Westonka School Board Approves New Staff Contracts, Expands Hours for Two Support Positions
Board members unanimously signed off on 2026-2028 agreements with principals and educational office employees, along with added contract days for administrative assistants.
The Westonka Public Schools board unanimously approved a series of staff contracts and administrative adjustments at its recent meeting, including new 2026-2028 agreements with the district's Principal Association and its Educational Office Employees group.
District administrator Kevin, who presented the items to the board, said negotiators weighed both financial limits and the need to retain employees in a competitive regional labor market before reaching settlements with the two groups.
When we look at how we approach uh contracts, we obviously look at um our budget. We look at being competitive in the area that we are and we work hard to make sure that we can keep staff and also honor the two things that I just spoke of.
Happy that we uh found uh agreement on both of those contracts.
Both contracts, which cover Independent School District 277, were approved unanimously by the board with no discussion beyond the administrator's summary.
Added contract days for two positions
The board also approved an expansion of contract days for the district's Food Service Administrative Assistant and its TNL Technology and Facilities Administrative Assistant positions. Administrators said the change formalizes work the employees have already been performing and documenting outside their contracted calendar.
We've done enough time sheet that we realize that uh we need to put this as part of their contract. And so it's a it's a small addition, but it's one that should be recognized and that's why we bring that to you.
Facilities lease kept short-term
In a related administrative action, the board approved an amendment to the general lease agreement between the district and Taylor Pond Management Company covering the Pond Sports Center and David M. Taylor Sports Center. Rather than committing to a long-term arrangement, administrators recommended a one-year term with an option for a single additional year.
One thing why we're asking not to enter in uh like let's say a 10-year lease agreement is we're obviously making some changes right now of how we use the building with the stadium being there. And so what we are asking for in this agreement is a one year with the option of extending it again one year just so we can see how that building gets used.
District facilities are in the midst of extensive construction, including work at the high school, the stadium, Hilltop Primary School and Shirley Hills. Projects include a new track and turf, boiler replacement, masonry and interior finishes, along with the demolition of the former theater space to make way for a storm shelter. The Taylor parking lot, which had been delayed by moisture issues, is now progressing, administrators said.
Athletics cooperatives
The board voted to dissolve the existing boys swim and dive cooperative agreement and establish a new one, adding Southwest Christian High School alongside current partner Holy Family Catholic High School. Administrators said the change is intended to shore up thin roster numbers.
Our boys swim numbers overall really small. And so the advantage of adding yet another uh uh school to be part of the team, it's when you get to relays and the like that even if you can pick up a few more athletes, you have some options.
A gymnastics cooperative agreement with Watertown was also among the items on the agenda.
Facilities funding measures
Earlier in the meeting, the board approved its annual long-term facility maintenance documents. Kathy, presenting the finance items, explained the state requirement behind the action.
In order for school districts to qualify for long-term facility maintenance, um, school districts each year annually must approve a 10-year expenditure revenue plan as well as a statement of assurances.
The board additionally approved a resolution covering the district's proportionate share of Intermediate District 287's facilities revenue levy.
Member districts are required to approve a resolution. So you'll also see that on your um agenda tonight for um 287's um LTFM revenue.
All eight action items brought before the board were approved unanimously.
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Votes (8)
Approval of 10-Year LTFM Expenditure Projections and Statement of Assurance
Moved by Chair [16:59] · Seconded by Unknown [17:03]
Kathy presented the requirements for Long-Term Facility Maintenance (LTFM) funding, emphasizing the annual need for school districts to approve a 10-year expenditure revenue plan and a statement of assurances. This is a standard annual procedure to ensure qualification for the program.
Approval of Proportionate Share of Intermediate District 287's Facilities Revenue Levy
Moved by Chair [17:15] · Seconded by Unknown [17:18]
Kathy explained that in addition to public schools, intermediate districts and cooperatives also qualify for LTFM and require member districts to approve a resolution for their proportionate share of revenue. This action item was to fulfill that requirement for Intermediate District 287.
Approval of 2026-2028 Contract between the Principal Association and the School Board of Independent School District 277
Moved by Chair [17:30] · Seconded by Unknown [17:34]
Kevin highlighted the successful bargaining process for employee group contracts, including principles. He emphasized balancing budget considerations with the need to remain competitive in the region to retain high-quality staff.
