Discusses the inherent conflict between decentralizing movements toward teacher empowerment and participative management and the centralization occasioned by increasing school bureaucratization and collective bargaining by teacher unions. Suggests the need for bold experiments in school labor relationships. Contains 24 references. (SV)

To maintain quality education and high morale, educational decision making must become decentralized, particularly during financially difficult times. Teachers and other educational stakeholders, rather than government or educational bureaucrats, should be asked about where and when to cut expenditures. Centralized decision making, where the few…