For most members Contract negotiations with the Board of Education represent the most important, single function of AEL. Negotiations is an annual process usually taking several months.

The outcome of negotiations or collective bargaining is a formally BOE approved and AEL member ratified document--the BOE/AEL Negotiated Agreement or Contract.

Salaries and wages are the most visible item subject to the negotiations process. However, salaries constitute only 3-4 of the 30+ pages of the Contract. The bulk of negotiations focus on working conditions matters--those non-wage issues establishing many job requirements and the obligations and responsibilities the Board of Education and AEL owe each other.

The spirit and intent of the process, outcome and implementation are students--maximizing opportunity and achievement for every child. AEL recognizes the Board has certain statutory and policy rights governing the management of curriculum and instruction. The Board of Education recognizes the need for school management and curricular and instructional supervision to exercise their training and judgement in carrying out those responsibilities.

See AEL Business, Negotiated Agreement for current contract.