ARTICLE 1
PURPOSE AND INTENT

A.             This agreement is made and entered into on this 1 st day of July, 2002, by and between the Board and the Association.

B.             The Syracuse Board of Education and the Syracuse Teachers Association, Inc., declare it to be their mutual policy that in order to promote harmonious labor relations between the Board and the Association, the principle of collective bargaining is to be employed pursuant to the New York State Public Employees' Fair Employment Act. The parties affirm that Association unit employees shall, at all times, be dedicated, courteous, and efficient servants of, and to, the public, realizing full well that they are under the constant scrutiny of area taxpayers, and that they are performing a most essential service.

C.             The parties to this agreement hereby agree not to limit employment with the Syracuse City School District or membership in the Association to any person because of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

D.             All laws applicable to the programs covered by this Agreement, and all rules, regulations, and guidelines promulgated there under, shall apply to such programs and shall take precedence over any and all terms of this Agreement which are in conflict therewith.