When teacher contract negotiations begin, Straka remains true to his word. At one meeting, the board calls an executive session to talk about collective bargaining strategies. The next day, Straka's newspaper prints a front-page article that reports the salary increase the board planned to offer the teachers union. The salary increase is much less than the teachers had been willing to accept. Armed with this information, the union president accuses the board of not bargaining in good faith and breaks off negotiations.
Tensions run high in the district, and rumors of a teachers strike abound.
A. Demand Straka resign from the board or quit his job at the newspaper, since he's obviously abusing his power and position. B. Remind Straka that he has a duty to the board and the district. Revealing sensitive information could jeopardize the schools. Then hold a session reviewing your state's open meetings laws. C. Make a policy that anyone with a potential conflict of interest, including teachers and journalists, be barred from running for school board.