Minneapolis Public Schools and the Minneapolis Federation of Educators have reached a tentative contract agreement, preventing a district-wide strike that was scheduled to begin Tuesday. The deal was announced Sunday following months of difficult negotiations over pay, class sizes, and staff support.
Union leaders expressed confidence on Monday that their members will ratify the new contract later this week. The agreement addresses key demands from educators while navigating the district's significant budgetary constraints.
Key Takeaways
- A strike by Minneapolis teachers and support staff, planned for Tuesday, has been averted.
- The tentative agreement includes pay raises for teachers, educational support professionals, and adult educators.
- The contract also features smaller class size caps and more manageable caseloads for special education staff.
- Union members will vote on the agreement this Thursday and Friday, followed by a final vote from the school board.
Last-Minute Agreement Prevents School Shutdown
Parents and students across Minneapolis can breathe a sigh of relief as schools will remain open this week. A last-minute breakthrough in negotiations between Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and the Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFE) produced a tentative agreement, pulling the district back from the brink of a major disruption.
The union, which represents teachers, educational support professionals (ESPs), and adult educators, had filed an intent to strike in October. Negotiations had stalled for months, creating uncertainty for thousands of families.
At a joint press conference on Monday, leaders from both sides presented a united front, signaling a new chapter of collaboration after a contentious bargaining period. The focus now shifts to the union membership, who will have the final say on the proposed contract.
Details of the Proposed Contract
While the full contract language will be released after union members review it, officials shared several key provisions of the new two-year deal. The agreement provides financial and structural improvements for all three union chapters.
Compensation and Benefits
The contract includes specific wage increases for different employee groups:
- Teachers will receive a 2% pay raise for the current academic year and another 2% increase next year. The district also agreed to restructure the salary schedule, allowing teachers to reach the top pay grade in fewer years.
- Educational Support Professionals (ESPs) will get a lump sum payment this year and a 3% salary increase in the 2026-2027 school year.
- Adult Educators will see a significant pay adjustment, with their salaries now aligning with those of K-12 teachers. For some, this represents a pay increase of up to 30%.
Major Pay Equity Adjustment
The new agreement brings adult educator salaries in line with the district's teacher pay scale. Officials stated this will result in a pay increase of as much as 30% for some of these crucial staff members.
Classroom and Caseload Improvements
Beyond wages, the union secured commitments on critical working conditions. The new contract reportedly includes provisions for smaller class size caps, a long-standing goal for the teachers' chapter.
Additionally, the agreement addresses caseloads for special education staff, aiming to make them more manageable. This change is intended to improve the quality of support for students with the highest needs and reduce burnout among specialized staff.
A Breakthrough at the Bargaining Table
The resolution came after negotiators shifted to face-to-face discussions last week. Marcia Howard, president of the MFE teachers chapter, explained that this direct interaction was crucial for making progress.
“We realized that we had a lot more in common in our vision, in our values, in our way of thinking about the funds, about our students, about the staff, about our vision for the future of Minneapolis Public Schools,” Howard said. “The numbers started making sense to both sides.”
This sentiment was echoed by district leadership, who emphasized the collaborative effort required to reach a deal.
Navigating a Difficult Financial Landscape
The negotiations took place against a backdrop of severe financial pressure for Minneapolis Public Schools. The district has been grappling with budget gaps ranging from $75 million to $100 million in recent years, making any new spending a significant challenge.
The District's Budgetary Hurdles
Minneapolis Public Schools has faced several consecutive years of multi-million dollar budget shortfalls. While a voter-approved $20 million technology levy provided some relief last year, district officials have repeatedly stated that it only addressed a fraction of the overall financial challenges, making these contract negotiations particularly complex.
Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams acknowledged the fiscal reality, stating that the final agreement represents a creative and responsible compromise.
“We were creative within the resources that we have,” Sayles-Adams remarked. “We have to be responsible stewards, and that's what this contract represents.”
This balance was central to the discussions, as the district worked to meet staff needs without compromising its long-term financial stability.
What Happens Next
The tentative agreement is not yet final. The next step is a ratification vote by the MFE membership, scheduled for Thursday and Friday. If the union members approve the contract, it will then go before the Minneapolis school board for a final vote.
Catina Taylor, president of the union’s ESP chapter, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, framing it as a positive step forward while acknowledging that more work remains.
“We may not have won all of the big things — we still have work to do — but I will say that we are steps closer to winning all of the things for our students and staff and making this a destination district,” Taylor said.
Both the union and the district are optimistic that the agreement will be formally approved, solidifying labor peace for the next two years and allowing the focus to return to the classroom.
