Nancy Arnold

This document outlines strategic research priorities, focusing on areas such as teacher quality, school choice, leadership, accountability, transparency, and policy. It identifies high-priority topics for research and data products concerning students (e.g., pandemic recovery, motivation, career education), teachers and leaders (e.g., recruitment, preparation, effectiveness), and school systems (e.g., schooling options, finance). All initiatives are considered through the strategic lenses of rural education and equity and inclusion.

The report discusses employees' rights to join or not join a union, with a recommendation that no discrimination should occur based on union membership. It outlines the university's position that employees should not attend union meetings, collect dues, or recruit members during working hours, with violations potentially leading to dismissal. The report also addresses the implementation of recommendations to correct and modify employment conditions, including establishing a formal grievance procedure. Additionally, there were discussions regarding employee grievances and the extension of fringe benefits.