Sioux City board approves tentative labor agreements and several purchases

The Sioux City Community School District board unanimously approved multiple tentative labor agreements, wage adjustments and a set of purchases and contract renewals at its April 27 meeting.

Board members voted to accept tentative agreements with the Sioux City Education Association (teachers), the Sioux City Educational Support Personnel Association (CSPA), the Operations and Maintenance Employees International Union, Local 234, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (Local 212 Bus Drivers Association). The administration presented the recommendations as part of ongoing contract negotiations for fiscal 2027.

The board also approved fiscal-year-2027 wage increases for nonunion groups and accepted the Human Resources report after routine motions and voice votes.

Purchases and contract actions approved included:
- $130,779.95 to Curriculum Associates for elementary math resources (to be funded from the instructional support levy and Title II professional development funds). The board amended the motion to change a drafting error from "secondary" to "elementary" before approving the purchase.
- $65,733.40 to Safe and Civil Schools for multi-tiered system-of-supports and classroom-management professional development for 2026-27, plus travel expenses for the presenter.
- Renewal of the district's annual transportation contract with Siouxland Regional Transit System at no price increase for 2026-27.
- Acceptance of a concrete purchase bid (Soo Line Concrete Company) at $165 per yard, not to exceed $60,000, for district-wide replacement under sales-tax projects.
- Approval of welding-equipment purchases for career-technical programs (quote recorded as $49,742.01) to replace and expand lab equipment.
- Execution of facility-rental agreements presented by district staff.

Most items were presented by district staff, briefly discussed and approved by voice vote; board members asked clarifying questions on vendor names and implementation details during some motions. The consent agenda (minutes, finance report, curriculum resource fees, textbook fines and meal prices) passed earlier in the meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Tentative agreement, Sioux City Education Association (teachers): approved (voice vote).
- Tentative agreement, Educational Support Personnel Association (CSPA): approved (voice vote).
- Tentative agreement, Operating Engineers Local 234 (O&M): approved (voice vote).
- Tentative agreement, AFSCME Local 212 (bus drivers): approved (voice vote).
- FY27 wage increases for nonunion groups: approved (voice vote).
- Curriculum Associates purchase, $130,779.95: approved (amendment to correct "secondary" to "elementary" was adopted; final motion approved).
- Safe and Civil Schools PD, $65,733.40: approved (voice vote).
- Transportation contract renewal with Siouxland Regional Transit System: approved (voice vote).
- Concrete replacement bid (Soo Line Concrete Company): approved (voice vote).
- Welding equipment purchase (~$49,742.01): approved (voice vote).
- Facility rental agreements: approved (voice vote).

Board Chair (addressed in meeting as Director Miller) called for public input on these items during each vote; none was offered for the listed contracts and purchases. The meeting adjourned after the board approved the facility-rental agreements.