Tentative Deal Reached: Minneapolis Educators Avert Strike With New Contract Agreement

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A potential strike by thousands of Minneapolis educators has been averted after the Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFE) and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) reached a tentative contract agreement late Saturday, November 8, 2025. The breakthrough deal, achieved after months of tense negotiations, covers teachers, educational support professionals (ESPs), and adult educators — and comes just days before a scheduled walkout that could have closed classrooms across the city.

Key Highlights of the Tentative Agreement

While full contract details will be released following formal ratification votes, both the district and union confirmed that the new agreement addresses several of the educators’ top priorities, including:

• Smaller, enforceable class sizes designed to improve learning conditions and individual student support.
• Expanded special education resources and new caseload limits to better serve students with diverse learning needs.
• Pay increases across all bargaining units, including for ESPs, many of whom have long advocated for fair wages reflective of their vital role in supporting students.

MFE leaders emphasized that the agreement represents a meaningful victory for students, staff, and the broader community, building on lessons learned from the district’s 2022 strike — the first since 1970 — which lasted nearly three weeks.

Statements From District and Union Leadership

In a joint show of relief and optimism, both sides said the deal reflects a shared commitment to students and stability.

Marcia Howard, president of the MFE’s teacher chapter, said the contract is “proof that when educators, families, and our community work together, we have the power to build brighter futures for our students and a more vibrant Minneapolis.”

Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, called the agreement “a contract that puts our students first and advances our shared values and goals while balancing the fiscal realities our district is facing.”

What Happens Next

Under the process outlined by both parties, MFE members will first vote to ratify the tentative agreement. If approved, it will then move to the MPS School Board for final ratification.

The district confirmed on its official negotiations page that the deal “centers our students and honors the requests and needs of our staff, while balancing fiscal realities.” Both the union and district plan to hold a joint press conference on Monday, November 10, to provide additional details and next steps.

The agreement halts the immediate threat of a strike — sparing students, families, and educators from what could have been a major disruption to learning.

MinneapoliMedia