Delano Schools And Union Staff Negotiated Contracts
Delano Public Schools and local union staff are currently working to finalize separate two-year wage agreements.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Unions
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Delano Public Schools has entered into contract negotiations with local paraprofessional and custodian unions amid ongoing wage disputes. These separate discussions follow a recent meeting where dozens of staff members voiced opposition to current salary proposals.
Why it matters
The negotiations reflect a tension between the district, which cites limited budget resources for raises, and staff unions seeking pay increases to maintain competitiveness. The district highlights that it already funds supplemental benefits for special education and summer unemployment that remain underfunded by government grants.
The district initially proposed a six-cent hourly increase for paraprofessionals, which amounts to an estimated 24 cents per hour for top-tier staff. Custodians remain on a seven-step pay schedule while currently weighing an initial 0.25% wage increase offer.
The players
Delano Public Schools
This is the local school district governing educational operations in Delano, Minnesota.
The details
Nearly 30 staff members attended a recent board meeting to criticize the district's wage proposals. While paraprofessionals and custodians negotiate distinct contracts, both groups are pushing for higher compensation to better reflect their professional contributions.
Timeline
September 28: Nearly 30 staff members criticized the wage proposal.
October 7: Custodians moved to mediation.
November 5: Paraprofessionals are scheduled to return to negotiations.
Political Context
Opponents of the staff union requests argue that the district must prioritize fiscal responsibility due to state and federal funding gaps for specific programs. They contend that the school system is already overextended by covering mandated special education and summer unemployment benefits internally.
The ongoing negotiations may lead to changes in school staff retention or potential shifts in district spending priorities. Residents should monitor these talks as they determine the labor costs for the district and the compensation levels for the staff serving local students.
The takeaway
The impasse highlights the difficulty school districts face when balancing limited budgets against the need to attract and retain experienced staff. Both parties are attempting to reach a settlement that aligns district fiscal capacity with the rising cost of living for employees.
What happens next
Paraprofessionals are scheduled to return to contract negotiations on November 5.
Further reading
Learn more about local labor relations at Unions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Delanoheraldjournal.
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