2026 ACSA Personnel Institute

Negotiations are about more than proposals and counterproposals, they are deeply shaped by relationships, communication, and organizational culture. In this engaging session, legal and district leadership perspectives come together to explore how culture and climate influence the negotiation process. Using the recent San Francisco Unified School District strike as a real-world case study, presenters will discuss lessons learned, strategies for sustaining productive dialogue during challenging negotiations, and approaches to building trust with labor partners while still advancing district priorities. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating complex negotiations while preserving relationships and maintaining organizational stability.