Osseo Area Schools — Transcript
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
District Vision and Achievements
School Board Committee Updates
Lobbyist Contract Review and Process Evaluation
New Learning Site Naming and Community Vision
Employee Contract Agreement for School Nutrition Staff
Approval of Community Donations
Votes (4)
Renewal of the Ewald Legislative Lobbyist Contract
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Kelsey Dawson [0:29:57] · Seconded by Director Thomas Brooks [0:31:52]
Director Dawson requested to amend the proposed two-year contract renewal to a one-year term. The rationale centered on the need for the board to review the effectiveness of their government relations services, evaluate the current process for such contracts, and potentially establish an RFP (Request for Proposal) process for future long-term commitments, given the 18-year history with the firm and changes in the legislative landscape. Concerns were raised about the contract being on 'auto-renew' for 18 years without competitive bidding. The board discussed potential procedural impacts if Ewald rejected the amended one-year term.
Naming of the New Learning Site in Brooklyn Park
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Thomas Brooks [0:48:58] · Seconded by Director Erica Foster [0:49:03]
Kay Bilala and Dr. Hile presented the recommendation for the new learning site's name, 'Crest View Center for Learning,' based on extensive community feedback and committee parameters. The building is on track to open Fall 2027 and will feature innovative anchor and dynamic programming. Board members expressed strong support, highlighting the importance of community input, the historical significance of 'Crest View' in Brooklyn Park, and the forward-looking 'Center for Learning' aspect reflecting multi-generational education. Plans for sub-names and room designations using indigenous and geographic names were also discussed.
Agreement on Terms and Conditions of Employment with Osseo School Nutrition Association
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Erica Foster [0:59:43] · Seconded by Director Keith Tate [0:59:49]
Yvonne Schwartzlind presented the finalized two-year agreement with the Osseo School Nutrition Association, representing 118 employees. The agreement, effective July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, includes a 4% wage increase over the term and updates to salary schedules, rates of pay, work conditions, and insurance. The total investment for the package is $480,516. Board members expressed appreciation for the hard work of the bargaining teams and the vital role of the nutrition staff in serving students.
Approval of Gifts to the District
Dissent: None
Moved by Director Kelsey Dawson [1:01:29] · Seconded by Director Sarah Mitchells [1:01:34]
The board considered and approved gifts to the district totaling $50,581.13. The Board Chair thanked PTOs and individual contributors, emphasizing that these donations play a significant role in making special programming available in the schools, thus enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Notable Quotes (11)
I would like to amend the Ewald consulting contract renewal to a 1-year term um at the annual cost of $28,148.99 rather than a 2-year term. So, the board has an opportunity to review the effectiveness of our government government relations services before considering a subsequent renewal.
I think particularly given the short timeline that we have between today and the start of the legislative session, we don't have a ton of time to really dive deep... learning that this contract has been essentially on auto-renew for 18 years, um that is a long time to go without some sort of competitive bidding process.
That would be a possibility. So, it would get sent back and it's possible that they could reject it and then we'd need to bring it back or as you said, the timeline might be short, so that could necessitate a special meeting if we have to move faster or it could be brought up at the December or November meeting.
overwhelmingly we had about over half of the submissions saying to keep Crest View in some way. Whether it be Crest or View or the full word, it was a little bit of variety, but something tying or honoring the history of that former school and just that familiar landmark that everybody's was connected to.
Based on community feedback and a committee's recommendations, we're recommending Crest View Center for Learning. It was clear on our submissions that there was a desire to keep Crest View in some way.
I mean, I'm I grew up in Brooklyn Park and Crestview is such a staple in Brooklyn Park. Um I mean, everyone knows Crestview... I love the process and and getting that community feedback cuz they had that original name part of it and expanding it...
No, but yeah, I agree. I just think like the last few years on some of our big decisions the the way that the community has been invited in and heard and how their input has been actioned on has just been an incredible shift, a positive shift in how we do our work.
This group represents uh 118 employees um who are managers, assistant managers, and nutrition assistants. Um, changes this agreement made changes to the salary schedules, rates of pay, work conditions, insurance, um and then we had some compliance updates as well.
in terms of those wage increases, they represent 4% across the two-year agreement... The um total investment for the total package is 8.96 um percent and then the total investment dollar-wise is $480,516 over the course of the agreement.
thank and appreciate our school nutrition association. Everybody that's that you meet everybody who shows up for our kids. Like everybody is important in the work that we do in serving our kids.
thank you to everybody who helps support our schools through the um PTOs and um individual contributions. And this this just really um helps to make all of the different um special um programming available in our schools.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Guides the process for naming new school sites, emphasizing community partnership and reflection of values and vision.
A state-level amendment on the fall ballot that impacts the funding disbursement levels of an existing state fund, without raising taxes or fees.
An agreement for government relations services, initially proposed for a two-year renewal but amended to a one-year term after board discussion.
A collective bargaining agreement between the Independent School District 279 School Board and the Osseo School Nutrition Association, covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.