Milaca school board unanimously approves 2025–27 labor contracts, $1.6 million in transfers and routine personnel actions

The Milaca Public School District board of education unanimously approved a set of routine fiscal and personnel actions at its Feb. 17 meeting, including three 2025–27 labor contracts, two interfund transfers totaling $1,600,000 and several hires and wage adjustments.

Chairperson Aimee Struffert called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and the board quickly moved through the agenda. The consent agenda — which the board approved on a 7–0 vote — included a $1,000,000 transfer from PMA/MN Trust to First National Bank on Jan. 14 and a $600,000 transfer from MSDLAF to First National Bank on Jan. 27, personnel hires, and scheduled policy reviews.

Among the personnel items approved were the hire of Owen Barzdis as a Class 1 custodian (40 hours per week at $14.63 per hour, effective Feb. 9, 2026); part‑time and temporary instructional hires including a credit recovery teacher and a homebound teacher at $30.00 per hour for limited hours; a paraprofessional hire for bus/van assistance at $16.33 per hour; and a series of lifeguard wage increases to $11.46 per hour reflecting Minnesota minimum wage/paid‑leave adjustments, all effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The board also accepted several staff retirements and leaves: retirements were accepted for Belinda Ash (elementary special education teacher, effective May 27, 2026, 32 years of service), Suzanne Haapala (paraprofessional, effective June 1, 2026, nine years of service) and Kirsten Neely (elementary special education teacher, effective May 27, 2026, 28 years of service). A staff leave request for Paul Arens, Activities Director/Dean of Students, was accepted (tentatively Jan. 23–30, 2026).

Separately, the board adopted a resolution accepting donations and gifts under School Board Policy 706 and Minnesota Statute 465.03. The minutes list a $1,000 donation for "I Love to Read Month" and an annual distribution of $4,837.50 from a trust to Milaca High School; the resolution passed unanimously.

On motions recorded later in the meeting, the board approved the Treasurer's Report and ratified three negotiated collective bargaining agreements covering paraprofessional, custodial and clerical employees for 2025–27; each motion carried by a 7–0 vote. The contract approvals followed committee negotiation updates earlier in the meeting and carried no recorded dissent.

Superintendent David Wedin reported that the district hosted a Chamber of Commerce Morning Perk event on Feb. 12, and thanked Mille Lacs Health System for participating in the district professional development day on Feb. 13. The board also recognized staff involved in Sno Dayz events and noted custodial staff efforts during a period of short staffing and cold weather.

Treasurer Jere Day mentioned the upcoming MSBA Advocacy Day. The board adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

The minutes record routine approvals and scheduled policy reviews; no contested votes or formal appeals are recorded.