Editor’s Update: Last night it was announced that a tentative contract agreement was reached between the Saint Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE) union and Saint Paul Public Schools. School will resume on Monday, March 16. For more info, visit spps.org/negotiations.
Wednesday marks the second day of the St. Paul teachers’ strike. Strikers walked the picket line and in some cases, were joined by students, parents and community members. Yesterday, teachers marched at the St. Paul Public Schools District headquarters.
The St. Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE) said, “[They] presented a plan that would stretch out increased staffing over a three-year period to give the district flexibility in budgeting. We are ready to work with the district to reach a settlement, but right now the ball is in their court. As of Tuesday night, the district still had not responded.”
SPFE has said it wants the district’s $750 million annual budget to prioritize St. Paul students and families, while at the same time respect and honor the work of all of our educators.
The unions list of demands includes:
- More multilingual staff to help our students and families who need interpreters.
- Additional educators working with students with special needs and appropriate assignments for educators so they can give students more one-on-one attention.
- Expanding restorative practices to build community and a positive climate in schools.
Educators’ current proposal represents just 3.4 percent of the district’s total budget over the next two years to get students the supports they desperately need.
The MSR will continue to follow this story as it develops.
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.