Forest Lake board ratifies 2025'2027 teacher contract, adds longevity step

Forest Lake Area Schools' board of education on March 5 ratified a new 2025'2027 employment agreement with the Forest Lake Education Association, approving across-the-board salary increases, a new longevity step and higher district contributions for employee medical benefits.

Superintendent Dr. Massie presented the tentative agreement and thanked both negotiating teams. "I would like to personally thank every single teacher and educator in our district for their commitment to their work and the passion they bring to this district," he said, describing modest but deliberate progress toward market parity.

The contract raises wages across step schedules in both years of the agreement, adds a $1,000 longevity step at the 30-year mark, increases stipends for high-school deans and adds a 5% adjustment for middle-school counselors tied to the first step on the salary scale. The district will also increase its family medical contribution by $150 in year two.

Board members praised the negotiation process and noted the district's improved fiscal position since earlier years, saying the settlement balances compensation priorities with overall budget stability. Member Corkran said the outcome was the result of sustained, cooperative bargaining and thanked both union and district teams.

The motion to ratify passed by roll call; every voting board member supported the contract. The board directed administration to begin work toward the next round of bargaining earlier in the cycle (no later than September 30, 2026), a change negotiators and trustees said should reduce the period boards and staff operate under expired contracts.

The agreement will be posted with board materials and implemented consistent with payroll cycles and existing HR processes.