Wayzata board approves 2025–27 teacher contract after 22 negotiation meetings

The Wayzata Public Schools Board of Education voted 5–1 Oct. 27 to approve a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Wayzata Education Association covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. The motion was made by Board member Sarah Johansen and seconded by Board member Paras Bende; Heidi Kader conducted the roll call.

The agreement, presented by Dave Lutz, executive director of human resources, includes a 3.75% increase on the salary schedule in year one and a 3% increase in year two; a 2% increase each year for extracurricular pay in Appendix D; a district health premium contribution increase of 7% in year one and up to 5% in year two; numerous language updates for evaluation and compliance with recent leave laws; and several memoranda of understanding (MOUs). Lutz said the district’s two-year total package cost is 10.26% over the two-year period and that the contract was reached through interest-based bargaining following 22 negotiation meetings.

"The contract negotiations process was challenging and time intensive, but both teams believe the updates to the WEA contract illustrate a collaborative and thoughtful district partnership," said Dave Lutz.

The contract had been ratified by the Wayzata Education Association in a vote held Oct. 21–24; the board’s vote on Oct. 27 consummated the district’s approval. Administrators also noted adjustments to statutory reporting totals used for MSBA comparisons and discussed how TRA-related calculations affect reported percentages.

During the board discussion, Board member Valentina Ayres said she would vote against the contract because of concerns about the district’s fund balance trajectory. "I am feeling very uncomfortable," Ayres said, adding later, "I cannot vote for this particular contract." Other board members spoke in support of the agreement and thanked teachers and negotiators for the collaborative process. Sarah Johansen, a negotiating-team board member, thanked teachers and described the negotiations as an "entire district process" that goes beyond salary to working conditions and supports for staff.

The agreement also includes MOUs on teacher reassignments and building moves, progressive discipline and improvement strategies, a Read Act implementation MOU tied to state stipends, and a phased retirement pilot intended to be cost-neutral by pairing near-retirees with lower-cost hires. Lutz described the phased retirement MOU as "intended to be a cost neutral solution for a teacher who is, let's say, a year from retirement," and said the program would require mutual benefit and review before approval of individual participants.

The roll-call vote was: Yes — Dan Genestra, Sarah Johansen, Paras Bende, Heidi Kader, Milan Sahoney (5); No — Valentina Ayres (1); Absent — Sheila Pryor (1). The motion carried.

Board members said they will monitor budget impacts and fund-balance projections as the contract is implemented. The district’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10.