Minneapolis Schools Face Penalties Over Missed Class Days

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis students returned to their classrooms Tuesday after members of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers voted to ratify a new contract agreement with the district over the weekend. Now, the district will focus on how to make up for the lost time.

Under state law, public school districts must offer 165 days of instruction. Schools must also fulfill grade-specific requirements for total hours of instruction. If Minneapolis Public Schools fails to make up for the 15 days of instructional time lost during the teacher's strike, the district faces penalties, including loss of funding.

Administrators, public school teachers, principals, and the superintendent would be subject to legal action, according to the district.

To make up for the lost time, Minneapolis teachers and district officials agreed to extend the school year until June 24. The last day of school was originally scheduled for June 10.

Additionally, starting April 11, 42 minutes will be added to each school day for the remainder of the school year. Students will also attend school on Friday, April 1, and a teacher record-keeping day was moved to Saturday, April 23.

A waiver of the minimum requirements would have to be an act of the state legislature. The Minnesota Department of Education does not have the authority to waive the legal requirements for Minneapolis Schools this year.

A waiver would have to be authorized by the Minnesota Legislature, which is unlikely.

Superintendent Calls New Contract 'Fair And Equitable'

Minneapolis Public Schools reached a tentative contract agreement with striking teachers and education support professionals Friday. Pending a membership vote by the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, students can plan to return to class Monday.

"This has been a life-changing experience for all of us," Minneapolis Superintendent Ed Graff said in a statement. "Through it all, we have seen the power and passion of our community, the commitment of our staff and the intense need to focus on our students. I believe MPS and MFT have arrived at a fair and equitable agreement that honors the requests and needs of our staff."

Meanwhile, the union praised the new contract for the "major gains" made on staff pay, race equality, limits on class sizes, and mental health support for students.

"This is a historic day. This is a historic fight," Federation of Teachers president Greta Callahan said at a news conference. While praising the new contract, Callahan also vowed to continue the fight for better conditions.