Opinion ID: 901992
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Application of SDCL 3-18-8.2

Text: [¶ 13.] The District and the Association both assert that SDCL 3-18-8.2 is central to the resolution of this case. This statute is part of the collective bargaining laws adopted by the South Dakota Legislature. The statute anticipates the necessity for districts to issue teacher contracts for the next school year even though the district and the union are still in the midst of negotiating agreement terms. The statute requires the District to issue teacher contracts under the same terms and conditions as for the current year. Id. Even though individual teacher contracts are issued for the following year, the law requires the district and the teachers' organization to continue to negotiate the terms of the following year's contract in good faith. SDCL 3-18-3.1(5); SDCL 3-18-3.2(4). If the teachers' organization and school district successfully reach and approve a settlement, the district shall implement the settlement in the form of an agreement.... SDCL 3-18-8. That negotiated agreement would apply to all teachers represented by the bargaining unit. See SDCL 3-18-3. [¶ 14.] SDCL ch. 3-18 also addresses what occurs if the parties fail to reach an agreement. Because teachers as public employees are prohibited from striking, the parties may request DOL to intervene in the event of an impasse. If DOL intervention fails to bring about an agreement, the law requires the school district to implement its last offer made in negotiations. SDCL 3-18-8.2. The law provides as follows: Any school district issuing contracts to teachers for the ensuing year, but prior to reaching agreement with the representatives of the recognized employee unit, shall issue the contracts under the same terms and conditions as for the current year. If no agreement is reached in negotiations and the intervention of the labor department under § 3-18-8.1 fails to bring about an agreement, the board shall implement, as a minimum, the provisions of its last offer, including tentative agreements. If the labor department is not requested to intervene under the provisions of § 3-18-8.1, the board shall implement the provisions of its last offer, including tentative agreements, eleven days after an impasse is declared. Id.