RumbergerKirk Partner Leonard Dietzen recently shared his expertise in education law with a group of new school superintendents during a program hosted by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. His presentation, Models of Collective Bargaining, provided an in-depth look at the different approaches school districts can take when engaging in collective bargaining with employee unions.

Dietzen outlined three primary models of collective bargaining, emphasizing that the most effective model depends largely on the district’s relationship with the union. He also discussed when a blended model may be the most beneficial, particularly in complex or evolving labor environments.

A key portion of the presentation focused on building an effective bargaining team. Dietzen advised selecting team members who are not only subject matter experts but also willing to engage in the collaborative nature of bargaining—an essential quality when school districts are facing increasing demands with limited financial resources.

The session concluded with a discussion of current topics and trends in collective bargaining, giving superintendents practical insights into what they can expect at the bargaining table this year.