Duluth school board approves multiple labor contracts, accepts donations; hears solar, facilities and policy updates

The Duluth Public School District Board of Education on Aug. 19 approved multiple labor contracts, accepted donations for last night’s Unity in the Community event and heard updates from district leaders on a solar installation, facilities projects and policy review. The board voted unanimously on the agenda and numerous resolutions, with one personnel-related resolution recorded with one abstention.

The board approved three labor agreements covering different employee units and formally accepted in-kind and cash donations tied to the district’s Unity in the Community event. Superintendent Magus led the meeting’s reports, opening with the district’s mission and noting the previous night’s community event: “Every student, every day will be empowered” and that the Unity event, despite weather challenges, featured 76 booths and substantial community participation. Community partner Neighborhood Youth Services and its representative Paz Davila were recognized for providing backpacks, haircuts and food at the event; Davila told the board, “it’s been really cool just working with the school district.”

Why it matters: the contracts commit the district to multi-year terms for key employee groups, the donated resources support student services, and the solar project could begin producing power that reduces operating costs.

Board action and votes at a glance - Approval of meeting agenda — approved by roll call, 7–0. - Consent agenda (routine contracts, bids, minutes, etc.) — approved by roll call, 7–0. - Resolution accepting donations for Unity in the Community (Res. B-8-25-4114) — approved, 7–0. Donors named in the resolution include Chipotle, AMSOIL, Minnesota Power, SuperOne and multiple individual donors; gifts included cash, in-kind food and event services. - Resolution for employment of a school board member by the district (HR-8-25-4115; for Member Lofeld, July 2025–June 2026) — approved, 6–0 with 1 abstention. - Executive Employees Association collective bargaining agreement (HR-8-25-4117; 07/01/2025–06/30/2028) — approved, 7–0. - Resolution canvassing the results of the school district primary election (B-8-25-4116) — approved, 7–0. The abstract reported 9,190 voters and named nominees to appear on the general election ballot. - Paraprofessionals collective bargaining agreement (Res. 8-25-4118; 07/01/2025–06/30/2028) — approved, 7–0. - Duluth Principals Association collective bargaining agreement (HR-8-25-4119; 08/01/2025–07/31/2027) — approved, 7–0.

Superintendent’s updates and district projects Superintendent Magus reported on several operational items: a district solar project at the District Services Center that is being finished by Benson Electric and soon will be generating electricity; cabinet and Duluth Leadership Team work sessions focused on a new “vision card” data dashboard and progress monitoring; and the superintendent evaluation schedule using the MSBA superintendent evaluation process. Magus said the solar project included student advocates from the district’s climate club who helped secure funding and attended the roof installation photo opportunity.

Facilities, bids and procurement Assistant Superintendent Bonds and committee reports noted ongoing facilities projects and procurement activity. The board discussed bid number 1340 for the Duluth Tribune Education Center build-out; staff and a representative from ICS (identified as Jason) explained the bidding process. The district reported that RFPs were issued July 9 and extended into early August, that 13 construction contracts are in the packet, and that the projects are expected to run from September through July. Several change orders were included for review; staff characterized them as typical for construction work. Members noted the district will post RFPs on its website to increase transparency and accessibility for local contractors. Board members were told the Tribune build-out will require Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) approval in the coming days.

Transportation and operations The human resources and business services report highlighted progress in routing for the start of school: as of the morning of Aug. 19 only nine students remained to be routed. The district’s transportation office reported that last year staff drove 1,268,594 miles transporting students. The HR report also noted an internal bus-driver training program offering a pathway for helpers to become drivers.

Policy review and governance Policy committee chair Member Loeffler Kemp reported a second reading of policy 512 (school-sponsored student publications and activities), which the committee recommended for adoption to meet state statutory requirements. The committee also reviewed the district’s older “1000 series” policies for deletion or consolidation; board materials list 21 obsolete policies reviewed and the board reported 41 policies updated or adopted during the district’s July 1–June 30 policy year. The board discussed MSBA guidance and whether policy 203.5 applies to regular meetings; district staff reported MSBA’s Terry Morrow said the policy is intended for regular school board meetings and is based on Robert’s Rules rather than state statute.

Other items The board heard an update on Denfeld High School’s clock tower project, which requires installed heating so a sprinkler system can provide required fire protection. Board members also received routine reports on grants (including outdoor education and an Ojibwe immersion curriculum grant), and personnel negotiation updates that indicated ongoing bargaining with several employee groups.

Ending Board members said they will receive superintendent evaluation materials ahead of the scheduled closed-session evaluation and staff will notify the board when MDE has acted on the Tribune build-out item. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.