Business Services/Human Resources Legal Series

CESA 1 is excited to offer our first Business Services / Human Resources Network!

Facing increasingly complex school operations? We get it.
That's why addressing issues through the lens of both Business Services & Human Resources is more crucial—and resource-saving—than ever. Our new legal series will help you supercharge collaboration to create seamless support for your schools. 

This network is offered in partnership with Brian Waterman, attorney and shareholder with Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson & Vliet, LLC. Brian serves as the firm's president and advises schools on a wide range of school law issues. 

Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
(Breakfast and networking beginning at 7:30 AM for in-person meetings.)

Cost: $250 per person (Cost includes all four meeting dates.)
 

Network Dates & Topics

September 23, 2025 (in person at CESA 1)
Strategic Collective Bargaining for School Districts: Navigating a Shifting Legal Landscape
Is your district prepared for potential shifts in Wisconsin’s union landscape? As the legal landscape continues to evolve, districts must prepare for the possibility of expanded union rights and a return to broader bargaining frameworks.  This session will explore recent trends in collective bargaining and how school districts can strategically approach negotiations with their teachers’ unions. The session will also provide guidance on how to navigate the uncertainty associated with a potential post-Act 10 environment.

November 18, 2025 (Virtual)
Collaborative Planning: Aligning Business Services and Human Resources for Effective School Staffing
What if you could optimize your district’s staffing simply by integrating your planning efforts? This session will emphasize the importance of collaboration between business services and human resources departments to address the complex challenges of school staffing. Participants will learn about the importance of aligning financial planning with workforce needs through integrated staffing strategies, taking into account timelines and procedures for hiring, contract non-renewals, layoffs, etc.

February 3, 2026 (in person at CESA 1) 
Defining a School Board’s Role in Human Resources and Business Services
Where does school board governance end and district management begin? This session will clarify the appropriate role of school boards and their members in school district human resources and business operations. It will distinguish between governance and management responsibilities, and examine how a policy governance model can assist school boards in providing strategic direction and oversight without overstepping into administrative functions.

May 19, 2026 (Virtual)
Managing Contracts in School District Operations
How can you master contract management to safeguard your district’s operations and resources? This session will provide an overview of contract management within school district operations, including employment-related agreements and vendor contracts. Participants will learn about critical contract provisions and various considerations when entering into contractual arrangements, including how to determine when the legal counsel involvement is appropriate.