Community Q and A
Helping our community understand why teachers belong to a union- and why it benefits not only teachers and their profession, but students as well. When teachers have strong working conditions, students have strong learning conditions.
What is Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM)?
Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota (AHEM) represents more than 3,000 teachers, counselors, nurses, and other licensed staff working directly with students in Anoka-Hennepin Schools. We are advocates for our students, our classrooms, and our community’s schools.
What is happening right now?
Our contract expired on June 30th. The teachers of Anoka Hennepin are currently negotiating a new contract with the Anoka-Hennepin district. This means that teachers have been working under the terms of last year’s contract since returning for the 2025-26 school year. We are currently fighting for a fair contract that recognizes the work educators do every day to ensure students receive the education they deserve.
Teachers have been attending school board meetings recently. What are they advocating for?
Last spring the school board approved insurance rate increases averaging 22%. As a result, the educators working with our students have taken a pay cut ranging between $95 and $400 from every paycheck. Due to our contract not being settled, educators have also not received any increase in pay.
How does this support my student?
Every day, over 3,000 educators in Anoka-Hennepin work to meet the needs of the students in their classrooms and other settings. Your student deserves to have the best educators guiding their learning every day. As other districts increase their pay and benefits, Anoka Hennepin falls behind as educators seek. Our students don’t deserve to fall behind.
What about other district staff?
The cost of health insurance is affecting all district staff. While AHEM only represents teachers and other non-administrative licensed staff, we aim to raise awareness about how these financial pressures are affecting all district staff. The school board has approved budget measures providing administrators with affordable healthcare options AND pay raises. We continue to believe the best way to invest in our students’ future is to align our community’s values with our classrooms.
How can I help?
The school board meets on Monday, October 27. As a resident, you may attend the meeting and speak in favor of supporting the people who work with your student. Remember to vote on Election Day (November 4th, or through early voting) if your district has an expiring term. You can find voting information at MNVotes.gov.