Approval of 2026-2028 Contract between the Educational Office Employees and the School Board of Independent School District 277
Moved by Chair [17:45] · Seconded by Unknown [17:48]
Similar to the principals' contract, Kevin expressed satisfaction with reaching an agreement for the administrative assistants' bargaining group. The objective was to maintain competitiveness and ensure fair compensation for staff within budget constraints.
Approval of Amendment to the General Lease Agreement between Independent School District 277 and Taylor Pond Management Company
Moved by Chair [18:00] · Seconded by Unknown [18:03]
Kevin explained the request for a one-year lease extension, with an option for an additional year, for the Pond Sports Center and David M. Taylor Sports Center. This flexibility is needed as the district assesses new building usage patterns with the stadium's completion, allowing for a fair arrangement regarding utilities and custodial services.
Approval of Dissolution of Existing Boys Swim and Dive Cooperative Agreement and Establishment of a New Agreement
Moved by Chair [18:13] · Seconded by Unknown [18:17]
Kevin stated that the boys' swim numbers were small, and adding Southwest Christian High School to the cooperative with West Tonka and Holy Family High School would provide more athletes, particularly beneficial for relays. A board member inquired about home team facilities for co-op competitions, to which Kevin confirmed that one school typically hosts.
Approval of Obsolete Equipment to be Sold or Recycled
Moved by Chair [18:28] · Seconded by Unknown [18:30]
This item concerned the disposal of district-owned obsolete equipment. No specific discussion was recorded beyond the motion and vote, indicating a routine administrative approval.
Approval of Contract Days Expansion for Food Service Administrative Assistant and TNL Technology and Facilities Administrative Assistant Positions
Moved by Chair [18:41] · Seconded by Unknown [18:44]
Kevin explained that time sheet analysis revealed the need to formally expand the contract days for these administrative assistant positions. This adjustment acknowledges the actual work required for these roles and integrates it into their contracts.
Notable Quotes (7)
in order for school districts to qualify for long-term facility maintenance. Um, school districts each year annually must approve a 10-year expenditure revenue plan as well as a statement of assurances.
member districts are required to approve a resolution. So you'll also see that on your um agenda tonight for um 28 or portion of 287's um LTFM revenue.
When we look at how we approach uh contracts, we obviously look at um our budget. We look at being competitive in the area that we are and we work hard to make sure that we can keep staff and also honor the two things that I just spoke of.
happy that we uh found uh agreement on both of those contracts. When we look at how we approach uh contracts, we obviously look at um our budget. We look at being competitive in the area that we are and we work hard to make sure that we can keep staff and also honor the two things that I just spoke of.
One thing why we're asking not to enter in uh like let's say a 10-year lease agreement is we're obviously making some changes right now of how we use the building with the stadium being there. And so what we are asking for in this agreement is a one year with the option of extending it again one year just so we can see how that building gets used.
Our boys swim numbers overall really small. And so the advantage of adding yet another uh uh school to be part of the team, it's when you get to relays and the like that even if you can pick up a few more athletes, you have some options.
We've done enough time sheet that we realize that uh we need to put this as part of their contract. And so it's a it's a small addition, but it's one that should be recognized and that's why we bring that to you.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Annual 10-year expenditure revenue plan required for school districts to qualify for LTFM funding.
Required annual statement for school districts to qualify for Long-Term Facility Maintenance.
Resolution approving the proportionate share of facilities revenue for Intermediate District 287.
Bargained agreement for principal employee group.
Bargained agreement for administrative assistant employee group.
One-year extension with an option to extend again, concerning the Pond Sports Center and David M. Taylor Sports Center.
Approval to dissolve the existing cooperative agreement for boys' swim and dive.
Approval to establish a new cooperative agreement including West Tonka Public Schools, Holy Family Catholic High School, and Southwest Christian High School.
Approval for district-owned equipment to be sold or recycled.
Approval to expand contract days for two administrative assistant positions.
Applications for federal funding, currently in progress by the business office.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
School Facilities Construction and Renovations
Financial Overview and Audit Preparation
Lease and Athletic Cooperative Agreements
New Academic Programs and Future Planning
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