South St. Paul board approves policies, contracts, ABE consortium, handbook and fills vacancy by appointment
June 22, 2026 | South St. Paul Public School Dist, School Boards, Minnesota
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The South St. Paul Public School District board on June 22 approved a series of routine and business items, voting unanimously on policy updates, labor agreements, an adult‑education consortium and a temporary appointment to the board.
Policy and handbooks: The board approved 14 district policies on a mix of third‑readings and final readings, including policies on student discipline, bullying prevention, textbooks and instructional materials, library materials, assessments, accounting and audits. Policy 606.1 (reconsideration of textbooks and instructional materials) was noted for proposed abolishment because its content has been absorbed into policy 606. The board also approved the 2026–27 Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook, used to guide discipline and expectations.
Contracts and labor agreements: Human Resources Director Charlie Cook presented the independent working agreements (for staff groups not in collective bargaining) that include a 2% base salary increase and a 2% increase to district health/dental contributions for 2026–27; the board approved the package 6‑0. The maintenance and custodial bargaining unit ratified a 2026–28 collective bargaining agreement with 2% increases in each year plus longevity and certification adjustments; the board approved the ratified settlement 6‑0.
Adult basic education: The board approved continuing the South Suburban Adult Basic Education (SSABE) consortium agreement, and ABE coordinator Tom Umhofer reported program growth (about 180 students last year), seven graduations, and a new remote camera pilot ("the owl") to support remote participation.
Vacancy appointment and candidate filing: Following Director Duffy’s resignation, the board authorized a resolution to appoint Amy Wardell to fill the vacancy until a special election this fall; Branddecker said Amy would wait the required 30 days and be sworn in July 27. Separately, the board set candidate filing dates for July 14–28 at City Hall for four open four‑year seats and one special two‑year seat.
All motions and resolutions recorded in the business section passed on unanimous 6‑0 votes.
Policy and handbooks: The board approved 14 district policies on a mix of third‑readings and final readings, including policies on student discipline, bullying prevention, textbooks and instructional materials, library materials, assessments, accounting and audits. Policy 606.1 (reconsideration of textbooks and instructional materials) was noted for proposed abolishment because its content has been absorbed into policy 606. The board also approved the 2026–27 Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook, used to guide discipline and expectations.
Contracts and labor agreements: Human Resources Director Charlie Cook presented the independent working agreements (for staff groups not in collective bargaining) that include a 2% base salary increase and a 2% increase to district health/dental contributions for 2026–27; the board approved the package 6‑0. The maintenance and custodial bargaining unit ratified a 2026–28 collective bargaining agreement with 2% increases in each year plus longevity and certification adjustments; the board approved the ratified settlement 6‑0.
Adult basic education: The board approved continuing the South Suburban Adult Basic Education (SSABE) consortium agreement, and ABE coordinator Tom Umhofer reported program growth (about 180 students last year), seven graduations, and a new remote camera pilot ("the owl") to support remote participation.
Vacancy appointment and candidate filing: Following Director Duffy’s resignation, the board authorized a resolution to appoint Amy Wardell to fill the vacancy until a special election this fall; Branddecker said Amy would wait the required 30 days and be sworn in July 27. Separately, the board set candidate filing dates for July 14–28 at City Hall for four open four‑year seats and one special two‑year seat.
All motions and resolutions recorded in the business section passed on unanimous 6‑0 votes.
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