Stillwater Area School Board Faces Power Outage, Communication Issues on First Day of School

Overview: The recent Stillwater Area School Board meeting focused on issues, including a power outage that disrupted the first day of school, transportation challenges, and staffing shortages in the district’s child care program. The board and Superintendent Dr. Michael Funk discussed the impact of these events on students, families, and staff, emphasizing the need for improved communication and planning.

South Washington County School Board Approves $9.95 Million for Transition Program Facility

Overview: The South Washington County School Board convened on August 22nd to discuss a range of issues, most notably approving a $9.95 million financing plan for the acquisition and remodeling of a facility for the district’s transition program. The meeting also covered policy updates, board member compensation, and contractual resolutions, highlighting a collaborative effort among board members to address district needs.

South Washington County School Board Considers Pay Raises Amidst Financial Challenges

Overview: At the recent South Washington County School Board meeting, a portion of the agenda was devoted to the topic of board member compensation. The discussion, led by Chair Katie Schwartz, revealed a consensus among board members that the current compensation of $5,700 per year has remained stagnant since 2018 and is insufficient to attract a diverse pool of candidates. This sentiment was echoed by several members who emphasized the need for a reevaluation, considering that other districts, such as Hennepin County and Minneapolis, offer substantially higher compensation. The board’s deliberations also touched on the broader financial context of the district, which faces a deficit budget for 2025 alongside rising costs and flat enrollment projections.

Stillwater Area School Board Grapples with Transportation Woes and Announces Member Resignation

Overview: The Stillwater Area School Board meeting was marked by a discussion on the district’s ongoing transportation challenges, including the integration of new routing software, and concluded with the announcement of a board member’s resignation. These issues underscored the district’s efforts to improve logistical operations while also navigating internal changes at the administrative level.

South Washington County School Board Expands Woodbury High School with Renovation Plans

Overview: The South Washington County School Board convened on July 18, 2024, to address pivotal developments in school infrastructure, primarily focusing on the extensive renovations planned for Woodbury High School. The meeting provided an update on the school district’s construction projects, funded by a voter-approved $200 million bond, which aims to expand and modernize several district schools. Discussions highlighted the collaborative design process for Woodbury High, the restructuring of key educational spaces, and the implications for student experience and safety.