Saint Croix School Board Approves 87 Staffing Requests, Extends Key Health Contract

The Saint Croix School District Board of Education approved several key motions during its Oct. 22 meeting, including financial reports, a consent agenda with numerous part-time and full-time requests for the 2025–26 school year, and the creation of a girls head-wrestling coach position. They also extended their HealthPartners contract to secure a lower renewal cap, approved the 2025–26 budget and tax levy with substantial general and special fund expenditures, and decided to continue insurance coverage with EMC for property, liability, and workers' compensation. Meanwhile, the Cannon Falls Schools district is facing financial challenges, having cut $1.518 million and preparing for its fourth referendum since 2021, partly due to inflation, the end of COVID-era funding, and unfunded state mandates; potential further cuts include the possibility of a four-day school week. In West Des Moines, three candidates, including two incumbents, are running uncontested for the school board, emphasizing their commitment to public education, community engagement, and supporting teachers and students. These developments reflect ongoing efforts and challenges in school governance, budgeting, and community involvement across different districts.