Anoka-Hennepin School Board Expands Curriculum, Ratifies Major Labor Agreements at November 10 Meeting

ANOKA, Minn. — The Anoka-Hennepin School Board advanced key academic and operational priorities during its November 10, 2025 meeting, approving new courses for the 2026–2027 school year, ratifying two major labor agreements, and engaging in an early-stage discussion about integrating artificial intelligence into the district’s curriculum.

New Courses: CNC Machining and Ojibwe Language Added

The board approved two additions to next year’s registration guide, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen both career and cultural learning opportunities for students:

• CNC Machining Course: Designed to expand career and technical education (CTE) options, the new course will align Andover High School’s machining offerings with those already available at other district schools. Board members highlighted the growing demand for skilled technical workers and emphasized the importance of consistent, districtwide access to CTE pathways.
• Ojibwe Language Course: Added to meet state statutory requirements, the course will be offered through the Secondary Technical Education Program (STEP) to ensure broad accessibility for students across the district’s high schools. Members voiced strong support for its inclusion, noting the value of preserving Indigenous language instruction and expanding culturally responsive curriculum options.

Board Ratifies Two Key Labor Agreements

In a unanimous vote, the board approved two substantial labor agreements that grant wage increases and improved benefits for hundreds of district employees.

• Building Service Master Agreement (Custodial, Warehouse, and Grounds Employees): Covering the 2025–2027 contract period, the agreement includes a 45-cent increase at the top step of the salary schedule in the first year, additional raises for second- and third-shift workers, and a $1-per-hour increase for maintenance employees. The package represents over $867,000 in new money, with a total compensation value of approximately $29.469 million over two years.
• School Technical Specialists (Minnesota School Employees Association): This contract includes a 25-cent-per-hour salary schedule increase each year, along with enhanced district contributions to employee benefits. The agreement reflects a 5.5% compensation increase, including $46,000 in new money.

Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Cherry presented both agreements, noting that they reflect the district’s commitment to fair wages, stable labor relations, and responsible financial management.

AI Course Proposal Sparks Discussion

A proposal to introduce a new artificial intelligence (AI) course drew considerable interest from board members, who acknowledged the growing importance of AI literacy in the modern workforce. Members cited the potential for such a course to improve students’ employability and critical thinking skills.

However, the board opted to delay action, citing the need for additional details about course content, goals, and instructional design. Several members urged collaboration with industry professionals to ensure the course would be relevant, rigorous, and aligned with emerging career paths.

Additional Board Actions

• Curriculum Review: The board approved the removal of four under-enrolled or outdated courses from the catalog as part of the district’s annual review process. Members said the systematic review ensures that available courses remain aligned with student interest and district priorities.
• Superintendent’s Updates: Superintendent McIntyre shared updates on district events, including the upcoming “Financing Your Future” college-preparation event and the strong participation in the annual kindness poster contest. He also reviewed the district’s weather-related school closure criteria, underscoring the importance of student safety and timely communication.
• Election Results: The board unanimously certified the November 4 school board election results, noting a strong voter turnout of 25.5%.

MinneapoliMedia