"As school districts across Minnesota scrambled this month to approve new two-year teacher contracts, teachers ended up with their smallest pay raises in years.
But maybe not small enough.
Cost-of-living raises averaged less than 1 percent, but many districts will shell out millions to cover seniority raises promised in years past and rising health insurance costs.
And that has irked some lawmakers who have tried to hold education harmless despite mounting state budget deficits. When the legislative session begins in February, they have to figure out how to erase a projected $1.2 billion shortfall over the next 18 months."
But maybe not small enough.
Cost-of-living raises averaged less than 1 percent, but many districts will shell out millions to cover seniority raises promised in years past and rising health insurance costs.
And that has irked some lawmakers who have tried to hold education harmless despite mounting state budget deficits. When the legislative session begins in February, they have to figure out how to erase a projected $1.2 billion shortfall over the next 18 months."