Minneapolis Public Schools and Minneapolis Federation of Teachers agree on contract, classes to resume Tuesday
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After more than two weeks of being out of class, Minneapolis Public Schools’ students will return to the classroom this week.
A tentative contract agreement was reached Friday between the district and the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) and representation for the district’s education support professionals (ESP).
A few specifics of the agreement include sticking points for the striking educators — that included pay increases for both ESP and licensed staff, more mental health support, and a cap on class sizes. There are also protections of teachers of color.
Sunday, more than 2,000 union members voted on the tentative agreement — nearly 76% of teachers voted yes, and nearly 80% of ESP voted in favor, passing it.
Minneapolis teachers picket on Monday, March 14. Credit: KSTP/Andrea Lyon
Greta Callahan, president of the MFT, sent the following statement after the votes were counted.
“Our collective action for the past three weeks, and the support of our communities, have created the first lasting, enforceable guarantees about the size of classes our students will learn in as well as specific contract language around supporting and retaining educators of color,” Callahan said.
“We have increased our mental health support teams. We will return to our schools on Monday more united with our students, our communities, and each other. That said, it is unacceptable that our district leaders kept students out of school for 14 days in order to add some of these critical supports for our students.”
Also following the results, MPS sent a statement.
“Nothing is more important to the MPS community right now than returning our students to their classrooms,” said MPS Superintendent Ed Graff. “We are pleased to confirm Tuesday, March 29 for their return.”
MSP also said that the time outside the classroom needs to be made up. Starting after spring break (April 11), class days will be 42 minutes longer. The last day of school was also moved to June 24 for students.
Monday will be used for staff to prepare for students who will return Tuesday.
More information from the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers can be found here.