Teachers and educational assistants urge St. Francis board to settle contracts and raise pay

Educators and parents pressed the St. Francis Area Schools board on Feb. 23 to settle outstanding labor contracts and increase pay, saying repeated contract delays and low wages are undermining staff retention and student supports.

Brianna Jensen, who said she began working in the district in 2019, told the board she has been through multiple negotiations and said one data point she had seen indicated '33% of our teachers have worked here for four years or less,' a figure she cited to illustrate turnover concerns. Jensen said unfilled contracts make it difficult for the district to retain experienced staff and that unstable staffing creates long-term academic and financial consequences.

Beth Anderson, who identified herself as a kindergarten teacher with 35 years in the district, said a fair contract is about respect and sustainability and argued that 'Saint Francis teacher salaries are among the lowest in the state,' a characterization she used to urge the board to settle negotiations. Anne Carter, president of Education Minnesota Saint Francis and a nearly 30‑year teacher, described instances of physical risk and emotional strain experienced by educational assistants and noted that district starting EA pay (as stated in the meeting) was $16.55 per hour; she contrasted that with local entry-level work and said the district 'cannot afford not' to invest in EAs.

Other speakers, including Rachel Johnson and Sarah (a special education assistant who also said she has a child in the district's SPED program), described the essential role of intervention teachers and EAs in preventing widening achievement gaps and urged the board to adopt contract terms that protect both students and staff. Several speakers suggested the district seek community support for funding, including the possibility of a levy, and asked administrators to look for grant opportunities.

Board members acknowledged the concerns and noted mediations already scheduled for custodians, EAs, and later for teachers; one board member urged residents to consult the district’s negotiations website to see current bargaining parameters. The board did not take a final vote on contract terms during this meeting; negotiations and mediation are ongoing.