SAINT PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul Public Schools said the district agrees its teachers deserve more for everything they do but more money to educators compromises programs for students.
Right now, the district is in negotiations with the teachers union. The clock is ticking as educators announced they will walk off the job March 11 if a deal is not reached.
District leaders say the biggest sticking point right now is money, and they've spent a lot in recent years on school safety.
"The history of these bargaining sessions there have also been a number of different language items, too," said Dr. Joe Gothard, SPPS superintendent. "And I think both sides have to carefully go through them. Are there costs involved? Ways that we can do this in creative ways that don't take away from our investment that we have in negotiations?"
The St. Paul Federation of Educators is asking for better pay, more affordable health care and more mental health support for students.
There's another mediation session on Friday.
Meantime, St. Paul parents are paying close attention to strike talks, as they'll be left scrambling for childcare if teachers walk.
Chelsea Zomer considers herself lucky. Her 3-year-old son is only in one Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) class that could be canceled if there is a strike.
"I've actually volunteered with a couple different friends of ours. Comes down to it, I can take care of them," said Zomer.
Saint Paul families are starting to make plans.
"I see the dedication of the staff to my kids," said Ying Jin, who has two kids in the district. "I support their fight."
His wife is a teacher in another district, so he's happy to figure something out if there is a strike. His neighbor, Rebecca Pelton also wants to support those teachers.
"I feel like they do a great job, just showing up for the kids," she said.
Pelton said she isn't exactly sure what she'll do though, if it comes to a strike. We checked in with community centers and libraries, who said they will post publicly on their websites and social media channels if there are changes to programming.
The parents who went on camera today were supportive of a strike. But one mom who did not want to be on camera said they are tired of strikes within the district and decided they will be moving their child to a different one.
"Saint Paul Parks and Recreation and Saint Paul Public Library are in close conversation with other City departments to ensure students and families are supported in the event of a teacher strike impacting Saint Paul Public Schools," said a Parks and Recreation spokesperson in a statement.
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