Rebecca Rudnick Santiago

Rebecca Rudnick Santiago represents public school districts, regional school districts, RESCS, charter schools and private schools in Connecticut with labor/employment and education matters.  She serves as the chief negotiator for a number of schools in contract negotiations with teachers and administrators, as well as non-certified bargaining units.  Although her goal is to obtain a settlement that is mutually agreeable to the school and the staff, when an agreement cannot be reached, she represents districts in mediations and interest arbitration proceedings. She also assists in drafting contracts for Superintendents and other unaffiliated employees.  Her employment work also includes providing guidance to clients regarding documentation of investigations, progressive discipline, evaluations, observations, and intensive assistance plans.  In circumstances where dismissal or non-renewal is the appropriate outcome of a personnel matter, she assists with tenure-related questions and separation agreements.  She also provides advice and training to school officials on all types of educational issues, including but not limited to policy matters, student discipline, investigations of harassment, bullying or discrimination, DCF matters, wage and hour matters, FMLA and ADA matters, and general employment and personnel issues.