StorySchool board approves late teacher contract extension despite missed deadlineMay 7, 2025

Stillwater School Board Approves Teacher Contract Extension After Deadline

Meeting date: May 7, 2025
Published Aug 5, 2025

The Stillwater School Board approved a memorandum of agreement with the teachers' union Tuesday evening after the bargaining unit missed an established deadline for insurance-related contract modifications.

The Stillwater Community Education Association signed the MOA on April 30, six days after the April 24 deadline set by the district. All other bargaining units, including custodial staff, principals, paraprofessionals and nutrition services employees, met the original deadline.

Human Resources Director Chris explained that the delay caused insurance rates to be loaded into the district's system at $649 per month instead of the negotiated $498 rate. The board called a special meeting April 17 to establish the deadline after reviewing insurance renewal materials and survey results regarding health plan options.

A deadline is supposed to be a deadline," Superintendent Dr. Funk told the board. "My concern is we have a group that didn't meet the deadline and now the rates for that group are being loaded in at a different rate than what these people are going to end up paying.

The board ultimately approved the agreement to avoid financial hardship for approximately 600 teachers, though several members expressed frustration with the precedent. The district will need to adjust payroll systems to correct the rate discrepancy, creating additional administrative work.

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Full analysis

Areas of Interest (5)

  • Private citizens donate property (Outlot H) to Stillwater schools to preserve historic street car line and Rutherford neighborhood history.
  • Proposed creation of a $10,000-$15,000 historic educational installation featuring tracks and interpretive signage near Rutherford Elementary.
  • School district launching a K-5 environmental education partnership with Bellwin, starting with 3rd-5th grades in Fall 2025.
  • Potential long-term budgetary impact of school district property acquisitions for historical preservation.
  • Strategic use of external foundation grants (e.g., Anderson Window) for non-taxpayer funded educational and historic site developments.

Votes (2)

Approve tonight's agenda

PassesN/A

Moved by Unnamed (Chair/Director) · Seconded by Director Theelander

Approve consent agenda items A through F

Passes6-0

Moved by Director Hawker · Seconded by Director Theelander

Notable Quotes (2)

We're asking for zero dollars from the school district this is all all the funding is on us.

— Bob Cronin
FundingResponding to questions about funding responsibility for the historic project.

The idea is to have more than just a sign... lay down maybe 100 maybe 200 feet of track... and put up either four or six overhead wire poles.

— Bob Cronin
Historical MarkerDescribing the physical scope of the proposed historical installation.

People (6)

Bob CroninN/A

Former Stillwater resident advocating for donation of family property (Outlot H) to school district for preservation.

1 quote

“We're asking for zero dollars from the school district this is all all the funding is on us.”

Clarifying that the project is privately funded through grants.

Dr. FunkN/A

Facilitated discussions regarding the historic marker and property donation.

Aaron IssacsExecutive Director

Director of the Minnesota Street Car Museum, providing expertise on site preservation.

MarkN/A

Presenting the Bellwin Environmental Education Partnership for elementary schools.

ShermanChair

Presiding over the board meeting.

Caitlyn WillisN/A

Collaborated on planning the Bellwin partnership schedule and curriculum.

Places Mentioned

StillwaterOutlot H (Parcel adjacent to Rutherford Elementary)Rutherford Elementary SchoolWashington County bike and walk pathBellwin (Afton, MN)Manning AvenueHighway 12Masterman's Crossing/Station

Events & Meetings (1)

  • Meeting date: May (Transcript context)
Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Proposed historic site preservation and marker at Outlot H (former street car line)

  • Bellwin Environmental Education Partnership update for elementary students

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