Minneapolis Educators, District Still Split As Strike Stretches On, But District Touts 'Good Progress'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- As the second week of the Minneapolis educators' strike continues, leaders with the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Education Support Professionals allege Minneapolis Public Schools has stonewalled negotiations. At the same time, the district reports that there have been strides made in the negotiating process.

Hundreds marched through downtown Minneapolis Wednesday afternoon, demanding higher wages, more mental-health support and limits on class sizes.

"Is the district on strike? Because they haven't been working for the last three days," said Greta Callahan, president of MFT's teachers' chapter, in a message to picketers Wednesday.

MPS officials reiterated its position Tuesday night that the district does not have the money to give striking educators what they want. Late Wednesday afternoon, school officials -- including Superintendent Ed Graff -- said that they're going back to the negotiating table, but suggested that the district is absolutely at the upper limit of what they can do from a financial perspective.

"We have reached our financial limits, but we're looking at creative ways to meet the needs of our workers," said school board chair Kim Ellison.

Ellison also said that some "good progress" had been made.

The strike has forced students to miss seven days of school. District officials say all schools will be below the instructional hours required by the state by early next week. Union leaders maintain they're hopeful a deal will be reached soon.

The district is also working on a plan to make up the missed time. If the strike continues through April 1, the district says the educators participating will lose their benefits.

MPS's food service workers filed an intent to strike notice Tuesday. March 28 is the earliest those workers could begin picketing.