Tentative deal averts Nov. 11 Minneapolis teacher strike
Minneapolis Public Schools and the Minneapolis Federation of Educators reached a tentative agreement late Saturday that averts a planned strike set to begin Nov. 11, covering three expired contracts and now subject to union ratification and School Board approval. The deal — to be detailed at a Nov. 10 news conference — reportedly includes enforceable smaller class sizes, special-education caseload limits and pay increases, and follows a strike-authorization vote, a filed intent to strike and weeks of mediation amid disputes over projected district budget shortfalls.
Education
Business & Economy
📌 Key Facts
- MPS and the Minneapolis Federation of Educators reached a tentative agreement late Saturday, Nov. 9, averting a planned strike that could have begun Nov. 11 after the union filed an intent to strike and triggered a 10-day cooling-off period.
- The tentative deal covers all three expired MFE contracts — teachers, educational support professionals (ESPs) and adult educators — and now must be ratified by union members and approved by the school board.
- Union and district statements say the agreement includes enforceable, smaller class-size limits, special-education caseload limits and additional supports, and pay increases/competitive raises for educators; detailed contract terms have not yet been released.
- Both sides had been in mediation and exchanged statements reaffirming a commitment to reach a deal; union president Marcia Howard and Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams issued on-the-record statements framing the pact as student-centered, and MPS and MFE plan a joint news conference on Monday, Nov. 10.
- Bargaining began in April after the three contracts expired June 30, and a strike-authorization vote passed with 92% support among members who cast ballots.
- Fiscal disagreements were central: the district cited a $75 million shortfall tied to expiring federal funds and declining enrollment and projects at least a $25 million shortfall in 2026–27; MPS said the sides were about $20 million apart on class-size proposals and noted facility space limits.
- The union argued the district could reprioritize funds — pointing to more than 30% increases in administrator pay and significant outside contracting — and urged tapping reserves and funds earmarked for outside contracts.
- A new parent group, Minneapolis Families for Public Schools (MFPS), publicly backed the union, saying it has more than 450 members with organizing teams at 22 schools and rallying at district headquarters during the dispute.
📰 Sources (7)
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.