Cass Lake-Bena School Board negotiators met with negotiators from the Cass Lake-Bena Education Support Staff (CLBESP) on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The two negotiating teams had not met for quite some time, due to illness and inclement weather cancellations of previously scheduled meetings.
CLBESP proposed an increase to health insurance to match what teachers received ($1,375/month regardless of what plan the individual opts for), along with increasing the amount paid in lieu of health insurance to $340/month for 12 month employees, $335 per month for 11 month employees, $330/month for 10 month employees and $326/month for nine month employees. CLBESP also proposed providing a paid lunch for employees. Additionally, increases to longevity payments from $800 to $1,500 for those employed in the district between 10-14 and years; from $1,050 to $2,000 for those employed in the district 15-19 years; and from $1,300 to $2,500 for those employed in the district 20+ years. This proposal also sunsets longevity for 5-9 years, BUT provided a 1 time bonus of $1,000 after year 5 for employees hired after the contract is ratified.
On salary, CLBESP proposed a $2.25 wage increase for all current employees, and a 4.05% increase for all employees in year 2 -- it was stated that .55% of that was for employees who are affected by the loss of 1 day in their work assignments due to the CLEA contract change. All bargaining unit employees would get the increase, but those impacted would be bus drivers, monitors, paraprofessionals and kitchen staff. If those items were accepted, the group stated they would withdraw a number of other requests; those requests were primarily changes to existing language.
The district negotiators provided a counter offer on health insurance, with an increase to $1,300 per month. The current single plan cost is $1,071, so those on the plan would be able to invest the excess in their health savings account. The counter on cash in lieu for all employees who do not take health insurance would be $230/month. On salary, district negotiators offered a 2% increase to the base and all current staff year 1 and 2% to all current staff year 2. The district also offered to provide an additional staff development day for those impacted by the change in the number of duty days (bus drivers, paraprofessionals, bus monitors and kitchen staff) so they would not lose a day in pay. Over the course of the 2 year contract, staff would see an increase of 9.41% total package with this offer.
CLBESP negotiations team stated an intent to file for mediation.