The Anoka‑Hennepin Public School District school board on Dec. 22 approved a resolution that establishes expectations for picketing activity on or near district property if teachers strike. The measure passed 5–1.

General counsel Tim Palmitz and Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Jennifer Cherry presented the draft resolution, saying it outlines permissible conduct and staging in and around schools and is consistent with the board’s responsibility under Minnesota law to manage school property. Palmitz said such resolutions are commonplace when districts prepare for possible work stoppages.

Director Simon said he supports the district taking measures to prevent staging or parking that would impede operations, but he opposed the resolution because it would not allow teachers to park their individual vehicles on district lots to access public property for picketing. “I will say there are reasonable, and logical reasons for this...because of that specific reason, I’m going to vote no on this,” Simon said.

The clerk called the roll: Simon voted "no;" Hochman, Audette, Langenfeld, DeShane and Chair Arco voted "aye." Chair Arco corrected an initial misstatement of the count and recorded the outcome as 5 in favor, 1 opposed; the resolution was approved.

The board did not alter the picketing resolution during the meeting; members said the resolution and related operational guidance will be communicated to the public and employees as needed. Director Simon said he will follow up informally with colleagues about whether an accommodation for teacher parking could be developed.