47.1 Collaborative Negotiations

The Board and Association agree that the negotiations process is dependent on mutual understanding and cooperation and, therefore, requires a free and open exchange of views in deliberating leading to policy decisions. Both parties agree to meet at reasonable times and places and to negotiate in a good faith effort to reach agreement.

47.2 Representation

Members of the Board or their designated representative and representatives named by the Association shall meet for the purpose of negotiating and seeking agreement. Neither party will attempt to exert any control over the other's selection of its representatives, except that no active member of the Association shall be used as a negotiator for the Board. Consultants may be called upon by either party and utilized in negotiation on any matter being considered by the negotiation teams.

47.3 Exchange of Information and Negotiation Procedures

The Board agrees to furnish the Association all reasonable information needed for developing intelligent, feasible and constructive proposals on behalf of the employees. This information shall include, but not be limited to, complete and accurate financial reports and the tentative budget for the next school year submitted for study prior to the date for Board action thereon, and information on the number and level of teachers on the salary schedule. Both parties shall develop negotiation procedures and "table rules" to be applied in negotiating the successor contract.

47.4 Dispute Resolution

47.4.1 In the event that a dispute occurs, provision of RCW 42-59 will be used.

47.4.2 Immediately after the mutually agreed upon demand for mediation, the parties will make a joint written request to a Federal or public mediation agency asking that agency to support a mediator.

47.4.3 All meeting arrangements such as dates, agenda, etc., will be arranged by the mediator. All arrangements reached through mediation will be tentative, subject to ratification by the parties.

Except as expressly stated herein, this contract will remain in full force and effect from September 1, 2010 to and including August 31, 2015. The District and Association agree to engage in a process of continuous collaborative bargaining, and at the outset of each contract year, identify areas of common interest to be bargained.

SIGNATURES:

FOR THE ASSOCIATION:    FOR THE DISTRICT:

By:  _________________________________________    By:  ___________________________________

                        Conni VanHoose            Brian Wharton

                      June 23, 2010      June 23, 2010

Date:  _______________________________________  Date:  _________________________________