2026_02_23 SFAS School Board Meeting
Monday, February 23, 2026
Saint Award Recognition for Students
Public Comment on Teacher and Staff Contract Negotiations
Staff Recruitment and Retention Issues
School District Budget and Financial Transparency
Concerns Regarding Educational Assistant Compensation
Review of Past Legal Fees and Political Influence on Policy
Consent Agenda Approval
Retrospective Approval of Dance Team State Tournament Request
Areas of Interest (5)
- St. Francis staff raise concerns over high turnover and non-competitive wages compared to surrounding districts.
- Community members question district's fiscal management regarding $31M in investments alongside tax hikes.
- Teacher advocacy group claims district's failure to provide competitive EA pay is creating unsafe learning environments.
- Legacy of 'illegal' book policy continues to draw public scrutiny due to high legal fees and election costs.
- Debate over the role of outside political pressure in local school board policy setting.
Votes (2)
Adoption of the agenda for February 23rd
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Approve consent agenda minus item 5.7
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Notable Quotes (2)
We have $39,23.13 in legal fees because of that choice [illegal book policy].
Sartell increased their salary schedule by $41,000. St. Francis... is at the bottom with $5,815.
People (14)
Sydney BrochSenior, St. Francis High School2025-2026 MSHSL AAA award recipient
2025-2026 MSHSL AAA award recipient
Samuel BergmanSenior, St. Francis High School2025-2026 MSHSL AAA award recipient
2025-2026 MSHSL AAA award recipient
Jenna KoyJunior, St. Francis High School2025-2026 MSHSL Excel Award recipient
2025-2026 MSHSL Excel Award recipient
Colton BurmanJunior, St. Francis High School2025-2026 MSHSL Excel Award recipient
2025-2026 MSHSL Excel Award recipient
Brianna JetsonTeacherConcerned about high turnover and lack of contract negotiations
1 quote
Concerned about high turnover and lack of contract negotiations
“Does ISD15 want to be a sought-after district that people want to work for, or do we want to continue to be a stepping stone?”
Critique of district retention strategy
Tina CarolCommunity MemberQuestioning allocation of $31 million in investments vs tax increases
Questioning allocation of $31 million in investments vs tax increases
Don BellDirector of Business ServicesPoint of contact for financial inquiries
Point of contact for financial inquiries
Barb AndersonCommunity MemberDiscussing financial impact of past illegal book policy and political pressure
1 quote
Discussing financial impact of past illegal book policy and political pressure
“Political pressure should not determine policy.”
Advocating against outside influence in board decisions
Christine BellIntervention TeacherWarning against cutting intervention staff due to long-term academic costs
1 quote
Warning against cutting intervention staff due to long-term academic costs
“Intervention teachers are not extra... they are a safety net.”
Value of intervention services
Beth AndersonKindergarten TeacherAdvocating for fair contracts after 35 years of service
1 quote
Advocating for fair contracts after 35 years of service
“Loyalty is a two-way street.”
Negotiation stance
Keith LeinskyTeacherDiscussing teacher salary deficits compared to neighboring districts
1 quote
Discussing teacher salary deficits compared to neighboring districts
“We are car number 25 and the like districts are car number one and right now we're driving the car and you're telling us to slow down.”
Metaphor for salary competitiveness
Rachel JohnsonEducatorAdvocating for competitive pay to retain staff
Advocating for competitive pay to retain staff
Sarah MooreSpecial Education AssistantDiscussing physical dangers and low pay for EAs
1 quote
Discussing physical dangers and low pay for EAs
“Tell me how I'm valued and supported in this district. I'll tell you it certainly doesn't feel fair.”
Reflecting on EA pay rates
Ann CarterPresident, Education Minnesota St. FrancisAdvocating for safe classrooms through support for EAs
1 quote
Advocating for safe classrooms through support for EAs
“Some say we cannot afford to improve this contract. I would argue that we can afford not to.”
Countering budget concerns
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- February 23rd School Board Meeting