St. Paul teachers demonstrate as contract talks continue

St. Paul teachers rallied at schools across the district Wednesday as contract negotiations continued. They demanded more support staff and school-level decision-making.

"The schools could make decisions to best meet the needs of their students," said Denise Rodriguez, president of the teachers' union. "Because what looks good on paper doesn't always translate to what works in the classroom to meet the needs of our students."

The union is asking for so-called "school climate improvement teams," which Rodriguez said would find solutions to discipline problems.

At one of the demonstrations, history teacher Mary Voigt said school safety is her priority.

"I think that the union has offered some solutions that are workable and doable that involve increasing support staff in our buildings," she said. "And I think it's a reasonable request, and one that the district should consider."

In addition to other proposals, the union is also calling for restorative discipline practices.

The union and the district have been negotiating since May. Their next mediation session is set for Thursday.