I am currently a staff attorney and employee labor relations administrator for the second largest school district in the State of Illinois. My experience as a school law attorney, along with my experience in human resources, has provided me with a unique foundation and perspective to labor and employment matters in k-12 schools, colleges and other public sector employers. My training and experience as an attorney guide my analysis of human resources issues by ensuring my current employer, School District U-46, maintains compliance with all legal mandates and limits its legal exposure while always serving the needs of its employees. I oversee employee labor relation, and this role I manage employee discipline, conduct investigations, present employee matters before the Board of Education, provide legal counsel to district administrators and maintain positive relationships with union leadership. I also advise on matters pertaining to collective bargaining agreements, negotiate contracts and represent the District in union grievances and disputes. I have created District wide systems and processes to help mitigate risk and exposure for the District. For example, I provided training to administrators and staff regarding employee due process and created templates and forms for administrators to use when managing employee discipline matters. In addition, I worked with the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, the Chief Legal Officer and the Superintendent to establish a system of approval when placing an employee on a performance improvement plan or suspending and/or terminating an employee. I have overseen compliance audits and reviews of human resource systems. Through my collaboration with colleagues, I have developed knowledge and skills in all aspects of human resources. I work with the District’s Benefits Coordinator on employee leave and benefit matters. I advise the Human Resource Staffing and Recruitment Coordinator on matters of employee hiring and retainment. I served on the District’s equity committee, which seeks to hire, support and retain a diverse workforce. I advise the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources on employment and union matters. I consult, counsel and coach other administrators on various employment matters.