Ask SSC . . .
Should a Chancellor or President Serve on the Negotiating Team?
Q. I am a new chancellor. The union has asked that I be a part of the district’s negotiating team and has given me a list of positive aspects for my inclusion on the team. What are some of the negative aspects that I should consider?
A. In general, we do not recommend that the chancellor or individual board members participate as members of the negotiating team. Our reasons are specific and we think very practical. The chancellor has the leading role in implementation of the results of the negotiations and for repairing any damage that might be done to relationships if the negotiations go badly. It is harder to perform that role if the chancellor is personally, emotionally, and physically invested in the negotiations. We think a certain degree of professional detachment enables the superintendent to more effectively lead the district after the negotiations are over.
—John Gray and Ron Bennett