ARTICLE I RECOGNITION

Narragansett School District

A. In accordance with the Teacher Arbitration Act of January, 1966, the Committee hereby recognizes the Association as the exclusive representative of all professional employees of the Narragansett School System who are engaged in teaching or related activities below the rank of Assistant Principal. Unless otherwise indicated these employees will hereinafter be referred to as "teachers."

B. The Association agrees to represent equally in contract negotiations all teachers without regard to membership or participation in, or association with the activities of, the Association or any other employee organizations.

C. Subject to the provisions of this agreement, the Committee and the Superintendent of Schools reserve and retain full rights under the Laws of the State of Rhode Island and the Town Charter.

D. The Committee shall not discriminate in any way against any teacher by reason of his/her membership in or participation in the activities of the Association or his/her exercise of rights granted under this Agreement.

E. No teacher will engage in activities on behalf of the Association which will interfere with the proper performance of his/her duties.

F. The parties of this Agreement recognize the Committee's exclusive authority to select and employ new professional personnel. In keeping with the high standards of the community, the parties agree to make a good faith effort to attract teachers who possess high qualifications, and to keep such teachers in the Narragansett School System.

G. It is agreed that the management rights in the operation of the School System rest with the Committee and its administration so long as actions by the Committee and the administration are not inconsistent with this agreement, and do not infringe upon rights given teachers in the Teacher Arbitration Act.