OFFICIAL RESULTS

1,842 ballots were officially cast (approx. 68% of teacher membership), the overall results were as follows:
1266 YES votes or 68.72% of those voting
576 NO votes or 31.27% of those voting
1 Spoiled ballot or <.1% of those voting

PAST RESULTS

For comparison, the results of the last for contract votes are included below. In parentheses are the increases to the salary schedule for the first and second year of those contracts.
2005 – 2007 passed by 84.2% of those voting (2% and 2%).
2003 – 2005 passed by 76.44% of those voting (1% and 0%).
2001 – 2003 passed by 86% of those voting (2% and 2%).
1999 – 2001 passed by 85.5% of those voting (3% and 3.4%)

RETROACTIVE PAY

This new contract has a 2% increase for this first year (07 – 08) for both salary schedules, and a 1% increase on the salary schedules for the second year (08 – 09). In the second year, teachers will also receive a one-time payment of $750.

This contract retroactively goes into effect beginning on July 1, 2007. Retroactive pay for the 2% increase on the salary schedule as well as the Career Commitment payments under ATPPS will be paid in a lump-sum added to a regular paycheck sometime before March 14th.

PLEASE THANK YOUR COLLEAGUES ON THE NEGOTIATING TEAM

As I said last Wednesday to those at the large meeting, I have never seen a teachers’ contract that gave teachers the compensation and respect we deserve. And while this is no exception to that statement, your colleagues on the negotiating team did an outstanding job in the face of incredible challenges.

I want to recognize and publicly thank our colleagues who served with me on the negotiating team. The experience, passion, dedication, and hard work epitomize all that is great about Minneapolis teachers. Please take some time to thank them as well.

Susan Backus – Seward Montessori
Michael Bedard – Whittier Elementary
Teferi Fufa – Marcy Open
Brionna Harder – Patrick Henry High
John Heegard – North High
Bonita Jones – MFT 59 Business Agent
Carla Korb Northeast Middle
Janet Kujat – Dowling Elementary
Mike Leiter – MFT 59 Business Agent
Anne Lewerenz – Dowling Elementary
Lynn Nordgren – ATPPS (TOSA)
Frank Suppa – Dowling Elementary
Lyle Young – Transitions Plus

SUPPORTING COMMITTEES

I would also like to thank all of the people who worked on the Organizing for Settlement Committee, the Elections Committee, and the others who volunteer for various jobs in support of the overall negotiating process.

THANKS TO YOU!

Finally, I would like to thank all of you who participated in this most important process. The turnout for the vote was the highest in years. Regardless of how you voted and how you feel about the outcome, we should all be excited about the level of involvement.

In Solidarity,
Rob Panning-Miller