Thanks to Bisanz Brothers for their support.
The ISD 197 School Board reviewed fee increases for School Age Care and Early Learning, approved academic calendars, and received an update from the American Indian Education Program.
Fee Increases for School Age Care and Early Learning
The administration is proposing a 3% fee increase for each of the next two years for both School Age Care (SAC) and the Early Learning Center programs.
- Comparisons: The administration offered price comparisons to neighboring and similar sized districts, which are mostly favorable, though it’s not a straight comparison (other districts haven’t announced pricing for the next two years). St. Paul and South St. Paul also offer free pre-K programs, though with funding changes coming, the administration wasn’t sure if that would be able to continue.
- Incremental: Last time SAC saw a 10% increase and the administration is trying to avoid those large increases by making incremental increases. They did note that this increase doesn’t fully cover their increased staff costs.
- Staffing: Some of the increase for the Early Learning Center is related to those teachers being moved to the union contract. In both cases, the administration is trying to find a balance between paying enough to attract quality staff and keep prices low. SAC has had an especially difficult time finding staff, which has led to waitlists.
- What’s next: The board didn’t vote, but seemed generally supportive of the increases or at least recognized the necessity. The increases will come back for a vote at the next meeting.
American Indian Education Program Update
American Indian Education Coordinator Nell Barri gave an update on the program:
- Growth: The program has almost doubled from last year to 173 students, in part due to how the state counts Native American students.
- Staffing: The growth has also meant a half-time liaison position with frequent turnover became full time and was then updated to a coordinator position to reflect increased responsibility. This stability is reflected in the program’s accomplishments.
- Accomplishments: Started Native American student groups at Two Rivers and Friendly Hills, with one about to start at Heritage; professional development; various interventions to support native students, college tours; backpack distribution; and more.
- Events: They’re hosting a Native American Heritage Month Celebration at Two Rivers on Wednesday, November 20.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Calendars: The board approved the 2025-2026 academic calendar and a draft of the 2026-2027 academic calendar. Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog noted some of the many considerations, including attempts to accommodate religious holidays when they fell on a Monday or Friday, the lateness of Labor Day in 2026, and more.
- Policy: The board reviewed the Tobacco Free policy, with minimal discussion mostly centered around exemptions for Native American practices that were started here and adopted statewide. The policy will come back on the consent agenda for approval.
- Board roles: The board continued to discuss changes to the School Board Roles, Standards, and Expectations document. This time around they achieved consensus and a final version will come back at the next meeting for official approval.
Engage
- More: Agendas and minutes for ISD 197 School Board meetings are available online.
- Watch: You can watch a video recap from Superintendent Peter Olson-Skog and Board Member Jon Vaupel.
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