StoryPublic Comment: Staff Identification and Age-Appropriateness in SchoolsSeptember 23, 2026

Lakeville schools approve administrator pay raise, fill clerk vacancy

The Lakeville Area Public Schools board unanimously approved a new contract with school administrators on July 29, granting them salary increases and enhanced benefits over the next two years. The board also elected a new School Board Clerk following a recent resignation.

Published Sep 23, 2026

The board voted unanimously to approve a tentative agreement with the Lakeville Association of School Administrators (LASA) covering 2026-2028. The contract includes a 2.5% salary increase each year, plus increases in longevity pay, higher education stipends, and health insurance contributions. Director Alrech told the board the total package amounts to an 8.23% increase and falls within parameters the board had previously approved. The motion passed without dissent.

Board member Brian Thompson raised a concern about the approval process itself, suggesting the board should receive more frequent updates on contract negotiations rather than only seeing final agreements at board meetings. "I think there may be value in having higher frequency in cadence and hearing the progress and the status," Thompson said, noting this could apply to negotiations with other employee groups as well.

In a separate unanimous vote, the board elected a new School Board Clerk by acclamation following a board member's resignation. Matt Swanson moved for the election, and Brian Thompson seconded the motion.

The board also discussed how to fill the vacancy left by Kim Baker's resignation. State law requires the board to fill the seat given the timing—more than 90 days but less than two years before the term ends. Board members debated several options, including an application process, board nomination, or appointing the highest vote-getter from the November election. Due to disagreement over how state statute should be interpreted, the board decided to seek additional legal clarification before voting on the matter at a future work session.

During public comment, a parent raised concerns about staff identification in elementary school yearbooks, citing safety and transparency issues. The parent questioned whether parents have adequate information about who works with their children in schools.

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Full analysis

Votes (2)

Election of School Board Clerk

Elected by acclamation

Dissent: None

Moved by Matt Swanson [00:57:42] · Seconded by Brian Thompson [00:57:50]

Following the resignation of a board member, the position of School Board Clerk became vacant. The board proceeded with nominations for a new clerk.

Approval of LASA Contract

Approved

Dissent: None

Moved by Tony Reenberger [01:01:43] · Seconded by Harley Anderson [01:01:49]

Director Alrech presented the tentative agreement with the Lakeville Association of School Administrators (LASA). Key terms included a 2.5% salary increase for each of the two contract years, enhanced longevity benefits, increased higher education stipends, and HA contributions. The total package was reported as 8.23% and was stated to be within board-approved parameters. Some board members requested more frequent updates and a review of the process for future contract negotiations.

Notable Quotes (2)

the agreement includes a 2.5% increase to salaries year one of the contract and a 2 and 1/2 increase to salaries year two of the contract. Uh language also included is an increase in longevity uh an increase to higher ed stipens and HA contributions. Um, this is a package that falls within board parameters and is recommended for approval by administration.

Director Alrech [01:00:23]
Approval of LASA Contract

while having them come at a board meeting and and and approving it, uh I think there may be value in having uh higher frequency in cadence and and unin hearing the progress and the status and and having well unfortunately more meetings uh but to hear kind of where things are at beyond just Lassa with uh you know LEAF and and all the others as well.

Brian Thompson [01:04:19]
Approval of LASA Contract

Ordinances & Resolutions (3)

Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA)Other

Organization providing guidance on school board vacancy procedures.

123b.09 subdivision 5State Statute

The specific state statute governing school board vacancies.

LASA contractContract

Tentative agreement reached with the Lakeville Association of School Administrators.

Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • School Board Vacancy and Appointment Process

  • Approval of Lakeville Association of School Administrators (LASA) Contract

  • Superintendent's Report: Student Achievements and Community Events

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