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Fridley board approves paraeducator and nutrition contracts, accepts gifts and consent items
Summary
The Fridley Public School District board approved a ratified paraeducator master agreement, a Nutrition Services master agreement, accepted a $100 gift to Special Services and approved the consent agenda during the meeting; motions carried by voice votes or roll call as noted.
The Fridley Public School District Board of Education approved a ratified master agreement for paraeducators and a Nutrition Services master agreement, accepted a $100 gift to the Special Services department and passed the consent agenda during its meeting.
Superintendent Lewis introduced both bargaining-unit agreements and invited paraeducators and Nutrition Services staff to the meeting. Paraeducator representative Roberta Peterson told the board the bargaining team ratified its agreement unanimously. "We ratified it at 100%," Peterson said, adding the process was "the smoothest, fastest process that we've ever gone through." The board then voted to approve the paraeducator agreement; a motion to approve was made by Stark and seconded by Jones and carried by voice vote.
Later in the meeting the board approved the Nutrition Services Master Agreement following presentations from Nutrition Services staff member Stephanie Champot and Superintendent Lewis. Champot, who identified herself as a Fridley cook and bargaining-team member, said staffing and retention in kitchens have been difficult and that the contract should help. The motion to approve the Nutrition Services Master Agreement was made by Meiser, seconded by Jones, and passed by voice vote.
During the meeting the board also accepted a $100 donation to Special Services from Ken Bacon. Board member Mizer moved to accept the gift; Shriner seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote for that item: Jones — aye; Karnap — aye; Meisner — aye; Shriner — aye; Stark — aye; (board member Anna was recorded as absent). The motion passed.
The board approved the consent agenda — covering minutes from the July 15 business meeting, new contracts and contract amendments, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements and superintendent contract addenda — by voice vote after a motion by Jones and a second.
Board members and presenters emphasized the bargaining-unit work as student-centered and credited the collaborative bargaining process. Superintendent Lewis said settling the bargaining units before school begins lets the district start the year without negotiation distractions.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of meeting agenda: Motion by Meiser; second by Jones; approved by voice vote (recorded as passed). - Paraeducator master agreement: Motion by Stark; second by Jones; approved by voice vote (contract previously ratified by paraeducators at 100%). - Nutrition Services Master Agreement: Motion by Meiser; second by Jones; approved by voice vote. - Gift acceptance — Ken Bacon, $100 to Special Services: Motion by Mizer; second by Shriner; roll-call vote recorded and approved (Jones, Karnap, Meisner, Shriner, Stark — ayes; Anna absent). - Consent agenda (minutes, contracts, superintendent addenda): Motion by Jones; seconded; approved by voice vote.
The board did not discuss changes to staffing lines or budget impacts in detail during the votes; presenters said the agreements are intended to help recruitment and retention but did not present a districtwide fiscal breakdown at this meeting.
The board adjourned following routine items and reminders about upcoming dates.
