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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