The 4th meeting between the Cass Lake-Bena School District and the Cass Lake Education Association (CLEA) was held July 10, 2025. The following summarizes points of discussion:
Costing model comparison resulted in corrections to the district model which showed cost of steps/lanes to be $125,00/1.5% increase.
Counter proposal by CLEA - year 1 3.25% on all cells year 1; 3% increase year 2 and reduce the number of student days from 172 to 170 and teacher days from 181 to 179
District Counter - 2% increase in cells; no step advancements in either year and maintain the number of duty days/student days
CLEA counter - 3% year 1, 2.75% year two and decrease number of days in contract year 2 (170 student/179 teachers)
District noted that CLEA contract ranks very high in a statewide comparison of salary schedules, making the district very competitive for recruitment and retention (326 public schools, starting wage is #12, mid level is #46 and high end is #80 statewide) and is higher than most in the region. District shared that slightly over $1 million in staffing reductions had been made and that the district prioritizes keeping student to staff ratios low -- which supports students and staff. District shared that the state per pupil formula will increase by 2.74% this year, but that does not mean the district’s budget will increase by that. Cuts in federal funding have more than offset any state increase. The district then reaffirmed the 2% increase offer, and stated that a discussion with legal advisors would be held before considering step increases. This item was tabled.
Discussion about staff taking unpaid leave. The district has an answer from legal advisors and will initiate the first step.
Discussion about allowing a teacher’s student loan payments qualify as their match to be eligible for district 403B match. Awaiting feedback from legal on the drafted language.
Next meeting July 24, 2025