Thanks to The North 40 Tavern for their support. A north woods tavern somewhere in the middle of a big city. They regularly rotate tap beers, so stop in to see what’s currently flowing.
The school board approved a new two-year teacher contract, an annual report and strategic plan, and heard site reports from Branch Out and the Early Learning Center.
Teacher Contract Approved
The board unanimously approved the latest teacher contract with little discussion or debate, a contrast with the previous contract that came with more back and forth between the union and the administration.
- Raise: All teachers get a 1.25% raise the first year and a $1,250 raise the second year. Pre-K teachers also have two steps added to their salary schedule.
- Longevity pay: Teachers who have been in the district more than 16 years will get between $1,500-$2,500 in the second year of the contract.
- Insurance: Costs increased for teachers with copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums all increasing. Earlier, the district approved a 14% increase in healthcare costs, and this contract reflects the district paying 80-95% of that increase.
- Retirement: The district’s 403(b) match was also increased by $200.
Site Reports: Branch Out and Early Learning Center
Representatives from Branch Out and the Early Learning Center gave their annual updates.
Branch Out: This program supports young adults with disabilities from post-high school until age 22.
- Highlights: They’re focused on teaching independent living, workforce training, post-secondary education, and student leadership opportunities.
- Challenges: They’re working hard to prevent screen addiction and needing to be flexible as programs and standards change.
- Opportunities: Branch Out is adding new work-based learning sites, including a number in West St. Paul—Gallagher’s Bar and Grill, Amore Coffee, Clothesline Laundromat, El Destino Market, and Oxendales.
- Sharing: Class of 2026 graduate Emily Waters shared her favorite memory at Branch Out, the field trip to Como Zoo. It also prompted a sweet interaction between Board Chair Sarah Larsen and Waters:
Early Learning Center: This program serves children from birth through six years old.
- Highlights: The program focuses on play-based learning because children learn better and faster through play.
- Opportunities: They’ve more than doubled their pre-K scholarship spots from 18 to 40 and expanded to all-day pre-K at Pilot Knob.
- Bonus: They’ve added a lactation/meditation room for staff featuring a massage chair thanks to a grant from Dakota County.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Annual report and strategic plan: The board unanimously approved the 2024-2025 annual report and 2025-2026 strategic implementation plan, which were presented in full at the previous meeting. Board Member Marcus Hill encouraged the public to read these documents in-depth to see what’s happening in the district.
- Recognition: The school board recognized the 2025 Warrior Hall of Fame inductees and National Merit commended students from Two Rivers High School.
- Enrollment: The board voted unanimously to close open enrollment for grades 7-12. It’s already been closed for fifth and sixth grades. This does not impact residents and only applies to those outside the district. The closure is primarily due to a lack of space.
Engage
- More: Agendas and minutes for ISD 197 School Board meetings are available online.
- Watch: You can watch this meeting online.
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