Although state funding has increased, it falls short of covering the escalating expenses, aggravated by dozens of new state requirements passed in the last round of MN Legislation. As a result, we have to take money from other important budgets to cover those unfunded and underfunded mandates. In addition, state funding has not kept pace with inflation since 2003, resulting in schools falling behind in funding and relying more on the support of their local communities through referendums. While the basic education formula is now tied to inflation up to a 3% maximum, there is still a funding gap based on the historical shortfalls. Watch our School Funding Video to learn more.
During the 2023 legislative session, several noteworthy changes were introduced for public school districts. These changes encompass a wide array of categories, including but not limited to categorical spending requirements:
Teacher licensure modifications
Introduction of unemployment insurance for non-certified hourly employees
Significant curriculum alterations, including new mandatory courses
Changes to graduation requirements and academic standards
New professional development requirements
Implementation of the Read Act
Implementation of Earned Sick and Safe Time leave
Introduction of a paid family and medical leave program
Amendments to student discipline for non exclusionary procedures and requirements
Enhanced school safety trainings and limitations along with new suicide prevention information requirements
Imposition of new district reporting requirements
Adjustments to teacher tenure requirements
Enhancements to teachers' pension program
Universal meals
Adjustments to the collective bargaining process
Expansion of pregnancy and nursing accommodation requirements
Provisions for e-Learning days and school closure requirements
The district has been working closely with teachers to listen and assess the needs of our students. As a result, key staffing positions were identified, along with new curriculum and safety measures. Those investments were implemented for this school year and total $4.7 million.
PLSAS works with several employee bargaining groups including the MN School Employees Associations Paraeducators, the Prior Lake-Savage Secretaries Federation Education Minnesota Local 4887, the Prior Lake-Savage Principals Association and the Prior Lake-Savage Administrators’ Association, all of which have negotiated fair contract settlements that are currently in place. Below is a table of the settlement total increases:
For a 1.0 full time teacher, the contract states they work 185 days per year. With salary and benefits, a ten-year teacher with a Master’s Degree costs the district $90,032 per year. In addition, all teachers who work beyond the 8-hour day can earn additional compensation for work performed, including but not limited to:
Emergency substitution during their prep period
Extended employment (such as additional days/meetings after hours)
At this stage, there is no disruption to our classrooms. The guiding values for contract negotiations emphasize a student-focused culture, responsible budget management, equitable education, and integrity in partnerships. With these values in mind, we will strive to reach a fair and equitable contract agreement.
SOD is a financial term when a school district has accumulated a deficit in its operating budget that exceeds the limits set by state statute. In Minnesota, a school district is considered to be in SOD when it does not end the year with an unreserved fund balance exceeding 2.5% of operating expenditures. In the event that a district enters SOD, it is required to create a ‘Special Operating Plan’ to be approved by both the School Board and the Commissioner of Education. Based on the updated PLSEA proposal from December 5, 2023, if the district were to pay teachers their requested contract amount, the district would be in SOD by SY 2027-28. The District’s 5-year forecast shows that without any changes, SOD would be reached in SY 2028-29.
