Moorhead Teachers, School District Reach Agreement on Contract

(Moorhead, MN) -- Moorhead Area Public Schools and Education Moorhead teachers union have reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract.

The negotiated agreement, which was finalized Wednesday, includes a 2% increase to the salary schedule each year of the contract. Additional benefits include an increase to the district health insurance contribution, expansion of parental leave, and a retention bonus for eligible teachers. 

“Moorhead Area Public Schools appreciates our teachers, and our intent is to provide a fair package that will allow our teachers to feel valued, empowered and prepared to help our students thrive in a changing world,” said Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak.

The collective bargaining process began on May 19th, and the district and Education Moorhead met for six sessions before reaching the tentative agreement. To become official, the contract must be approved by the Education Moorhead membership and the school board. 

“To honor the union’s work, our goal is to accommodate union requests while still maintaining the commitment to be fiscally responsible and to maximize the dollars the public is investing in public education,” said School Board Chair Cassidy Bjorklund.

Education Moorhead President Jean Sando added, “The Education Moorhead negotiations team is pleased. The atmosphere was collegial. People often ask how they can show support to teachers in these difficult times, and this contract shows support for our Moorhead teachers.”