MFE-MPS 2025-27 Contracts: Tentative Agreement Summary

The Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFE) reached a tentative agreement with Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Nov. 8.

The deal covers three different contracts – teachers, educational support professionals (ESP) and adult educators – and invests in smaller, enforceable class sizes, strong special education supports and caseload limits, and better pay for educators. 

MFE has shared that because we have reached a tentative agreement, they will not strike.

The next step is for the full MFE membership to decide whether they want to accept the tentative agreements. A ratification vote is scheduled for Thursday and Friday. If approved, the contracts will go to the school board for its decision.

Summary of the Contracts

Class Sizes

Smaller, enforceable class sizes at all schools to give students more individualized attention; lower caps at schools with 70% or more students qualifying for educational benefits (formerly known as free and reduced meals). No middle or high school will have more than 38 students in a classroom again. 

Special Education

Manageable caseloads and more student support to give students who receive special education services more staffing and safer learning spaces. 

Pay Parity for Adult Education Teachers

Those who help adult students earn diplomas, learn English, and more will earn the same salary as the rest of their teacher colleagues in MPS. Some will see a pay increase of more than 30%.

Living Wages for ESPs

The educators who make schools work will receive a $750 to $1,750 lump-sum payment based on years of experience in 2025-26; 3% for all ESPs in 2026-27, and a $1,000 lump sum for those with more than 8 years of experience.

Consistent Paychecks for ESPs

ESPs will have 14 days of full pay for days when school isn’t in session during MEA, winter, and spring breaks. 

Dedicated Planning Time

15 minutes during the school day for certain ESPs to do non-student facing tasks like lesson planning. 

Competitive Salaries for Teachers

Increase pay for MPS teachers by 2% in 2025-25; 2% increase in 2026-27. Steps (increases for years of experience) will be condensed, allowing teachers to reach the top of their salary schedule at a faster rate and receive an automatic salary increase each year until the last step.