St. Paul teachers union might take strike vote

Union officials who represent St. Paul public school teachers say they'll decide this week whether to put a strike to a membership vote following eight months of contentious contract talks.

A St. Paul Pioneer Press report says leaders of the St. Paul Federation of Teachers will make their decision Monday.

The union and school district apparently made progress during about 12 hours of negotiation Thursday, but union President Mary Cathryn Ricker says the executive board will decide whether to call for a strike-authorization vote.

The two sides have struggled to agree on union proposals that include capping class sizes and reducing time spent on standardized tests.

District spokesman Matt Mohs says both sides share core values, but they disagree about policy and funding.