RecordingTranscript availableAnalysis ready141:03

2026_02_23 SFAS School Board Meeting

St. Francis Area SchoolsTuesday, February 24, 2026
Watch on original source

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

Full Document Analysis

Votes (2)

Adoption of the agenda for February 23rd

Prevails2-0

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Approve consent agenda minus item 5.7

Prevails6-0

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].

— Barb Anderson
Fiscal responsibilityAccountability for previous board actions

Sartell increased their salary schedule by $41,000. St. Francis... is at the bottom with $5,815.

— Keith Leinsky
Teacher compensationComparative salary analysis

People (14)

Sydney BrochSenior, St. Francis High School

2025-2026 MSHSL AAA award recipient

Samuel BergmanSenior, St. Francis High School

2025-2026 MSHSL AAA award recipient

Jenna KoyJunior, St. Francis High School

2025-2026 MSHSL Excel Award recipient

Colton BurmanJunior, St. Francis High School

2025-2026 MSHSL Excel Award recipient

Brianna JetsonTeacher

Concerned about high turnover and lack of contract negotiations

1 quote

“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 Member

Questioning allocation of $31 million in investments vs tax increases

Don BellDirector of Business Services

Point of contact for financial inquiries

Barb AndersonCommunity Member

Discussing financial impact of past illegal book policy and political pressure

1 quote

“Political pressure should not determine policy.”

Advocating against outside influence in board decisions

Christine BellIntervention Teacher

Warning against cutting intervention staff due to long-term academic costs

1 quote

“Intervention teachers are not extra... they are a safety net.”

Value of intervention services

Beth AndersonKindergarten Teacher

Advocating for fair contracts after 35 years of service

1 quote

“Loyalty is a two-way street.”

Negotiation stance

Keith LeinskyTeacher

Discussing teacher salary deficits compared to neighboring districts

1 quote

“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 JohnsonEducator

Advocating for competitive pay to retain staff

Sarah MooreSpecial Education Assistant

Discussing physical dangers and low pay for EAs

1 quote

“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. Francis

Advocating for safe classrooms through support for EAs

1 quote

“Some say we cannot afford to improve this contract. I would argue that we can afford not to.”

Countering budget concerns

Places Mentioned

St. Francis High SchoolWinona State UniversityBethel UniversityEast BethelCedar Creek

Events & Meetings (1)

  • February 23rd School Board Meeting
Transcript