June 2, 2012

Mediation Sought by Kansas School

Author: Stephen Alexander – In an attempt to resolve a contract dispute with school teachers, the Wichita school district seeks federal mediation with its school teachers over salaries and other issues.

The school district and the local teachers union declared an impasse during their negotiation session that officials for the school district called “adversarial.” The appointment date for a federal mediator is unknown at this time. The new contract is suppose to begin August 1, 2012.

In March, when talks commenced, the two parties did not discuss salaries. Moreover, progress has been scant on the other issues such as teacher evaluations, attendance, lesson plans, dress code, classroom discipline, and career development.

In Kansas, teacher contract negotiations are public meetings and open to the media. During the meetings, the union officials brought a video camera to the first negotiation session. They intended to record the meetings to share them with their members and possibly post on YouTube.

Officials for the Kansas school district protested the cameras at first, but then agreed after the officials brought in their own cameras to record the meeting, also. The negative tone at the start of negotiations never waned as the meetings progressed.

Through federal mediation, the school district hopes that both sides will feel free to talk specifically and openly.

May 27, 2012

Criminal Mediation Is Option in Kansas

Author: Stephen Alexander – In Saline County, Kansas a pilot program for juveniles is scheduled to commence in August 2012. The program will provide criminal mediation as an option for juvenile offenders involved in misdemeanor crimes.

According to The Salina Journal, crime victims and misdemeanor juvenile offenders will be permitted to voluntarily enter the mediation program. Both the victims and the offenders will have to agree to use a mediator rather than a judge and the court system.

The program was conceived almost one year ago based on the concept of “restorative justice.” Programs, such at the one planned in Salina, are used in other communities across the United States. Property crimes, some batteries and school issues are the main focus for the mediation program in Salina. Other crimes such as first-time substance abuse may be added to the mediation program.

The benefits of the mediation process is that crime victims have an opportunity to “have their day” and “say their piece” in a confidential forum. The mediation process also permits crime victims a chance to participate in the outcome of the criminal case and to learn why the crime happened.