COHE's Negotiating Committee met on November 12 to assign proposals to each bargainer.   Each bargainer will prepare draft language and rationale for their proposal before January 1, 2011. 

Today, I met with the BOR negotiators and we agreed upon the following schedule for bargaining sessions.  All meetings begin at 1:00 p.m. (Central Time).  Our side will gather at 11:30 a.m. for lunch beforehand.

December 14 (Tues), Al's Oasis, Oacoma

January 5 (Wed), BOR's choice, Pierre

January 22 (Sat), BOR's choice, Chamberlain/Oacoma

February 12 (Sat), SDEA Board Room, Pierre

March 15 (Tues), Al's Oasis, Oacoma

April 9 (Sat), BOR's choice, Pierre

May (finals week), if needed.

The COHE Board invites and encourages all dues-paying COHE members to attend any and all bargaining sessions as well as the state COHE Board meetings. 

 Please mark your calendars for the State COHE Board at Al's Oasis in Oacoma, 11:30 a.m. on January 4 (Tues) and April 2 (Sat).   On January 4, bargainers may choose to stay overnight in Chamberlain/Oacoma or Pierre to meet for the 1 p.m. bargaining session on Wed., January 5.   If enough bargainers can make it, we can re-schedule the bargaining session for earlier on Wed.  Please let me know as soon as possible.

The Negotiating Committee agreed to these rules for non-bargainers who are present at bargaining sessions:

a.       Non-bargainers will not be allowed to speak.  They are "furniture," except if the Negotiating Committee specifically authorizes a non-bargainer to be assigned an issue area.

b.      Any non-bargainer must notify the state COHE President at least one week prior to attending the session.

c.       The state COHE President must vet each non-bargainer to approve their attendance.  I must ensure they understand and will follow the bargaining protocol/rules explained here.