§ 2025. Factors to be considered by arbitrator

(a) At the hearing, each party shall have full opportunity to submit all relevant evidence, to introduce relevant documents and written material, and to argue on behalf of its positions. At the hearing, both parties may present evidence regarding the financial capacity of the school district. The arbitrator shall preside over such hearing.

(b) In reaching a decision, the arbitrator shall give weight to the factors listed in subsection (a) of this section, plus the following factors:

(1) the lawful authority of the school board;

(2) stipulations of the parties;

(3) the interest and welfare of the public and the financial ability of the school board to pay for increased costs of public services, including the cost of labor;

(4) comparisons of the wages, hours, and conditions of employment of the employees involved in the dispute with the wages, hours, and conditions of employment of other employees performing similar services in public schools in comparable communities or in private employment in comparable communities;

(5) the average consumer prices for goods and services commonly known as the cost of living;

(6) the overall compensation presently received by the employees, including direct wages, fringe benefits, and continuity conditions and stability of employment, and all other benefits received; and

(7) prior negotiations and existing conditions of other school and municipal employees. (Added 1991, No. 196 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)