After seven months of negotiations, Minneapolis teachers are planning a strike vote if a contract settlement isn't reached this upcoming week.
The main sticking points are limits on class sizes and caps on special education case loads.
"What really needs to be done is, something needs to be in writing and enforceable to ensure that kids are in reasonable class sizes so they can get more individualized attention," says Minneapolis Federation of Educators spokeswoman Megan Boldt.
Boldt says negotiations began last April and that the union has offered 35 proposals in nine public sessions.
She adds that the district has offered counters to some proposals, but they are not nearly significant enough to make movement. Boldt also says union members want to come to an agreement and do not want to strike.
"Educators are ready and parents are behind them," Boldt explained. "If there isn't an agreement on the 21st and educators decide to strike, they're gonna be behind them. And Minneapolis educators are ready to do that because they want what's best for students."
MFE’s next mediation session with the district is scheduled for Oct. 21. Unless a settlement is reached, a strike vote will take place Oct. 23, 24 and 27.