Minneapolis Teachers Ratify Contract With Minneapolis Public Schools

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers voted to ratify the contract agreement reached earlier this month with Minneapolis Public Schools.

Votes were tallied Saturday morning after voting closed Friday night at 11:59 p.m.

"This is a contract that is good for Minneapolis students and the professionals who serve them. It opens the door for teachers and other school professionals to have more time to do their most important work: preparing the next's days work with students and giving them the attention they need and deserve," MFT President Lynn Nordgren said in an earlier press release.

Nordgren said the agreement takes a step toward setting class sizes and sets the stage for reduction in standardize testing.

Additionally teachers will have an opportunity for new flexibility in curriculum, instruction and schedules through the Community Partnership Schools initiative.

Under the agreement, teachers and other professionals will also receive small increases in compensation in each year of the contract.

The two-year agreement was reached at the beginning of March after nine months of talks. The new agreement covers the current and the 2014-2015 school years.

It will take effect following approval by the Board of Education, which is expected at the board's next regular meeting.