South Washington County Schools board approves three labor contracts and releases long‑term substitute contracts

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. — The South Washington County Schools Board of Education on May 21 approved a package of personnel actions that included the formal release of long‑term substitute teaching contracts and the ratification of two tentative collective bargaining agreements for Kids Club supervisors and bus mechanics.

Abby Baker, the district’s executive director of human resources and operations, told the board that "in compliance with Minnesota statutes, we are required to terminate the teaching contracts of South Washington County Schools long‑term substitute teachers." Administration recommended approval of the resolution to formally end those contracts so regular teachers can exercise return rights to their positions. The board approved the resolution by roll call.

The board also approved a tentative two‑year agreement with Teamsters Local 320 covering Kids Club supervisors, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. Under the agreement announced by Baker, wages would rise 3% on July 1, 2026 and by 2% on July 1, 2027. The district’s contribution to high‑deductible medical plans would increase by 10% on Jan. 1, 2027 and another 10% on Jan. 1, 2028. A voluntary employees' beneficiary association (VEBA) contribution was set to increase to $125 per month on Jan. 1, 2027. Administration recommended approval and the board approved the contract.

A second tentative two‑year agreement, with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 70 for bus mechanics (also effective July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028), was approved. Baker outlined specific wage steps: bus mechanics would move from $38.48 per hour to $40.00 on July 1, 2026 and to $41.50 on July 1, 2027; head mechanic wages would move from $42.33 to $43.83 on July 1, 2026 and to $45.33 on July 1, 2027. The district contribution to high‑deductible medical plans would increase by 12% on Jan. 1, 2027 and an additional 12% on Jan. 1, 2028. Administration recommended approval and the board approved the contract.

Motions to approve the three items were made and seconded as recorded in the meeting minutes. For the long‑term substitute contract release, the board conducted a roll‑call vote that passed unanimously among members present; two members were recorded absent. For the two labor agreements, the board voted in favor by voice vote after Baker presented the terms.

The board did not pull any consent items for separate consideration. The superintendent’s office and human resources will carry out the contractual and administrative steps required by the agreements and the statutory contract terminations.

The board’s next workshop meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026, and its next business meeting for June 25, 2026, both at the District Service Center.