The author urges, among other consideration, that strikes be avoided when possible, that major decisions be made before the strike begins, that the district cultivate good relations with the media, and that unity among the board members be maintained. (IRT)

Outlines what board members should and should not do during a strike in order to smooth the transition back to normal after the strike. (IRT)

One of the biggest errors that boards of education make in collective bargaining concerns the selection of their bargaining team. A negotiator should be used who knows labor law, understands the educational process and its common practices, and is knowledgeable about school law. In addition to the negotiator, who should be the spokesman, the…

This monograph presents an overview of Pennsylvania's law governing collective bargaining for public employees (Act 195) and reviews Pennsylvania's experience under the law since its enactment in 1970. The passage of Act 195 for the first time made it possible for Pennsylvania public employees to bargain collectively and to legally strike when…

This booklet briefly outlines the procedures to be followed by Pennsylvania school district administrators and state department of education officials in determining a school district's eligibility for state funds when the district operates its schools during a teacher strike. In order to qualify for state reimbursement, a school district must be…

Individuals who have been on all sides of a teacher strike need positive outlets for winding down; such outlets should be carefully designed by the superintendent of schools. The first group to be considered is the public--both the sympathetic public and the angry public. Another group that must be dealt with are overresponsive strike leaders…

The purpose of this report is to help school administrators develop their own strike contingency plans or evaluate the plans already in existence in their districts. The report comprises four sections: (1) a review of the educational literature regarding strike contingency planning; (2) state board guidelines for strike contingency planning; (3)…

To help school districts develop contingency plans for teacher strikes, this guide provides background material and suggests methods for building a strike plan. Following a listing of contributors and a short introduction, there is a brief history of collective bargaining and teacher strikes. A general discussion on developing, preparing, and…

This manual is intended to aid school board members in developing an organizational structure within the school district management team that will facilitate efficient and effective response to teacher strikes. In addition to discussing the development of an appropriate organizational structure, the manual also provides tactical advice, presents…

Guidelines are given to school board members and administrators on using advocacy communications in dealing with teachers' strikes. Strikes are described as staged media events and extensions of the collective bargaining process. An educational association's "game plan" is outlined which summarizes the five central themes used by most…

Describes seven main power tactics used by teacher unions in strike situations. Recommends a program of advocacy communication strategies that school boards can follow in fostering positive community relations before and during a strike. (IW)

This manual is designed to help school boards and administrators avoid strikes, survive them, and recover from them when they are over. Chapter 1 distinguishes between public and private sector strikes; defines different kinds of strike strategies, negotiation goals, and strike goals; and provides a strike evaluation checklist for the employee…

A composite guidebook covers the collective wisdom and teachings of local school governance. From goal-setting to policy making to board-superintendent relations, this publication places in one complete resource information available to the new and the veteran school board member. Although specifically directed to Pennsylvania board members, the…

Strikes and threats of strikes have become one of the realities of public education. School districts must be prepared to deal with strikes and the problems that they present. This manual is designed to provide a brief overview of the law relating to public employee strikes and to assist districts in adopting their own strike plans. It offers…