NAEN’s 53rd Annual Conference
Working with our Labor Unions to create Positive Labor Relations, Human Resources and Collective Bargaining Success
March 10-13, 2024
Sunday, March 10
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Canadian Affairs/Legal Updates
Let’s all get together to discuss current events! This is a great way to kick off the conference! Hicks Morley will provide an update on precedent setting Arbitration cases. This discussion will provide participants to network and learn about hot topics in the different provinces.
Speaker: Lauri A. Reesor, Esq., Hicks Morley and Dolores M. Barbini, Esq., Hicks Morley
Or
US Affairs/Legal Updates
Let’s all get together to discuss current events! This is a great way to kick off the conference! This discussion will provide participants to network and learn about hot topics in the different states.
Speaker: Jay Worona, Esq., NYS School Boards Association
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Progressive Discipline; Why do some employees do stupid things and what do you do?
Panel: NAEN Board Members
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. President’s Reception
Monday, March 11
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.Best Practices in conducting a Misconduct/Sexual Harassment Investigation
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Step-by-step guide to conducting investigations into misconduct/sexual harassment allegations
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Interviewing techniques and best practices for handling sensitive situations
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Union involvement
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Documenting findings and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process
Speakers: John Paul Alexandrowicz, Esq. and Melissa Eldridge, Esq. BLG Law Firm
10:00 - 11:00 p.m.Interviewing Techniques - Best Practices
The speakers will conduct mock interviews sharing best practices and worst practices
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Interviewing the Complainant
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Interviewing the Employee accused of misconduct
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Interviewing Witnesses
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Dealing with Problematic Union Representatives
Speaker: Andrew Lalonde, Esq., Labor Relations Director, OCM BOCES
11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Conducting Investigations for Off Duty Conduct
This session will discuss best practices and pitfalls of off duty conduct investigations.
Speaker: Brian Sartorelli, Investigative Risk Management Dolores Barbini, Esq., Hicks Morley
12:00 to 1:30 LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Now you have the Report from the Investigator - Now What?
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Interpreting the report and what to look for
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Different levels of disciplinary action and when to apply them
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Coaching and counseling techniques to address minor issues
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Implementing performance improvement plans for struggling employees
Speakers: Brian Sartorelli, Investigative Risk Management, Carol Dey, Waterloo Region District School Board, Laurie Reesor, Esq., Hicks Morley
4:00-5:30 p.m. Canadian Caucus
Sponsored and Hosted by: Hicks Morley
Tuesday, March 12
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.Recruitment & Management Landscape - Sharing Best Practices
In a tight labor market those who can move fastest will reap the rewards.
This session will review best practices and emerging technologies that are delivering results.
Speaker: Mark Laurie, President, ApplytoEducation
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Mental Health and Well Being
Speaker: Chris Boulay, Superintendent of Human Resources, GECDSB
11:00 - 12:00 p.m.Collective Bargaining Updates
Canadian Updates
Speaker: Andrew Gold, OPSBA
or
US Updates
Speaker: David Cirillo, Esq. Director of Staff Relations, West Genesee School District
12:00 to 1:30. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
1:30 to 2:00. BUSINESS MEETING
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.Creating a Safe and Inclusive School Culture
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Strategies for promoting a positive and respectful school climate
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Prevention measures to reduce the likelihood of harassment and misconduct
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Educating staff and students about their rights and responsibilities
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Speaker: Sharon Brognia, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Wednesday, March 13
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Retaining Non Instructional Staff and Non Instructional Supervisors - Best Practices
Speaker: Coni Taylor, Esq., Associate Superintendent of Labor Relations and Legal Services, Traverse City Area Public Schools
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.Contractual Benefits to address Staff Shortages and Retention for Non Instructional Staff
Speaker: Dominic D’Imperio, Esq. and Jake Tolosky, Franklin Essex Hamilton BOCES
11:00 to 12:00 p.m.Conference Wrap-Up
Panel: NAEN Board of Directors
NAEN’s 53rd Annual Conference
MARCH 10-13, 2024 │CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
Conference Registration

Early Bird Registration
Registration and Payment in Full. Member Non-Member
On or before December 31, 2023 $650.00. $775.00
Registration on or after January 1, 2024 $750.00. $875.00
Register online at naen.org
Use the PayPal link on the webpage
Or
Mail a check, made out to NAEN:
NAEN
ATTN: Rachel Rissetto, Executive Director
423 Allen Road
Porter Corners, NY 12859