Board approves tentative paraeducator contract with pay increases and insurance adjustments

St. Cloud Area School District Board of Education · February 19, 2026

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Summary

The board approved the 2025–2027 paraeducator contract covering roughly 285 FTE (~341 employees), setting new starting rates ($16.75–$20.75), eligibility‑based increases, insurance contribution changes, and an estimated two‑year package cost of 6.09%.

The St. Cloud Area School District Board voted to approve a tentative agreement with the paraeducator bargaining unit for 2025–2027 during the Feb. 18 meeting.

What passed: Administration summarized terms for a unit representing just under 285 FTE (approximately 341 employees). Year‑one starting rates were set at $16.75 for support paraeducators, $18.75 for instructional paraeducators and $20.75 for advanced paraeducators (including special education leads and behavior instruction paras). Other eligible employees will receive a 3% increase if they were employed by Jan. 1, 2025; year‑two adjustments include 25¢ increases to starting rates and a 2% increase for continuing employees who meet eligibility dates.

Benefits and costs: The contract includes changes to insurance contributions (single contribution $6.60; family $11.93) and the addition of a paid family leave contribution of 0.44% effective Jan. 1. The administration estimated the total two‑year cost of the package at 6.09%.

Vote: The motion to approve the tentative agreement was made by Diana Fenton and seconded by Natalie Copeland. The board recorded roll call votes in favor and the motion passed.

Quote: “This unit represents just under 285 FTE, which is approximately 341 employees,” Amy Scalarud said while summarizing the contract terms and rate changes.

Next steps: With board approval the tentative agreement proceeds to implementation consistent with contract timelines and payroll processes.