Minnesota Public Radio reports more than 80 percent of those voting approved the deal Saturday. Teachers will be paid an extra $3,000 a year for extra classroom time. The Minneapolis School Board will decide whether to ratify the two-year contract on Tuesday.

Teachers in the Anoka-Hennepin School District aren't happy about the old policy or a new one that could replace it. Union reps voted Monday against any policy that would dictate or limit classroom conversations on gay and lesbian issues. Some people who support the policy fear teachers otherwise would push a "gay lifestyle" on students. Critics say the policy leaves students at the mercy of harassment and bullies.

About 30 districts in Minneapolis sent their students back to school Monday. More than 30,000 students in Minneapolis were among them. New this year in the city: a public transportation program for high school students and a new schools headquarters.

The district's task force also has no students or school counselors. Instead, the Pioneer Press reports, the group has a prevention specialist, three public relations experts and a lawyer. The district has come under fire after a rash of student suicides that some blame on bullying. Critics say the district's policies do nothing to protect students from harassment.

More Minnesota school teachers are turning to the leave of absence. A survey by the state's school boards shows a 27 percent increase in two years. The school boards think bigger class sizes and additional scrutiny are behind an increase in teacher mental health leaves.