01/03/2026
Over winter break, the Anoka-Hennepin Schools negotiation team met with Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) twice - on Dec. 29 and again on Jan. 2 - in an effort to continue to find a solution for an updated agreement that both values the impact of teachers and recognizes the tight budget parameters that are a reality in our school district. The School Board recently completed a three-phase $22.2 million budget reduction and reallocation process.
Upon conclusion of an eight-hour mediation session today, both parties were unable to come to an agreement.
AHEM, the union representing the district's teachers, delivered an official notice of intent to strike to the school district on Dec. 22, announcing a proposed strike date of Thursday, Jan. 8.
The district remains committed to finding a solution while maintaining financial and operational stability for Anoka-Hennepin Schools despite tight budget parameters. A final mediation session has been scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan. 6 - and it is possible a strike may be avoided, or delayed to a different date - however, the district believes it is important to communicate with families to prepare for a possible strike next week.
Families, staff and community members are encouraged to visit ahschools.us/negotiations to browse frequently asked questions to understand how a strike will impact students, and review detailed information about the district’s budget situation.
Parents and guardians of students should remain alert to their email and text messages for additional information about school closures due to a potential strike.
