Bill > H449

This bill modifies existing laws concerning collective bargaining for Horace Mann charter schools and innovation schools. For Horace Mann charter schools, it removes a provision that previously exempted new schools from needing an agreement with the local collective bargaining unit before board approval, and instead requires them to develop a memorandum of understanding with the school committee and local union regarding any waivers to collective bargaining agreements after their charter is granted, with a stipulation for operating under charter terms if an agreement isn't reached before the scheduled opening. For innovation schools, it clarifies that upon completion of an innovation plan, the applicant, a local union, and the superintendent must negotiate any necessary waivers or modifications to the collective bargaining agreement to implement the plan, and in the case of a school conversion, the plan must then be approved by a two-thirds secret ballot vote of the teachers within 30 days, with provisions for revision and re-vote if necessary, before being submitted to the school committee.