Saint Paul Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, September 21, 2026
Recognitions for Staff Excellence
Employee Healthcare Costs and Benefits
School Bell Decibel Levels
Proposed Employment Agreement for Unrepresented Plan
Student Mental Health Supports and Transportation Safety for Immigrant Families
Election Day School Closures for Student Safety
Technology Use and Screen Time in Schools
Gender Equity in School Sports and Spaces
Accountability for Education Delivery and Data Transparency
2027-2028 School Year Preliminary Property Tax Levy Certification
Project Labor Agreements for Construction Projects
Third Reading of Do Not Resuscitate/Intubate (DNR/DNI) Policy
Third Reading of Food Service Policy
Third Reading of Petitions for Consent for Rezoning Policy
Board Initiated Goal: Arts and Music Funding
K-12 Summer Learning Programs and Outcomes
Second Reading of Minnesota Paid Leave Policy
Second Reading of Branding, Supplies and Stationery Policy
Second Reading of School Emergency Management Policy
Second Reading of Student Voice and Decision Making Policy
Second Reading of Board and Superintendent Relationship Policy
Votes (6)
2027-2028 School Year Preliminary Property Tax Levy Certification
Moved by Director Ward [1:13:30] · Seconded by Director Alan [1:13:46]
Senior Executive Officer Tom Sager presented the annual preliminary property tax levy. He explained that setting the levy at the maximum allowable amount provides flexibility for future adjustments, such as operating referendums. The projected increase for the pay 2027 levy is 6.89%, driven by an OPEB levy adjustment and investment in the SPPS Builds initiative. Director Henderson inquired about the rationale for choosing the maximum levy and when updated comparative data with other districts would be available, receiving assurance that it would be provided as soon as audits are complete.
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)
Moved by Director Ward [1:19:14] · Seconded by Director Henderson [1:19:20]
Interim Director of Facilities Kathy Wallace explained the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for construction projects over $200,000, which ensure consistent pay and prevent work stoppages. The Board considered two sets of projects: those recommended for PLAs and those not. Director Franco sought clarification on why playground projects were excluded from PLAs, prompting an explanation that they are simpler, involve fewer trades, have shorter durations, more flexible schedules, and lower risk compared to building infrastructure projects.
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for Specific Projects (Not Recommended)
Dissent: Director Franco [1:20:30]
Moved by Director Ward [1:20:13] · Seconded by Director Carrillo [1:20:17]
This action focused on two specific playground projects (The Trois du Nord and The Heights) for which Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) were explicitly not recommended. The preceding discussion, as noted in the prior item, provided the rationale for these exceptions based on project simplicity and lower risk. Director Franco registered a dissenting vote, though the motion still passed.
Third Reading of Policy 518.00 Do Not Resuscitate Do Not Intubate
Moved by Director Ward [1:22:20] · Seconded by Director Alan [1:22:27]
Director of Health and Wellness Becky Schmidt presented the third reading of this new policy. She reiterated that the district will not accept or honor DNR/DNI orders in schools, maintaining that staff will activate emergency services and provide care in medical emergencies. The policy aims to provide clear guidance to families regarding the district's procedures. No changes were made since the previous reading.
Third Reading of Policy 719.00 Food Service
Moved by Director Ward [1:25:21] · Seconded by Director Henderson [1:25:27]
Director of Nutrition Services Stacy Coppin presented the third reading of the revised Food Service policy. She highlighted updates to modernize language, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and explicitly state the district's commitment to providing meal programs that support student health, well-being, and nutrition with equitable access. The policy also clarifies the Superintendent's role in establishing administrative rules and maintaining confidentiality. No changes were made since the previous reading.
Third Reading of Policy 802.02 Petitions for Consent for Rezoning
Moved by Director Ward [1:30:52] · Seconded by Director Carrillo [1:30:58]
Interim Director of Facilities Kathy Wallace presented the third reading of the updated policy on petitions for consent for rezoning. The revisions reformatted the policy, added a purpose and general statement, and specifically included criteria for evaluating potential impacts on schools. It now requests detailed site plans and traffic impact studies from petitioners and formalizes three district responses: neutral consent, declining to sign with reasons, and reserving the right to provide testimony at city hearings. No changes were made since the previous reading.
Notable Quotes (4)
The reason we, uh, um, We and most districts will certify the maximum allowed and that the allowed amount is. Uh, defined by, um, legislation and the formula allowances and what it does do for us is it does give the districts as mentioned just some flexibility if there are any changes.
I think the wondering I have is. We developed the goals to be able to obviously change them, move them forward, etc. depending on the need, but I'm still curious about how, whether or not increasing the dollar is actually, what that actually means, right Like what is the context? What does that mean over are we staying at the same amount of courses? Has there been a shift? Has there been any additional resources that we're putting in and then what's the next step?
The The playground replacement projects are quite simple in the sense that they typically have one contractor rather one contractor that does playgrounds rather than contractors that do electrical mechanical, carpentry, and so on. So, they're quite simple, not very, you know, low number of trades on the project. They often can be done in a matter of weeks rather than taking an entire summer.
I just wanted to reiterate that this is the 3rd reading and before this point, um, often these policies are brought to us in a committee of the board meeting um, with the expertise of all of the administration And then it's usually sometimes picked apart. People give their 2 cents or sometimes 5 cents or 10 cents depending on the policy itself from the board and then it gets reconstructed again and brought back again.
Ordinances & Resolutions (9)
Proposed contract with issues raised regarding length of service awards, business expense allowances, and professional benefits payouts.
New policy stating the district will not honor DNR/DNI orders in schools and will provide emergency care.
Revised policy updating language, affirming participation in meal programs, and ensuring compliance and equitable service.
Revised policy outlining district response to land use changes near school sites, including evaluation criteria and response types.
Emergency-adopted policy undergoing formalization, clarifying implementation details for employee paid leave benefits.
Revised policy to modernize language and establish standards for district and school branding beyond traditional stationery.
Revised policy incorporating new statutory requirements for cardiac emergency response plans and aligning with standard response protocols.
Revised policy to update format, emphasize commitment to student involvement, and clarify committee operations and budget allocation.
Revised policy to update format and formalize communication strategies and protocols between the Board and Superintendent.