Fargo Education Board reviews teacher classification after Supreme Court ruling

The Fargo School Board convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the classification of school psychologists and their inclusion in the negotiating unit for contracts. The meeting followed a recent North Dakota Supreme Court ruling that clarified the definition of a "teacher" under state law, which has implications for employment classifications within the district.

The court's decision established a three-part test to determine if an employee qualifies as a teacher: they must be a school employee, licensed or approved to teach, and primarily employed as a classroom teacher. This ruling led to a review of job descriptions for various employee categories, particularly school psychologists, who had previously been removed from the negotiated agreement. The board recognized a petition from the Fargo Education Association (FEA) for the appropriate negotiating unit, which was acknowledged in a prior meeting.

During the discussions, board members emphasized the importance of accurately defining job roles and ensuring that job descriptions reflect actual duties performed by employees. The negotiation committee recommended maintaining the current job groupings for the 2025-2027 contract, aligning with the statutory definition of a teacher. This recommendation aims to mitigate potential litigation risks associated with misclassifying employees.

The board also acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue with staff and the FEA to refine job descriptions and ensure they accurately capture the work being done. The conversation highlighted the evolving nature of educational roles, with some members advocating for a broader interpretation of what constitutes a classroom teacher, given the innovative learning environments at Fargo Public Schools.

In conclusion, the board's decision to keep the negotiating unit intact reflects a cautious approach to navigating the complexities of employment classifications while ensuring that all staff members feel valued and heard. The ongoing review of job descriptions and the commitment to engage with educational groups will be crucial as the district prepares for future negotiations.