Thanks to Southview Animal Hospital and Clover Montessori School for their support.

The upcoming budget and union contracts were the main items on the agenda for the ISD 197 School Board.

Budget Framework Discussion

The school board unanimously approved the budget framework, which was initially presented at the last meeting. The framework maintains current class sizes but has a projected fund balance of 6.5%, below the board policy of 8%.

The board’s willingness to dip below 8% came during a closed session for contract negotiations.

“We are approving this because keeping class sizes stable is important, keeping the programming that we have is important, keeping the staff that we have is important,” said Board Member Morgan Steele.

The board debated how and when to reconcile the fund balance discrepancy. Technically, the policy states that when the fund balance falls below 8%, the board needs a plan to return it to 8%. The projected fund balance could change as the budget is finalized, so Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog advocated waiting to make any changes.

“We have a board policy—it’s a policy, it’s not a law—it’s policy that we have set that’s been thoughtfully set and existed for a long time,” said Board Chair Sarah Larsen. “I’m not comfortable being a board that changes policy frequently to fit what we’re doing. So we like 8% and we’ve been comfortable with it for a long time. I don’t see a reason to change it except to say that, yes, we know we are out of compliance with our policy, but we’re doing it for these reasons.”

The board seemed comfortable with a 6.5% fund balance for now, knowing it may change, and seeing future projections on an upward trajectory.

Teacher & Principal Union Contracts Settled

The school board unanimously approved union contracts for teachers and principals for 2023-2025.

• Teachers will see modest raises, depending on their experience and education. Principals will see 3% raises. Coaches and extra assignment positions will receive a 5% raise.
• Preschool teachers are being added to the teacher salary schedule.
• There are tweaks to insurance, with costs continuing to go up (in the 8-10% range for employees).
• This year’s teachers will get a $1,000 bonus.

There are still six other union contracts that need to be negotiated and settled.

Other Items on the Agenda

• Crisis Management policy: The board had the first reading of changes to the Crisis Management policy. Since the district does not conduct active shooter drills or simulations, many of the recent state requirements do not apply. Instead the district has lockdown drills, which would be used in an active shooter situation but are not as traumatic for students and staff as an actual active shooter simulation. The changes were minor and there was minimal discussion. The policy will come forward on the consent agenda at future meetings.

Engage

• More: Agendas and minutes for ISD 197 School Board meetings are available online.

Coverage of ISD 197 School Board meetings happens thanks to the support of our members and our successful member drive.