A. The Committee and the Association agree to maintain a policy of not discriminating against any teacher, or teacher applicant, on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or membership or participation in, or association with the activities of any teachers' association.

B. Attainment of objectives of the educational program of the Town requires mutual understanding and cooperation among the Committee, the Superintendent, his or her staff, and professional teaching personnel.

C. To this end, free and open exchange of view is desirable and necessary, with all parties participating in deliberation leading to the determination of matters of mutual concern.

D. The provisions of the Agreement shall become Committee Policy. The School Committee agrees for the duration of the Agreement to adopt no policy in conflict with its provisions, and that any previously adopted policy, rule or regulation in conflict shall be superseded by the appropriate provision of the Agreement. However, nothing contained herein shall be construed to operate retroactively unless expressly stated, nor prohibit the Committee from adopting new policies not in conflict with the provisions of the Agreement.

E. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Committee reserves and retains full rights, authority and discretion in the proper discharge of its duties and responsibilities to control, supervise and manage the Foster School District under governing laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, The Superintendent of Schools is the chief administrative officer of the School Committee and may delegate authority to his professional assistants as he may deem necessary for the efficient and orderly operation of the schools.

F. The Committee and the Association shall share equally in the costs of printing the Agreement.