MNEA Set to Negotiate with MNPS on Reopening Plans

MNEA won a vote to represent all certificated staff in negotiations over the MOU at the end of 2019. Both parties chose to officially pause negotiations in response to school closures due to the tornado and then COVID-19. However, as the district makes plans to reopen in 2020, and as uncertainty to how that plan will work continues to cause the anxieties of educators and families to rise, it is imperative that MNEA step in and ensure that working conditions are safe and fair for all in a way that can be legally enforced with the MOU.

We have notified the district and have received confirmation that negotiations will begin immediately. Meanwhile, our diverse PECCA team which includes classroom teachers from elementary, middle, and high school, as well as members who are itinerant, mental health professionals, and EL, EE, and AART teachers, is preparing to ensure that the current MNPS plan will be strengthened by educator insight and perspective. We know in order for any district return plan to work, it MUST include the expertise of educators.

Currently our Advocacy Committee is reviewing the list of educator concerns compiled by our building reps which will be used to drive our negotiations. We are also setting up virtual meetings with our building reps to ensure they are well informed and can assist with monitoring conditions across the district once school is back in session. We will also promise to keep educators informed in the progress of our negotiations with the district.