GENERAL LEGAL PRINCIPLES; CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT/ INTERPRETATION – In General

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In interpreting contractual provisions, it is unnecessary to look beyond the plain language of the contract when that language is clear and unambiguous, citing Marysville Joint Unified School District; p. 3. When contract language is found to be ambiguous, the Board looks to bargaining history and the past practice of the parties to ascertain the meaning of the language; p. 3. The pertinent contract language in this case is susceptible to differing interpretations and therefore cannot be considered clear and unambiguous. As a result, the bargaining history and the practice of the parties must be reviewed to ascertain the meaning of the provision; p. 4.