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Southwest Public Schools board approves teacher agreement, buys cameras and OKs pay increases
Summary
At its Dec. 16 meeting the Southwest Public Schools Board approved a 2025–26 negotiated teacher agreement with an $800 base increase, authorized $14,730.99 for six additional security cameras funded from the Special Building Fund, and approved 4% salary increases for principals and the superintendent after a closed‑session personnel discussion.
The Southwest Public Schools Board of Education voted Dec. 16 to approve multiple personnel and facilities measures, including a negotiated agreement with the teachers' union, a security‑camera purchase to address blind spots, and 4% pay increases for building principals and the superintendent.
Under the 2025–26 negotiated agreement approved by the board, the teacher base salary will increase by $800 and the board discussed changes to personal and sick leave provisions. John O'Dea moved the motion to approve the agreement; Jason Kloepping seconded it. The motion passed with ayes from O'Dea, Kloepping, President Jason Neseth, Brooke Brooks and Jennifer McConville; Duane Teter was absent.
Superintendent Drew Billeter outlined a security‑camera proposal to add six cameras and a five‑year licensing fee of $4,000. The total quote was $14,730.99; the board approved contracting with 12 Points Technologies and directed payment from the Special Building Fund. Jennifer McConville moved to approve the quote; Kloepping seconded the motion, which passed unanimously among those present.
In closed session the board considered personnel matters, then approved a certified teacher's request for additional leave time and renewed contracts for both the elementary and junior‑senior high principals at a 4% increase. The board also approved the superintendent's contract, also at a 4% raise. These motions were recorded as approved following the executive session.
Other business included a revision to Policy 4056 (resignation of certified staff), selection of Brico Pest Control as the district's pest control vendor, acceptance of two grants, and tabling a decision on lighting‑control equipment pending an installer quote.
Votes at a glance
- Excuse absent members (Brooke Brooks and Duane Teter): Moved by John O'Dea; seconded by Jason Kloepping. Ayes: Kloepping, Neseth, McConville, O'Dea. Outcome: approved. - Approve meeting agenda: Moved by John O'Dea; seconded by Jennifer McConville. Ayes: Kloepping, McConville, Neseth, O'Dea. Outcome: approved. - Approve claims: Moved by John O'Dea; seconded by Jennifer McConville. Ayes: McConville, Kloepping, O'Dea, Neseth. Outcome: approved. - Approve 2025–26 negotiated teacher agreement (base +$800; leave changes discussed): Moved by John O'Dea; seconded by Jason Kloepping. Ayes: O'Dea, Kloepping, Neseth, Brooks, McConville. Outcome: approved. - Revise Policy 4056 (resignation): Moved by Jennifer McConville; seconded by John O'Dea. Ayes: O'Dea, Kloepping, Neseth, Brooks, McConville. Outcome: approved. - Approve Brico Pest Control bid: Moved by John O'Dea; seconded by Jennifer McConville. Ayes: O'Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, McConville. Outcome: approved. - Approve security camera quote (12 Points Technologies): Moved by Jennifer McConville; seconded by Jason Kloepping. Ayes: O'Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, McConville. Outcome: approved. Total: $14,730.99 (Special Building Fund). - Table Mercer‑Zimmerman WattStopper equipment decision pending installer/installation quote: Moved by John O'Dea; seconded by Brooke Brooks. Ayes: O'Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, McConville. Outcome: tabled. - Approve Nov. 11 minutes: Moved by Jason Kloepping; seconded by Brooke Brooks. Ayes: Kloepping, Brooks, McConville, Neseth. Abstained: John O'Dea. Outcome: approved. - Enter closed session for personnel items (#8–10): Moved by John O'Dea; seconded by Jason Kloepping. Ayes: Neseth, O'Dea, McConville, Brooks, Kloepping. Outcome: approved. - Post‑closed session approvals: teacher additional leave request; principal contracts (4% increase); superintendent contract (4% increase). Outcome: all approved.
Why it matters: The negotiated agreement and the personnel contract approvals commit recurring funds and set salary baselines for staff next school year. The camera purchase addresses identified safety blind spots and uses capital building funds rather than operating funds.
What happens next: The board directed staff to email a financial report on the elementary after‑school daycare program and tabled further action on that program until the Jan. 13, 2025 board meeting. The district will obtain installation quotes for the WattStopper lighting control replacement before returning to the board.
