Anoka-Hennepin teachers set Jan. 8 strike date
Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota has filed a formal intent-to-strike notice with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, setting Jan. 8 as the earliest possible date for a teachers’ strike if no contract agreement is reached. The union, representing educators in the Twin Cities’ largest district, says rising health-insurance costs and pay are the main sticking points, while the school board says it remains committed to negotiating through mediation and will hold a special meeting to discuss the labor situation.
📌 Key Facts
- The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union filed an official intent-to-strike notice with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, triggering a 10-day cooling-off period.
- Jan. 8 is now the first possible day for a strike if the parties do not reach a new contract agreement.
- Teachers have been working without a contract since June 30, and the union cites insurance affordability and fair compensation as the key unresolved issues.
📊 Relevant Data
The average teacher salary in Anoka-Hennepin School District was $78,226 in 2024, which is above the Minnesota state average of $72,430 in 2025.
Anoka-Hennepin School District Salaries - Minnesota — GovSalaries
Health insurance premiums for teachers in Anoka-Hennepin School District increased by approximately 22% in 2025, leading to employees paying $500 to $700 more per month for family plans in similar Minnesota districts.
Inflation, Ozempic drive Minnesota school district health costs higher — MPR News
Anoka-Hennepin School District is addressing a $26 million budget gap for the 2025-26 school year through cuts totaling $22.2 million since February 2025, driven by the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds and declining student enrollment.
School Board approves $8.1 million budget reduction for 2026-27 — Anoka-Hennepin School District
Student enrollment in Anoka-Hennepin School District decreased by 358 students from 2023 to 2024, with elementary enrollment dropping by 232 students from 2024 to 2025.
Anoka-Hennepin sees decrease in student enrollment — Hometown Source
The proportion of students of color in Anoka-Hennepin School District increased from 25-26% in 2015-2016 to 50% in 2024, with current demographics at 57.1% White, 15.8% Black, 10.1% Asian, 7.7% Hispanic, and 8.8% two or more races.
Anoka-Hennepin Academic Achievement Report — Anoka-Hennepin School District
Achievement gaps persist between White and BIPOC students in Anoka-Hennepin School District, with goals set to close the gap in proficiency rates by 2026; statewide in Minnesota, wide proficiency gaps remain in math and reading between White students (about 60% proficient) and Black (30%), Hispanic (35%), and Asian (55%) students in 2024-2025.
Achievement and Integration Plan — Anoka-Hennepin School District
Minnesota faces teacher shortages in areas like special education and elementary education, with causes including low compensation, difficult working conditions, and high workload; the state has the 4th best teacher vacancy-to-student ratio nationally but still reports significant unfilled positions in 2025.
2025 Biennial Report Supply and Demand of Teachers in Minnesota — Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
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