The agreement with the United Teachers of South Washington County includes a 2.25% salary increase effective July 1, 2025, followed by a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2026. In addition to these raises, the district has agreed to enhance health insurance contributions by 13% in 2026 and an additional 5% in 2027. This decision came after a period of bargaining that highlighted the necessity to support educators amid rising living costs.

Similarly, the board approved an agreement with the South Washington County Bus Drivers and Bus Assistants Association. This agreement stipulates an increase in hourly rates. Additionally, health insurance contributions will see increases, and Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will become paid holidays for these employees. These adjustments aim to enhance job satisfaction and retention among transportation staff, crucial for ensuring reliable student transportation services.

Beyond labor negotiations, the board delved into discussions on the district’s comprehensive achievement and civic readiness annual report, led by Assistant Superintendent Kelly Jansen. The report outlined the district’s progress in areas such as school readiness, closing achievement gaps, and college and career readiness. Notably, the district exceeded the state average for early childhood screenings, achieving a 58.6% rate compared to the state’s 46.2%. However, challenges remain in meeting kindergarten reading proficiency goals, with only 65.5% of students reaching the target, prompting the district to pursue targeted interventions.

The report also addressed racial and economic achievement gaps, utilizing Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in math and reading. Despite surpassing state averages, only 51.8% of students achieved math proficiency. The district continues to strengthen support systems at both elementary and secondary levels, employing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to cater to diverse student needs.

In the realm of financial planning, the board reviewed the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, presenting projected revenues of $556,944,464 and expenditures of $533,503,508.

The board also explored the complexities of the property tax levy cycle, noting a 4.4% increase for 2026, driven mainly by debt service obligations from a voter-approved bond referendum. Discussions included the impact of market value changes on individual tax burdens and available taxpayer relief programs, such as the senior citizen property tax deferral.

Public comments during the meeting were dominated by the Office Professionals Union representatives, who expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing contract negotiations. Concerns were raised over low starting wages and the lack of equitable proposals from the district. The union’s call for mediation underscores the urgency in addressing these disparities to recognize the essential contributions of office staff.

The meeting also included updates on curriculum developments, with a focus on new course offerings in the high school catalog. Courses like personal finance, AP Spanish language and culture, and ethnic studies are being integrated to align with legislative changes and student interests. Challenges in developing the ethnic studies course were acknowledged, given the pending state benchmarks.

In closing, the meeting featured commendations for student achievements, notably a student named Sophia, whose artwork received high praise for its exploration of cultural identity. The district’s acknowledgment of individual student accomplishments reflects its broader commitment to fostering diverse talents.