St. Paul Public Schools and the union representing its teachers and support staff reached a tentative agreement overnight on a new two-year contract.
The deal announced Friday marks the first time in nearly 20 years an agreement was forged ahead of the school year and without the need for mediation.
Teachers, in fact, had threatened walkouts during each of the past four bargaining cycles.
The two sides now plan to work together to secure voter support in November for a proposed $37.2 million-a-year tax increase aimed at halting a run of multimillion-dollar budget deficits and cuts.
“This agreement shows what’s possible when we come to the table with respect, transparency and a shared commitment to our students,” Leah VanDassor, president of the St. Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE), said in a statement. “Starting the school year with a settled contract allows us to focus on what matters most — our classrooms, our kids, and our community.”
Stacie Stanley, who took the helm three months ago as superintendent of the state’s second-largest district, said: “All of us at St. Paul Public Schools are committed to the important work of collaboration and coming together as one SPPS community.”
Contract terms are not expected to be announced until approval by union and school board members. The agreement was reached following months of open discussions, and a pair of lengthy sessions this week that included school board participation.
Board members said in a statement the agreement “supports and affirms our educators while keeping our students at the center.”
