NAEN’s 53^rd 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 sponsored by BLG Law Firm

Monday, March 11

9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Best Practices in conducting a Misconduct/Sexual Harassment Investigation

• Step-by-step guide to conducting investigations into misconduct/sexual harassment allegations

• Interviewing techniques and best practices for handling sensitive situations

• Union involvement

• 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

• Interviewing the Complainant

• Interviewing the Employee accused of misconduct

• Interviewing Witnesses

• 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?

• Interpreting the report and what to look for

• Different levels of disciplinary action and when to apply them

• Coaching and counseling techniques to address minor issues

• 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

• Mental Health Strategies for Administrators

• How to ensure that all of our staff are taken care of

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 sponsored by ApplytoEducation

1:30 to 2:00 BUSINESS MEETING

2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Contractual Benefits to address Staff Shortages and Retention for Non Instructional Staff

Speaker:  Dominic D’Imperio, Esq., Franklin Essex Hamilton BOCES

Wednesday, March 13 

9:00 to 10:00 a.m.   Retaining Non Instructional Staff and Non Instructional Supervisors - Best Practices

• Ensuring access to necessary resources for staff development

• Providing appropriate professional development and ongoing training

Speaker: Coni Taylor, Esq., Associate Superintendent of Labor Relations and Legal Services, Traverse City Area Public Schools

10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Conference Wrap-Up

• Recap of key takeaways from the conference sessions

• Q&A session to address any remaining questions and concerns

• Closing remarks 

Panel:  NAEN Board of Directors

NAEN’s 53^rd Annual Conference

MARCH 10-13, 2024 │CLERARWATER, FLORIDA