Stillwater school board extends superintendent's contract through 2028
The Stillwater Area Public School District board unanimously approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. Funk on September 10, extending his tenure through June 2028. The decision reflects the board's commitment to leadership stability after years of high turnover.
Chair Sherman moved to approve the contract, which takes effect July 1, 2025, and includes increased compensation aligned with market conditions. All board members supported the decision, with Sherman noting that securing the contract represents "continuing to move away from a history of excessive leadership turnover." Board members expressed gratitude for Dr. Funk's leadership and its positive impact on students, staff, and families.
The meeting also revealed significant staffing challenges heading into the school year. The district enrolled over 8,100 students and hired 42 new teachers, but faces 18 unfilled para professional positions. Dr. Funk attributed the vacancies to unintended consequences of recent state legislation allowing hourly school employees to collect summer unemployment—15 to 16 para professionals resigned just before school started after collecting those benefits. Transportation software issues with vendor PowerSchool also drew criticism, with Dr. Funk calling the company's technical support "an abject failure."
On the academic front, the board reviewed standardized test results showing mixed performance. Stillwater ranked second among East Metro school districts in reading, math, and science, but fell to the bottom two when compared against similar-sized districts with comparable poverty rates. However, the district showed slight improvement from the previous year and is on an upward trajectory post-pandemic. Dr. Funk emphasized that "where we're at is important but what's more important is the direction we're going."
The board unanimously approved Policy 515, which protects student privacy and records, and revoked Policy 616.1, which was deemed to offer no value to the district. The board also heard updates on summer facility improvements across multiple schools, including renovations at Afton, Lily Lake, Rutherford, and Stonebridge. Projects focused on modernizing classrooms, improving accessibility, and replacing outdated equipment. Staff reactions to the improvements were described as "very positive."
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Votes (6)
Back to School Report: Enrollment, Staffing, Transportation, and Professional Development
The report detailed current enrollment figures, recent hires, and existing staff vacancies, notably 18 unfilled para professional positions. A significant discussion point was the impact of a recent legislative change allowing hourly school employees to collect summer unemployment, leading to last-minute resignations. Transportation challenges, including alternate address routing and software issues with vendors like Power School, were highlighted. The professional development section outlined focus areas in literacy (LETTERS training), equity (new coordinator, identity harm protocols), and social-emotional learning (BAR program expansion), emphasizing a data-driven approach to improve student outcomes.
Assessment Update: MCA and MTAS Results
The presentation compared Stillwater's MCA and MTAS proficiency rates against East Metro districts and a custom set of similar districts (by size and free/reduced lunch rates). While performing well regionally, Stillwater lagged in reading and math against comparable districts, though showing an upward trend post-pandemic. Discussion focused on the importance of data-driven systems, curriculum alignment, staff support, and leadership stability as key levers for continued improvement. The Superintendent emphasized a commitment to continuous positive trajectory.
Superintendent's Contract Approval
Moved by Chair Sherman [59:48] · Seconded by Director Kellenberg [59:53]
Chair Sherman presented the recommendation to approve a second three-year contract for Dr. Funk, citing its alignment with market conditions, his value to the district, and the critical need for leadership stability. The contract, effective July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, includes increased compensation, cost-neutral to overall benefits. Board members expressed gratitude for the work in negotiations and Dr. Funk's leadership, emphasizing the positive impact of stability on students, staff, and families.
Policy 515: Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records (Second Reading)
Moved by Chair Sherman [1:11:32] · Seconded by Director Kelzenberg [1:11:38]
Mr. Lee presented Policy 515, noting that it is a mandatory policy with significant legal requirements. He stated that only minor changes were made during the revision under the guidance of MSBA (Minnesota School Boards Association) and their attorneys to ensure the policy is up-to-date with current requirements.
Revocation of Policy 616.1
Moved by Chair Sherman [1:12:18] · Seconded by Director Hocker [1:12:25]
The committee recommended revoking Policy 616.1, stating that it offered no value to the district.
Long-Term Facility Maintenance Summer Update
Executive Director Mark Jo provided an update on summer facility projects across several schools, funded by long-term facility maintenance funds. Projects included renovations in offices, classrooms, restrooms (for ADA accessibility), and kitchen/cafeteria areas, as well as lighting and door replacements. The purpose was to maintain buildings, provide suitable learning spaces, replace outdated equipment, and address asbestos. Staff reactions to the improvements, particularly in renovated classrooms, were highlighted as very positive, contributing to better student learning environments.
Notable Quotes (10)
our 18 pair professionals you see unfilled here are are an unintended consequence of that legislation we just had within the last few days before school started 15 or 16 PA of professionals resign after they collected their summer unemployment
The other vendor power school has virtually done nothing to support us in this whole process... I consider power schools tech support and abject failure in uh in our situation here.
if we don't know what we don't know how can we adjust our education system to meet their needs
Our scores improved slightly from last year to this year in all subjects. We rank second among the other East Metro school districts but second last one comparing with districts that have a similar size and percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch.
where we're at is important but for me what's more important is the direction we're going
being able to secure a second contract with Dr Funk is welcome news for the Stillwater area public school district in taking this action Tonight We are continuing to move away from a history of excessive leadership turnover
you have done that and we have focused on what's important and we have worked through a number of of issues and we still have some things to work through as we move forward here
the staff love the the new spaces and so as part of the design process you know we go through user groups with our bond projects and those sorts of things for some of those um ly Lake and Stonebridge we did a very similar process of you know as a replacing casework what do we want do we want tall cabinets do we want short cabinets we want countertop space do we want lockable cabinets not lockable cabinets
it'll be impactful I um Still Water middle uh being an exemption exception there I hope we got a bulk discount on these gray carpet squares because I saw that throughout all these buildings and I just hope that color science today current AS Val from wal explained previously to me that this is the in color and I hope it lasts for a while
as lights fail and replace you really can't replace the fluorescent bulbs and things that we have they just don't make those anymore so when they fail we usually do ceilings and and lighting at the same time so replace it with LED lights
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
10-year enrollment projection for the district
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, state standardized tests
Minnesota Test of Academic Skills, alternative assessment for special education students
Literacy training program for preK-5, ML, and SPED teachers
Building Assets, Reducing Risks, a social-emotional learning program
Assessment tool for literacy and math, expanding to high schools
Framework for addressing situations where students have been harmed by others' actions or words
Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies
Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles, Patrols, Inspections, and Searches
Homeschooling
Test Accommodations, Modifications, and Exemptions for IEPs, Section 504 Plan, and LEP Students
Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records
Policy recommended for revocation
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Other Topics from This Document
Assessment Update: MCA and MTAS Results
Superintendent's Contract Approval
Policy Review and Action
Long-Term Facility Maintenance Summer Update
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