The Anoka‑Hennepin Public School District school board on Dec. 22 approved an operations resolution that delegates broad, temporary authority to the superintendent to manage district operations if Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota members strike.

The resolution, presented by general counsel Tim Palmitz and Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Jennifer Cherry, authorizes actions including temporary school closures, suspension of programs that require licensed teachers, assignment of personnel to essential duties, furloughing non‑striking employees, and modifications to the school calendar to make up lost instructional days. Palmitz said: “The purpose of this resolution is to effectively delegate to the superintendent the authority to to take appropriate action,” in the event of a strike.

The board and administration said the measure responds to a notice of intent to strike; Palmitz told the board a strike authorization vote by AHAM and a notice were received and that a strike or work stoppage by a significant number of the district’s roughly 3,000 licensed staff “will effectively prevent most school district operations and services.” Dr. Cherry confirmed the district and union remain in mediation and noted Minnesota’s statutory processes that affect timelines for work stoppages.

Board discussion framed the resolution against the district’s recent fiscal decisions. Chair Arco summarized budget reductions totaling roughly $22.2 million across multiple phases and said the district’s fund balance sits just above the board‑adopted target of 10 percent to protect against one‑time disruptions. Arco also noted that some state‑mandated costs persist; for example, the district’s summer unemployment benefits for hourly employees cost more than $2.1 million in fiscal 2025.

Director Simon said he supported the resolution but asked the board to direct administration to explore a memorandum of understanding with union partners to allow some teachers limited participation in athletics or extracurriculars during a work stoppage—“not saying it would be successful, but...worth the opportunity to try,” he said. Palmitz responded that selecting extra work assignments for members who have chosen to strike would be unusual and could be inconsistent with the legal and bargaining framework.

After limited discussion, the clerk called the roll. Directors Simon, Hochman, Audette, Langenfeld, DeShane and Chair Arco were recorded as voting "aye." With 6 in favor and 0 opposed, the operations resolution was approved.

The board and administration said the district will provide additional information to employees and the public about the resolution and next steps. The resolution can be revisited by the board in future meetings if conditions change.