Edina Schools approves teacher contract, expands digital learning
The Edina School Board unanimously approved a two-year contract with middle school teachers and green-lit an expansion of its digital learning program on April 25, while facing pushback from parents over proposed cuts to classroom support staff.
The school board voted 6-0 to approve a contract with the Edina Middle School Education group that includes a significant shift to a new salary schedule beginning in 2016. The deal costs $4.6 million over two years—a 6.4% increase—and covers base salary raises, health insurance adjustments, and professional development opportunities. Board members praised the negotiating teams for their work on what one board member called "a wonderful opportunity for the district to pilot something new," acknowledging the difficulty of moving away from a salary structure that had been in place for decades.
The board also unanimously approved expansion of the E-Learning Squared program, which aims to ensure all students have access to digital devices for learning. The initiative includes making devices available in fifth-grade classrooms and expanding network infrastructure across schools with additional bandwidth and wireless access points. Director of Technology Steve Butner emphasized that the program is about giving students reliable access to technology tools, not requiring constant use. "It's about ensuring that all of our students have a digital device and with fidelity they bring it and know how to use that device daily in their instruction," Butner said.
However, the meeting revealed significant community concern over the district's budget challenges. School administrators presented a multi-year budget plan addressing a persistent gap between revenue and spending despite state funding increases. The proposed cuts include eliminating elementary math and science paraprofessionals and reducing special education and kindergarten support staff. Several parents and teachers spoke during public comment, urging the board to find alternative revenue sources rather than cut direct classroom support positions they described as invaluable to student success. The board also approved routine consent agenda items, including personnel actions and lease agreements tied to the Edina Community Center, and recognized numerous student achievements, including a National Spelling Bee qualifier and the state champion hockey team.
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Votes (3)
Consent Agenda Approval
Moved by Unknown [2:02:40] · Seconded by Unknown [2:02:41]
The Consent Agenda included standard business items such as personnel recommendations (terminations, non-renewals), approval of expenditures payable, various lease agreements tied to the Edina Community Center, a request to establish the Edina wrestling program as a standalone program (previously a co-op with Richfield), approval of Google Summit sponsors, and a list of commendations and community gifts.
EME Agreement Approval
Moved by Unknown [2:04:30] · Seconded by Unknown [2:04:31]
The board considered approving a two-year contract agreement with the Edina Middle School Education (EME) group. The key highlight was the transition to a new salary schedule starting in 2016, with an option for teachers to remain on the current schedule for the next two years. The overall package cost was reported at 6.4% over two years, totaling $4.6 million, including increases in base salary, health insurance, Social Security, FICA, step movement, and lane changes. Appreciation was extended to both negotiating teams for their work on this challenging transition.
E-Learning Squared Expansion Approval
Moved by Unknown [2:07:05] · Seconded by Unknown [2:07:07]
The discussion focused on the benefits and implementation of expanding the e-learning squared program, emphasizing its role in leveraging digital content, providing professional development for teachers, and ensuring all students have access to a digital device for learning. The expansion includes making devices available in 5th-grade classrooms, with the expectation that they primarily stay in the classroom. Concerns regarding system capacity, bandwidth, and additional access points were addressed, along with plans to develop media specialists into digital learning specialists to support teachers. The funding for this initiative is planned to come from the technology fund.
Notable Quotes (4)
We appreciate all the work that's going into this on everybody's part... it's very difficult to move to a new salary schedule when the current one has been in place for so many years but we have... we've continued moving so thank you.
I would just like to publicly thank Gwen and Margo your team and the EM negotiating team for the work on the negotiation but specifically the contract it's it's a wonderful opportunity for the district to Pilot something new and I appreciate all of the hard work that went into Having the courage and the Deep reflection to look into another salary schedule...
What we look at is e-learning squared is a recognition I think of the power of the technology that we can use in the instruction... it is about ensuring that all of our students have a digital device and with fidelity they bring it and know how to use that device daily in their instruction that doesn't mean that they use it every day but that they have the availability of that device and that's the power of the technology...
We've put in place quite a bit more infrastructure in order to be able to do that... expanded pipes and bandwidth... additional access points in all of the high schools and secondaries... access points in the fifth grade classes... access points in those buildings that undergo major renovation Highlands and Creek Valley...
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
Board policy governing public comment
Two-year teacher contract agreement with Edina Middle School Education group
Proposed state funding legislation for education
District-wide strategic planning effort focusing on Next Generation Learning
Funding source for the initial Mac and Via e-book collection at Concord Elementary
Ranking system that rated Edina schools highly, cited by public speakers
Specific science kit used for inquiry-based learning, discussed by a teacher
White House campaign to push STEM education, cited by public speaker
Curriculum used by math specialists for evidence-based intervention
Online progress monitoring tool used by math specialists
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Budget Planning and Adjustments for 2014-2015
Teacher Contract Negotiations (EME Agreement)
Next Generation Strategic Planning
Public Comment on Paraprofessional Cuts
Math Instruction Update and Learning Specialists
E-Learning Squared Expansion
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