District, paraprofessionals headed to mediation

Finding a balance between funding streams and paying school district staff adequate wages in a time of inflationary pressures is challenging, Cloquet superintendent Michael Cary told school board members Monday.

The Cloquet public school district received a 2-percent increase in state funding equating to roughly $300,000.

The money will be used to give staff members throughout the district a raise. The district has already settled contracts with its secretaries and principals, but they’re still negotiating with paraprofessionals and custodians.

Paraprofessionals in the district are asking for...