It is the best of times because there has never been a greater need for quality school business officials, but it is the worst of times because it has never been more difficult to "be" a school business official. One needs the wisdom of Solomon to balance the foolishness of greed with need. A poorly equipped negotiating team can quickly sink the ship, and all a great team can do is avoid the icebergs. There are no races to be won. There are no ribbons to bring home. School business officials may be fortunate just to keep the ship afloat. For almost 25 years, the author has participated in negotiations and has seen the best of times and the worst of times; the current economic conditions rank right up there with man-made disasters. Business officials have the same destination: fiscal solvency and a fair contract settlement. In this article, the author shares strategies to help school business officials build or retain stronger fiscal positions while trying to meet the demands of their district's most valued asset: experienced employees. Listed in this article are some fundamental principles that will help school business officials navigate negotiations in difficult waters. Just as important, they may help steer the entire team and district toward success.