Anoka-Hennepin Teachers Poised to Strike Amidst Ongoing Tuesday Negotiations

Recent developments in the Anoka-Hennepin School District have relieved concerns over a potential teachers’ strike. Educational leaders reached a tentative agreement after marathon negotiations, averting what could have been a disruptive strike.

Anoka-Hennepin Teachers Secure Tentative Agreement

The contract agreement, which covers the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, emerged from a 20-hour mediation session. As a result, classes will continue as scheduled on Thursday, January 8.

Details of the Agreement

• The proposal still requires approval from the union membership.
• The Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) confirmed the tentative agreement, promising further details soon.
• The specific terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

Teachers Prepared to Strike Amid Negotiations

Prior to this agreement, teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota union were poised to strike should negotiations fail. On Tuesday morning, they prepared for picketing, advocating for improved wages and benefits.

“We never wanted to get to this position,” said Katie Kritzeck Anderson, an English teacher at Coon Rapids High School. “We’re ready to fight for what we deserve.”

Union Demands and District Response

As of September, AHEM proposed an 11% package increase, which includes both pay raises and enhanced benefits. In contrast, the district offered a 6.58% increase. Ongoing negotiations have led to fluctuations in these figures, but exact numbers remain confidential due to state law.

“Many educators face hardships that impact their ability to teach,” stated Alex Keeney, a teacher at Sunrise Elementary School. He highlighted the burden of rising health insurance costs, which are straining many teachers’ finances.

Impact of Potential Strike

School district officials warned families of likely closures beginning Thursday due to legal and safety considerations. A strike would also halt all extracurricular activities and athletic programs.

“We want to remain in the classroom with our students,” Keeney remarked, acknowledging the difficulties this situation presents for families and faculty alike. Both educators and parents hope for a swift resolution to ensure teaching resumes without interruption.