by Mike Knaak
Students in the Sartell-St. Stephen school district will start their winter break one day early.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, will be a day off for students but teachers will work either in-person or remotely, the school board decided at a Dec. 3 special meeting.
“Teachers are pretty taxed and need to get things done” to prepare for the new year, Superintendent Jeff Ridlehoover said. “Kids will have time to spend with their families and friends.”
Students will return to class on Monday, Jan. 3.
All students who want a breakfast and lunch for Dec. 22 will be able to pick one up when they leave school on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
Kidstop will operate on Dec. 22 following a plan similar to a snow day.
In other action at the special meeting, the board approved a temporary pay increase for substitutes.
“We need to be competitive with surrounding districts to ensure we have subs in place,” Ridlehoover said.
Here are the current and new pay schedules:
| Position | Currrent | News |
|---|---|---|
| Substitute teacher | $130/day | $150/day |
| $65/half day | $75/half day | |
| Retired district teacher | $140/day | $200/day |
| $70/half day | $100/half day | |
| Paraprofessional | $15.50/hour | $16/hour |
| Food service | $14/hour | $15/hour |
| Cleaner | $14/hour | $15/hour |
| Bus monitor | $14/hour | $15/hour |
| Clerical | $14/hour | $15/hour |
| Seasonal grounds | $14/hour | $15/hour |
| Seasonal grounds (wCDL) | $17.50 | $18/hour |
Information and application forms for district jobs are available online at www.sartell.k12.mn.us/employment.
