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Board ratifies tentative agreement with Saint Cloud area bus drivers association
Summary
The board unanimously approved a two-year tentative agreement covering 17 bus transportation employees that raises starting wages, adjusts longevity and insurance contributions, and shares the cost of the state-mandated paid family and medical leave contribution beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The St. Cloud Area School District Board of Education unanimously approved a tentative agreement with the Saint Cloud Area Bus Drivers Association covering 17 employees.
Tracy Flinbeau, executive director of human resources and general counsel, presented the agreement and asked the board to ratify it. "I am pleased to be bringing forward a tentative agreement with our Saint Cloud area bus drivers association," she told the board.
Under year one of the agreement, starting hourly rates were set at $17.50 for van drivers, $20.75 for bus drivers and $22.00 for assistant mechanics. Employees hired before Jan. 1 of the contract year will receive a 2.5% increase in hourly wages in year one. The district increased its monthly contribution to single insurance plans to $640 and established employer caps on contribution amounts ($945.44 toward a single plan and $2,181.90 toward a family plan). Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the district will cost-share the paid family and medical leave statutory contribution at 0.44% of wages, with employees paying the other 0.44% required by statute. Year two provides a 2.2% wage increase for eligible employees. The two-year package totals a 5.78% cost and was described as within the board-approved bargaining authority.
Board member Diana Fenton moved to approve the contract; Al Dahlgren seconded. Heather Williams called the vote; all members present voted yes.
The district indicated the package includes longevity adjustments (highlighted in the agreement) and specific caps on employer insurance contributions; the administration said the agreement will be implemented in accordance with established payroll and benefits procedures.
