The Osseo Area Schools Board voted unanimously on Sept. 23 to ratify a two‑year terms and conditions agreement with the district’s Educational Support Professionals (ESP) bargaining unit covering 2024–2026. Yvonne Schwartzland, executive director of human resources, presented highlights of the agreement and implementation steps.

The nut graf: the agreement includes pay increases across the grid, targeted stipend raises, larger district contributions toward health coverage, and a total two‑year salary investment of $3,040,953; trustees and union leadership framed the ratification as a forward step while union leaders said the work continues.

Key provisions reviewed by Schwartzland included raising class 1 starting pay to $20 per hour and class 2 to $21 per hour, a 2% cost‑of‑living adjustment across classes and steps in the contract period, an increase in the “highly qualified” special‑education stipend from $100 to $250 per year for eligible staff, and other language updates to reflect state law. Schwartzland said the total package increase across the contract term equals about 9.39%.

Michelle Dennard, president of Osseo ESP Local 7325, addressed the board during audience opportunity and said the negotiated contract reflects progress but “does not reflect the full needs and expectation of education support professionals”; she urged continued work on livable wages and benefits.

Board members expressed appreciation for ESPs’ work and said the agreement was an important step. After a motion by Director Thomas Brooks and second by Director Keith Tate, the board approved the contract 6–0. HR and payroll will begin implementation following ratification.

Ending: trustees noted the district will continue exploring options, including legislative advocacy, to support compensation for ESPs.