Board ratifies child‑nutrition and principals' agreements; teachers remain in mediation
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Summary
The board ratified two negotiated master agreements — a 2025–27 Child Nutrition Assistance contract and a 2025–27 principals/assistant principals contract — while HR reported teachers are in mediation and the district faces a ~22% increase in insurance premiums that officials attribute to high claims in the self‑insured pool.
The Anoka‑Hennepin board on Dec. 8 authorized two collective‑bargaining agreements and received an update on outstanding negotiations.
Dr. Cherry, chief human resources officer, reported that the Child Nutrition Assistance unit (represented by Minnesota School Employee Association) ratified a two‑year agreement covering 07/01/2025–06/30/2027 that includes step increases, modest hourly pay improvements and increased district contributions to medical insurance in two phases. The package represents approximately a 5.81% compensation increase and an estimated $328,000 in new money for the first year; the two‑year cost was described as approximately $11.5 million.
The board also authorized a two‑year principals and assistant principals agreement with schedule adjustments and benefit increases; Dr. Cherry said the principals package equals roughly a 6.26% increase and a two‑year cost of about $1.5 million.
Dr. Cherry updated the board on teacher negotiations, saying teachers are in mediation and that the district is reviewing claims experience after employees saw an approximately 22% increase in premiums this plan year. She described the insurance advisory committee's work to examine plan design, deductibles, wellness programs and a forthcoming RFP for third‑party administrator services.
The child‑nutrition and principals' agreements were presented in appendices V and W of the board packet and approved by roll call votes (each 6–0). The administration said the agreements are within board‑authorized parameters.
Ending: Dr. Cherry said she expects a tentative agreement for one employee group (school office supervisors) to come forward soon and that mediation with teachers will continue; the board will receive updates in subsequent meetings.