in force (RIFs) under Florida law. He urged for financial transparency to manage expectations, build credibility and reduce the chances of misunderstanding or impasse. Finally, he discussed Financial Urgency under Florida statute and recommended that school boards consider financial urgency declarations only if absolutely necessary and with sound legal guidance.

At the end of his presentation, Leonard noted, “Bargaining in uncertain times requires discipline, transparency and legal awareness.”