The Anoka-Hennepin Public School District Board convened on October 28, 2024, to discuss significant labor agreements impacting paraeducators and education office professionals. The meeting highlighted the successful ratification of two new two-year contracts, aimed at enhancing compensation and benefits for these essential staff members.

Dr. Jennifer Cherry, the Executive Director of Human Resources, presented the first agreement for paraeducators, which covers the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. This contract includes a minimum salary increase of 5% for all paraeducators, with starting wages set at $18 per hour for bus paraeducators, $18.75 for elementary and secondary paraeducators, and $19.60 for special education paraeducators. Additionally, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will see starting wages of $25.20 per hour. The agreement also features step movement for both years and a 5% increase in district contributions toward employee benefits.

The board unanimously approved the paraeducators' master agreement, which represents a total compensation increase of approximately $4.5 million over the two years.

Following this, Dr. Cherry introduced the second agreement for education office professionals, also effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. This contract includes salary increases ranging from 5% to 20%, with entry-level secretaries seeing their starting pay rise from $17.10 to $19.95 per hour. The agreement streamlines the salary schedule from ten steps to six and adjusts the longevity stipend eligibility from 15 years to 11 years. It also includes a one-time payment of $500 for employees not scheduled for step movement.

The board also approved this agreement, which totals approximately $26.5 million, reflecting a 13.6% increase in compensation over the two-year period.

These agreements are seen as vital steps in retaining and attracting qualified staff within the district, ensuring competitive wages and benefits for paraeducators and education office professionals. The board's decisions underscore a commitment to supporting the workforce that plays a crucial role in the educational environment.