Anoka-Hennepin teachers, district reach tentative deal, avert Jan. 8 strike
The Anoka-Hennepin School District and Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota reached a tentative contract agreement around 5 a.m. Wednesday after a 20-hour mediation session, preventing a teacher strike that had been set to begin Thursday, Jan. 8. The deal, which still must be ratified by union members and approved by the School Board, covers about 3,200 educators across 52 schools and ensures classes and activities will continue as scheduled while detailed terms have not yet been released.
đ Key Facts
- A tentative agreement was reached around 5 a.m. Wednesday after roughly 20 hours of mediation.
- The agreement averts a strike that was scheduled to start Thursday, Jan. 8, keeping school open and activities on schedule.
- The contract covers about 3,200 educators (teachers, counselors, social workers, nurses) in 52 Anoka-Hennepin schools and centers, and still requires membership ratification and School Board approval.
đ Relevant Data
In Minnesota, only 7.1 percent of teachers identify as teachers of color or American Indian, while 39.2 percent of students identify as students of color or American Indian.
Educator Workforce and Development Center â Minnesota Department of Education
Nearly nine out of 10 schools in Minnesota are significantly impacted by the educator shortage, affecting students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families the most.
2025 Legislative Agenda: Pay, Pensions, Health Care â Education Minnesota
Minnesota teachers earn about 33% less than college graduates working in other professions, representing the fourth-highest pay gap in the nation.
Minnesota teachers face fourth highest pay gap in the nation, per new report â WDIO
In Anoka-Hennepin School District, the student body is 50% minority, with 57.1% White, 15.8% Black, 10.1% Asian, and 7.7% Hispanic students.
Anoka-Hennepin School District â U.S. News Education
From 2019 to 2025, teacher salaries in Anoka-Hennepin schools increased on average 21 percent, while home prices jumped by 53 percent.
Report finds housing costs outpacing growth of teacher salaries â MPR News
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