Stillwater Area Public Schools board approves teacher contract while moving ahead with staff nonrenewals amid $5 million cuts

The Stillwater Area Public Schools Board of Directors on Tuesday approved a two-year contract with the St. Croix Education Association and took a series of personnel actions tied to roughly $5 million in planned budget reductions.

Board members voted to authorize the contract after a presentation from district negotiators and a lengthy discussion about the trade-offs between compensation and staffing levels. The contract includes a 2% salary increase in year one with a delayed effective date (Oct. 15), retroactive step increases effective July 1, 2025, and a second 2% and step increases effective July 1, 2026. The district also presented a memorandum of agreement for insurance renewal that allocates the first 6.5% of any premium increase to the district, the next 6.5% to employees, and splits increases over 13% equally; that MOA expires June 30, 2027.

Why it matters: the board approved wage and benefit changes for classroom staff at the same meeting it advanced multiple personnel reductions and policy changes meant to close a $5 million gap in the general fund. Several directors acknowledged the inherent tension in approving compensation increases while also releasing employees; one director announced an abstention from the contract vote because of a conflict of interest.

What the board approved

- Probationary releases: The board approved a resolution releasing a list of probationary teachers whose contracts will not be renewed for the 2026'027 school year. Administrative staff said the number on this year's list was somewhat higher than typical; historically the district has averaged around 30 probationary releases in prior years but many of those positions are often reposted during the internal bidding process.

- Continuing-contract (unrequested leave) nonrenewals: The board approved a separate resolution implementing the unrequested leave process under state statute and not renewing the continuing contracts of 10 teachers for 2026'027. Administration said each affected teacher retains recall rights for five years and must be offered suitable openings in order of seniority and licensure before the district can hire externally.

- Labor agreement: The board ratified a master agreement covering 2025'2027 with the St. Croix Education Association that negotiators described as within the board's bargaining parameters. Key terms presented by district staff included the two 2% adjustments (with the first delayed to Oct. 15), retroactive step increases, adjustments to disability benefits to align with Minnesota paid leave, an increased 403(b) match in year two, and the insurance MOA described above. District negotiators recommended approval and thanked the SCEA team for a collaborative process.

- Policies and MOAs: The board also approved two policy updates (policy 213 on board committees and policy 423 on employee'student relationships) and a bundle of MOAs (items A'H) that were taken together after closed session.

Direct quotes and attributions

The superintendent stressed the district's priority to preserve middle school athletics while managing cuts, saying, "No middle school sports are being eliminated." The superintendent outlined the approach: shifting middle school athletics from the general fund to community education, increasing participation fees, and reviewing transportation models so programs can continue.

Chris, the district negotiator presenting the contract package, summarized terms and the insurance MOA and recommended board approval. Tory Crafton, the boys Nordic head coach who was recognized at the meeting, described team commitment and preparation that led to the state title and noted the team's academic success; his remarks were separate from the personnel and contract actions.

Votes at a glance

- Probationary teacher releases: approved by roll call (affirmative votes recorded for the directors present). - Continuing-contract (unrequested leave) nonrenewals (10 teachers): approved by roll call, unanimous among directors recorded. - 2025'027 SCEA master agreement: approved after motions and seconds; the board recorded at least one director abstaining from the vote for conflict-of-interest reasons and the motion carried. - Policy 213 (board committees): approved, recorded 6'to— vote. - Policy 423 (employee'student relationships): approved unanimously. - Consent agenda and bundled MOAs A'H: approved by voice; one or more abstentions were recorded on MOAs.

What to watch next

The superintendent said final decisions on increased participation fees and transportation models for middle school athletics will be communicated before the next school year. The district will proceed with internal posting and recall procedures; administration said rehiring may depend on retirements, resignations and the outcome of the bidding process.

The board adjourned after the actions were completed.