The Anoka-Hennepin School District and its teachers union met Monday evening for another round of talks aimed at reaching agreement on a new two-year contract. Last Thursday, the two sides had a six-hour negotiating session but couldn't reach a deal. They disagree on pay and health care benefits.

The district negotiations team requested the Monday bargaining session at the offices of the state Bureau of Mediation Services.

Anoka-Hennepin is the last large Minnesota district still at the negotiating table. The contract would cover the period from July 2013 through June 2015.

The district has offered raises and $1,000 one-time bonuses. Senior teachers, who make up 60 percent of the faculty, would receive raises of 1.5 percent the first year and 2 percent the second year. Less experienced teachers would receive no raise the first year and 1.5 percent the second.

Representatives of Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota, the union representing 2,800 teachers, said they wanted the $1,000 to be in the form of two $500 raises vs. one-time bonuses.

The union set an April 17 strike authorization vote after talks deteriorated last month. If the vote passed, it would authorize their leaders to call a strike.

SHANNON PRATHER