Thousands of Anoka-Hennepin School District educators to stage walkout Wednesday
ANOKA, Minn. — Thousands of educators in the Twin Cities are planning a walkout Wednesday.
More than 3,000 members of Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota will be walking out at the end of their shifts at schools such as Anoka High School and Wilson Elementary School.
The move comes after educators in the Anoka-Hennepin School District have been working without a contract since June 30.
Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota President Val Holthus says they have not yet reached an agreement with the district on salary, benefits, teacher shortages, or class sizes.
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"So far, the district's offer of salary increases ignores historic investments in public education by the Legislature and will do nothing to remedy the educator shortage that's burning out teachers, and denying students the time and attention they deserve in smaller classes," Holthus said.
In a statement sent to WCCO, the Anoka-Hennepin School District said the school board has been "actively engaged" in the negotiations with the union and is "committed to working in collaboration with teachers" during the process.
Read the full statement below:
The Anoka-Hennepin School District appreciates the important role that teachers serve in supporting students both during the school day and as part of extracurricular activities and events. The District is aware that teachers at some school sites are participating in a "work to rule" approach during the pending contract negotiations. Please know that any such decisions are not at the direction or encouragement of the District.
The School Board is actively engaged in negotiations with Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota regarding updated terms and conditions for their contract and is committed to working in collaboration with teachers through the negotiation process. It is the goal to improve terms and conditions for employees while working within tight budget parameters that maintain financial and operational stability for the district.
Regarding some specifics to consider:
- The Anoka-Hennepin School District will provide updates and information consistent with the negotiations code of ethics that is approved in School Board policy.
- The School Board reviewed a comprehensive labor relations and benefits update at their Nov. 14 meeting which provides additional details. Review the presentation regarding the 19 employee groups and the AHEM specific information.
- The current offer from the district is the largest in the history of the Anoka-Hennepin School District with a 3% salary schedule improvement in 2023-24 and a 2% salary schedule improvement in the 2024-25 school year.
- Under these terms and conditions, the average salary for teachers would increase to $84,364 starting July 1, 2024.
- The average salary for teachers in the district is currently $77,702.
The negotiations process has included seven meetings to date with three more scheduled on the calendar. The next meeting is set for Nov. 21. Once an agreement is reached between the negotiations teams, it will be forwarded to union members and the School Board for approval.