School briefs

Tentative deal reached on teachers' contract Anoka-Hennepin school district officials and teachers have reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract. District officials and the district teachers union, Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota, have been negotiating since last spring, and called in a mediator a couple of months ago to help them hammer out an agreement.

The agreement calls for teacher salary increases of 2.6 percent the first year and 2.06 the second year. The real cost to the district will be greater, however, because teachers receive automatic increases for experience and additional higher education credits. Union members will vote on the proposed contract Jan. 8 and 9. If they ratify the proposed agreement, the board of education will vote on it Jan. 14.

5K to benefit charity is set for Jan. 5 It's almost time again for the Frosty Frolic 5K Run/Walk at Centennial High School.

About 200 runners braved the cold last year for the charity event, which includes a Kids' Half-Mile Fun Run. This year's Frolic is set for Saturday, Jan. 5.

The fundraiser is the biggest charity event sponsored by Centennial High's Student Council. Proceeds will help restock food shelves at local churches or go to a charity chosen by the council, Patty Mechtel, Student Council adviser, said Wednesday.

For registration information, go to www.startribune.com/a3767. Registration for the 5K is $15 before Dec. 20, and $20 afterward or on race day. The cost for the Kids' Fun Run is $10 before Dec. 20, $12 after. A Family Four Pack for $50 includes registration for four runners but excludes the Kids' Fun Run.

On race day, registration starts at 8 a.m. at the main entrance of Centennial High's White Building, at 4757 North Road in Circle Pines. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. and the Kids' Fun Run starts at 10 a.m.

Community ed chief wins top marks Bob Wittman, executive director of community education and community relations for Robbinsdale schools, has been named Community Educator of 2007 by the National Community Education Association. Wittman has served as Robbinsdale's community education and community relations director since 1998. The award is presented to the educator who best exemplifies outstanding leadership in the development of community education.

NORMAN DRAPER