South Washington County Schools — Transcript
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Student District Ambassadors Program
Superintendent's Report
Votes (3)
Release of long-term substitute teachers
Dissent: None
Moved by Sharon Van Leer [12:28] · Seconded by Simi Patnaik [12:29]
Abby Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations, presented the item, explaining that Minnesota statutes mandate the termination of long-term substitute teaching contracts. This action is necessary to prevent the district from allocating two teachers to a single position when regular teachers return from leave.
Kids Club Supervisor Contract
Dissent: None
Moved by Sharon Van Leer [14:47] · Seconded by Louis Signs [14:48]
Abby Baker presented the tentative collective bargaining agreement between South Washington County Schools and Teamsters Local 320 Kids Club Supervisors. The agreement is effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, and includes a 3% wage increase in year one, a 2% increase in year two, and 10% increases to the district's health insurance contribution for high deductible medical plans in both years, along with a VEBA increase.
Bus Mechanic Contract
Dissent: None
Moved by Simi Patnaik [16:32] · Seconded by Evan Clark [16:33]
Abby Baker presented the tentative collective bargaining agreement between South Washington County Schools and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 70 bus mechanics. This contract is effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. It includes specific wage increases for bus mechanics (from $38.48 to $40/hr in Y1, then to $41.50/hr in Y2) and head mechanics, along with 12% increases to the district's health insurance contribution for high deductible medical plans in both years.
Notable Quotes (3)
In compliance with Minnesota statutes, we are required to terminate the teaching contracts of South Washington County Schools long-term substitute teachers. A long-term substitute, by definition, is one who worked all or part of the school year replacing a specific teacher who has return rights to their position.
The economic costing of the tentative agreement includes the following. Um the first year of the contract effective July 1, 2026 is a 3% increase on wages. And then year two of the contract, July 1, 2027 would be a 2% increase on wages.
The bus mechanic wage increase from $38.48 to $40 per hour effective July 1, 2026 and $41.50 effective July 1, 2027. And for the head mechanic wage increase from $42.33 to $43.83 effective July 1, 2026 and to $45.33 effective July 1, 2027.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
State law requiring the termination of long-term substitute teacher contracts.
Resolution for the release of long-term substitute teacher contracts.
Tentative agreement with Teamsters Local 320 for Kids Club Supervisors.
Tentative agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers Local 70 for bus mechanics.
Document reviewed by high school student ambassadors during a meeting.