The negotiation teams for Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) and the Saint Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE) held their first meeting of the 2023-24 school year on Thursday, Sept. 21, to discuss the next contracts for Teachers, Educational Assistants (EAs) and School and Community Service Professionals (SCSP). After introductions, the first agenda item was discussing agreed-upon norms for negotiations. More discussion is needed to determine what norms the negotiation teams will adopt.

SPFE presented 10 proposals that covered priorities including restorative practices, Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), special education support, and proposals related to recent legislative changes. SPPS presented four proposals, including e-learning and equitable access to experienced teachers, and fair share language and step hours for Educational Assistants (EAs). All proposals will be posted on this website as they become available.

SPPS also shared the district’s guiding values for bargaining. These values were created in collaboration with the Board of Education and apply to all bargaining groups. Read more about these values and the district’s bargaining priorities at spps.org/negotations.

The next meeting is Thursday, Oct. 12, at 360 Colborne. This meeting will include an overview of the district’s financial outlook. Upcoming meetings are posted on the negotiations calendar. These meetings are open to the public and will rotate between 23 Empire Drive and 360 Colborne.