North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District — Transcript
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Story
School board approves Spanish immersion program at Carver Elementary
Elementary School Highlights and Strategic Plan
Impact of Budget Cuts and Levy Referendum
Dual Immersion Program Expansion and Benefits
District Financial and Human Resources Management
Community Partnerships and Indigenous Language Preservation
Votes (7)
Acknowledgement of Contributions
Moved by Livingston [00:58:36] · Seconded by Swore [00:58:45]
The Director of Finance presented two contributions received by the district. The Stillwater Elks Lodge donated for club activities, and Patricia Svenson donated for communication. The total contributions for the fiscal year 25-26 were noted, and the board expressed appreciation for the donors.
Ratification of 2025-2027 Clerical Contract (OPIU Local 12)
Moved by Rosemark [01:00:30] · Seconded by Livingston [01:00:36]
The HR Representative outlined the terms of the tentative agreement with OPIU Local 12 for office and clerical employees. The agreement included a 2.75% salary increase in the first year and 3.0% in the second, plus an increase in district medical insurance contribution for the second year. The membership had already ratified the agreement.
Approval of Self-Funded Medical Insurance Renewal
Moved by Rosemark [01:01:45] · Seconded by Livingston [01:01:49]
The HR Representative presented the recommendation to renew the self-funded medical insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield for a two-year period, citing compliance with the Minnesota Health Transparency Act. The proposal included a 10.4% increase to the overall budget rate for the first year (July 2026-June 2027) but no increase in the second, and an increase to the HSA health plan deductible. A board member noted the significant impact of rising health insurance costs on the district's budget, contributing to the need for budget cuts.
Approval of Self-Funded Dental Insurance Renewal
Moved by Rosemark [01:03:52] · Seconded by Livingston [01:03:55]
The recommendation was to continue with Delta Dental for self-funded dental insurance. The proposal included an increase in the admin service fee from $5.17 to $5.49 per employee per month, guaranteed for three years, while maintaining the current budget rate of $16.30 per month.
Approval of Life Insurance Renewal
Moved by Rosemark [01:05:39] · Seconded by Livingston [01:05:41]
The HR Representative presented the proposal to remain with Madison National Life Insurance Company for employee life insurance. The recommendation included no premium changes for basic, supplemental, dependent life coverage, or retiree step rates beyond age 70 for a five-year period (July 2026 through June 2031).
Approval of Group Disability Insurance Renewal
Moved by Anderson [01:07:29] · Seconded by Livingston [01:07:34]
The HR Representative brought forward the recommendation to renew the group disability insurance with Madison National Life Insurance. The proposal indicated an overall premium decrease of 5.4% for a five-year period (July 2026 through June 2031), with a rate of $222.5 per $100 monthly payroll and a constant 3 cents administration rate for short-term disability.
Authorization of Spanish Dual Language Program at Carver Elementary School
Moved by Rose [01:14:38] · Seconded by Livingston [01:14:41]
Following a comprehensive presentation on the benefits and structure of dual immersion programs, the board considered a resolution to establish a Spanish dual language program at Carver Elementary. The program is set to begin with kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. Board members expressed enthusiasm for expanding diversity and providing opportunities for students, recognizing it as a key strength for the district and a strategy to attract new students.
Notable Quotes (5)
Are are those medical insurance um increases per month?
I'll I'll just note that health insurance costs, you know, are continuing to rise for folks and this is one of the biggest drivers of costs that we're seeing um for for our school district and our school districts. Um, and when we have, you know, in terms of money coming in being held largely flat and costs for health insurance alone increasing by 10%, um, it creates situations where we have to cut $5 million in order to rightsize things.
I'll just give a quick shout out to the insurance and compensation committee for all the tough work. And I know Kea has been on that group and she's not here tonight. So, I just want to say thanks to her, too.
I'm excited. I think this is great. Yes.
I'm excited, too. Um, I think that uh um our district really stands out in the East Metro um for our uh diversity. I see it as a huge strength and I see expanding our um our programs for dual immersion as just a way to really build on that strength and uh to provide opportunities for students in our district to attract new students.
Ordinances & Resolutions (21)
Guides elementary schools' work towards student success and development.
Assessment data used to track student development in literacy and numeracy, given three times a year.
Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum for literacy, teachers are becoming more comfortable using its assessments.
A phonemic awareness program implemented this year, showing positive growth in word segmenting for kindergarten students.
An intervention program used by intervention teachers, with positive feedback and growth stories from students.
The math curriculum, for which Carver Elementary staff conducted a self-reflection to plan year-long professional development.
Guiding questions for professional learning communities, referenced for remediation and enrichment strategies in math.
Grant funding Richardson Elementary's 'Penguin Pals' after-school program, supporting family needs.
Given twice a year to elementary students to assess feelings of kindness, welcome, and safety at school.
Administered to third through fifth graders to identify potential mental health concerns (red/yellow flags).
School Improvement Plan goals, used for tracking and improving consistent student attendance (90% or more days).
Permits school boards to receive and apply donations for district benefit.
Collective bargaining agreement between the district and OPIU Local 12.
Requires the district to offer bids for its health insurance plan.
Approving a two-year renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield, including a 10.4% budget rate increase and HSA deductible increase.
Approving a three-year renewal with Delta Dental, including an admin service fee increase but maintaining current budget rate.
Approving a five-year contract with Madison National Life Insurance, with no premium changes.
Approving a five-year contract with Madison National Life Insurance, with an overall premium decrease.
Authorizing the establishment of a new Spanish dual language program starting with kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year.
A book referenced by Principal Jenny Parker to explain different levels of data (satellite, map, street data) for instructional guidance.
Mentioned in discussion regarding accommodating special education students in dual immersion programs.