Minneapolis teachers deal adds 2% raise this year; class-size and special-ed caseload limits set; ratification Thu–Fri
Minneapolis Public Schools and the Minneapolis Federation of Educators reached a tentative agreement late Saturday covering three contracts for more than 4,300 employees that includes a 2% pay increase this year and enforceable smaller class sizes and special-education caseload limits. The deal, which averts a planned Nov. 11 strike, goes to union ratification votes Thursday–Friday and then the School Board for approval amid district warnings of a roughly $75 million shortfall this year and further projected deficits.
📌 Key Facts
- MPS and the Minneapolis Federation of Educators reached a tentative agreement late Saturday, averting a planned teacher walkout that had been possible as early as Nov. 11.
- The deal covers three expired bargaining units — teachers, education support professionals and adult educators — representing more than 4,300 employees, and now proceeds to union ratification votes Thursday–Friday followed by a Minneapolis School Board vote (a joint news conference was scheduled for Nov. 10).
- Key terms reported by the union and district include a 2% pay increase this year, smaller enforceable class sizes, limits on special-education caseloads and increased special-education supports; the union says pay increases apply to all educators.
- Earlier union actions: members passed a strike-authorization vote with 92% support, and MFE filed an intent to strike, triggering a 10-day cooling-off period under Minnesota law; had a strike occurred, all MPS classes (including online) would have been canceled.
- MPS has argued it faces major fiscal constraints — citing a reported $75 million shortfall this year tied to expiring federal funds and declining enrollment and projecting at least a $25 million shortfall in 2026–27 — and said any agreement must promote financial stability.
- The union disputed the district’s affordability arguments, urging reprioritization of funds and pointing to more than 30% increases in administrator pay and extensive outside contracting; negotiators were reportedly about $20 million apart on class-size proposals at one point.
- Bargaining began in April and continued through recent weeks (last week’s talks proceeded without an outside mediator); both sides said they remained committed to reaching a student-centered deal and indicated mediation would continue as needed.
- MPS has not released a total cost for the tentative two-year package; officials and union leaders issued on-the-record statements describing the agreement and the cooperative tone of talks.
📰 Sources (8)
New deal between Minneapolis teachers and school district raises pay, lowers class sizes
New information:
- Teachers will receive a 2% pay increase this year under the tentative agreement.
- Union ratification votes are scheduled for Thursday and Friday; school board approval would follow.
- District has not yet provided a total cost for the two-year package; MPS faces a $75M shortfall this year and at least $25M in 2026–27.
- Negotiations since April covered three contracts and more than 4,300 employees; last week’s bargaining proceeded without an outside mediator.
- Added quotes from MPS Board Chair Collin Beachy and MFE leaders describing the agreement and tone of talks.
Minneapolis schools, educators union reach tentative contract agreement
New information:
- MFE says all three bargaining units reached agreements with MPS, explicitly including the teacher and educational support professional (ESP) chapters.
- Union highlights specific elements: smaller, enforceable class sizes; more special education supports and caseload limits; pay increases for all educators.
- MPS characterizes the deal as honoring staff requests while balancing fiscal realities; Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams issued a supportive statement.
- Both MPS and MFE plan to hold a news conference on Monday, Nov. 10, and the agreement now proceeds to member ratification and a School Board vote.
Minneapolis teachers and school district reach tentative agreement, averting strike
New information:
- MPS and the Minneapolis Federation of Educators reached a tentative agreement late Saturday, averting Tuesday’s planned strike.
- Union says the deal addresses smaller class sizes, special-education caseload limits, and better pay; detailed terms not yet released.
- Agreement covers three contracts (expired June 30) and requires union ratification and school board approval.
- On-the-record statements from union president Marcia Howard and Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams confirming the pact and its student-first framing.
- Context: district cites a projected $25M shortfall in 2026–27 and facility space limits affecting class-size proposals.
As strike threat looms, Minneapolis teachers union leans on new parents group to back its demands
New information:
- A new parent group, Minneapolis Families for Public Schools (MFPS), is publicly backing the union; MFPS says it has 450+ members with teams at 22 schools and rallied at district HQ on Friday.
- Negotiations continued Friday to avert a Tuesday strike; both sides say they aim to reduce class sizes, bolster special-education staffing and offer competitive pay.
- The district says the two sides are about $20 million apart on class-size proposals.
- MPS projects at least a $25 million shortfall in 2026–27 (June board presentation); union urges tapping budget reserves and funds earmarked for outside contracts.
- Three MFE contracts covering more than 4,300 employees expired June 30; bargaining began in April.
Minneapolis teachers file strike notice signaling potential Nov. 11 walkout
New information:
- Strike-authorization vote passed with 92% support among members who cast ballots.
- Union and district were in mediation Friday afternoon and exchanged statements reaffirming intent to reach a deal.
- Key bargaining issues highlighted: class sizes, special-education caseloads, and pay.
- Union president Marcia Howard emphasized reaching a 'strong contract' that recognizes MPS's financial situation and invests in students.
Minneapolis teachers file intent to strike: Students could be out of school by Nov. 11
New information:
- MFE has officially filed an intent to strike, triggering the 10-day cooling-off period required by Minnesota law.
- Earliest possible strike date is Tuesday, Nov. 11.
- If a strike happens, all MPS classes — including online — would be canceled; mediation will continue even during a strike.
- Three contracts are under negotiation: education support professionals, teachers, and adult educators.
- MPS statement: aims for a student-centered, fair, competitive agreement that promotes financial stability; MFE says it remains committed to reaching a fair deal.
- Context restated: MPS cites a $75M shortfall tied to expiring federal funds and declining enrollment; the union argues the district can reprioritize, citing >30% leader pay increases and outside contracting.
Minneapolis teachers, district remain optimistic as strike vote continues
New information:
- Teachers entered their second day of strike-authorization voting on Friday; MFE could authorize a strike as early as Monday night, with a 10-day notice required before striking.
- MPS issued a statement saying MPS and MFE are "aligned on values" and committed to quickly reaching an agreement within available resources.
- Union lead negotiator Lizz Done said the goal is to settle and avoid a strike, expressing willingness to mediate "all night" if needed.
- MPS cites a $75 million budget shortfall due to expiring federal funds and declining enrollment; the union argues the district can afford demands, pointing to >30% increases in administrator pay and excessive outside contracting.
- Both sides plan to meet again on Thursday.