The Minneapolis teachers strike continues, with the school district making an offer that they feel will bring students back to class
The two sides met over the weekend and some progress was reported.
School board president Kim Ellison says they are making a last, best offer that includes raising the pay of education support professionals.
"We are asking them to accept this offer, and if not, to join us in arbitration so we can get a deal on this current contract," Ellison said in a video statement posted on the school board's website.
"We believe this is the fastest way possible to get our students back to school," she said.
Ellison said the proposed pay raises for ESP's represents their value, but would also lead to future budget cuts.
There is no response from the teachers union on the latest offer, and Ellison told WCCO's Vineeta Sawkar that they expect a counter-proposal during Monday's scheduled bargaining session.
In addition to pay raises, the main issues in the teacher contract talks include class size, and mental health care for students.
The teachers union held a number of rallies over the weekend, calling for the district to come to terms.
Monday is day 14 of the strike, and tenth day of missed classes for the district's 36-thousand students.