The session focused on the urgency to finalize the MOU, with the MCEA aiming for completion before the School Board’s next meeting. However, further internal work within the MCEA is required to ensure the safety of the agreement for their membership. The MCEA representatives mentioned they had been working with the Finance department and legal counsel, as well as affiliates like the Florida Education Association (FEA), to assess the potential risks and benefits of the MOU.

The discussion revealed a need for a placeholder on the agenda for the upcoming School Board meeting. This would allow the MCEA to provide a definitive yes or no answer on Tuesday morning, just before the School Board meeting. Board attorneys and representatives discussed procedural steps to facilitate this, acknowledging the strict timeframe and the importance of adhering to Sunshine law requirements.

In anticipation of the MCEA’s final decision, a tentative follow-up session was scheduled for Monday afternoon, with hopes that the necessary information would be available to make an informed decision. The meeting concluded with arrangements being made to accommodate this critical follow-up session, emphasizing the high stakes of the MOU for both the School Board and the MCEA.