Anoka-Hennepin teachers vote on strike
Teachers in Minnesota’s largest district are voting through Saturday on whether to authorize a strike after working without a contract since June 30. Union leaders cite no agreed pay increase and an average 22% jump in health insurance costs that could cut take‑home pay by $95–$400 per paycheck; if approved, more than 3,000 teachers and licensed staff could strike in early January, as talks stalled after a Dec. 3 mediation session.
📌 Key Facts
- Strike authorization vote underway; results expected Saturday
- Teachers have been without a contract since June 30
- Union says health insurance costs up ~22%, reducing take‑home pay by $95–$400 per paycheck
- Potential strike could begin in early January, impacting >3,000 educators
- Last mediated session was Dec. 3; no new talks scheduled
📊 Relevant Data
The average teacher salary in Minnesota is $72,430 as of 2025.
Educator Pay Data 2025 — National Education Association
Between 80% and 90% of Minnesota school districts are significantly impacted by teacher shortages as of 2023.
Minnesota Teacher Shortage Solutions — Proximity Learning
In Anoka-Hennepin School District, approximately 60% of students are White, 15% are Black, 9% are Asian, 8% are of two or more races, and 7% are Hispanic.
Equity Achievement Plan — Anoka-Hennepin School District
In Anoka-Hennepin School District, the graduation rate for Black students was 78.5% in 2024, compared to the overall district graduation rate of 85.6%.
Anoka-Hennepin high school graduation rates continue to outperform state averages — Anoka-Hennepin School District
Health insurance costs for educators in Minnesota have risen faster than negotiated salary and wage increases in recent years.
2025 legislative agenda continues focus on pay, pensions, health care to solve educator shortage — Education Minnesota
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