Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Day 9: Minneapolis Teachers are still on the Strike Line

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Learn more about the ESP’s they are also fighting for in this article by MPR News.

Article by: Elizabeth Shockman, 

…The majority of Minneapolis’ ESPs are people of color and work as special education assistants, associate educators, school success program assistants and child care assistants, among other roles. The starting wage for the lowest paid of these positions is $24,000 per year. The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers is asking the district to raise the starting wage to $35,000 per year. Over half of Minneapolis ESPs have second or third jobs, according to the union.

The district agrees it needs to raise ESP wages, but it is still millions of dollars apart in negotiations from what the union wants. As of Wednesday, the union was asking for a 23 to 44 percent wage bump for ESPs over two years. The district was sticking to a 9 percent wage increase over two years. *(Editor’s NOTE: a large difference in this wage request would be the movement of ESP to full-time salary employees vs the part-time status they currently have. To see details of the MFT/MSP negotiation requests visit the MFT Safe and Stable School site here.

…The Minneapolis NAACP supports the union’s push for higher ESP wages.

“This is unacceptable,” said Minneapolis NAACP president Cynthia Wilson. “Our ESPs need to be paid and our Black teachers need to be retained. Period.”

—Multiple studies have shown that educators of color can improve students’ performance. Black students see academic and graduation gains when paired with Black teachers.

In Minneapolis Public Schools, 63 percent of students are kids of color — closer to the percentage of Minneapolis ESPs than classroom teachers, nearly 80 percent of whom are white.

… The NAACP has a demand for the union, too:  The association wants more protections from layoffs for teachers of color written in the contract.

Minneapolis Public Schools Schedule Updated for Week of April 19-23

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In-person learning next week will be impacted by the trial

The Derek Chauvin jury will begin deliberation Monday, the same time that MPS middle grades are making in-person learning available for the first time in more than a year.

After speaking with Hennepin County sources, we believe we can best serve students and staff through changing the learning format next week:

On Monday and Tuesday (April 19-20), in-person learning will continue for all grades with corresponding transportation to and from school. Sixth graders in most schools will be welcomed on Monday, and grades 7 and 8 in most will follow on Tuesday. A few schools in hybrid learning with start dates scheduled later in the week will provide updated start dates for their students. Please check with your school with any questions. Families who believe a different choice makes sense for their child are welcome to make that decision using your school’s approved absence process.

        From Wednesday through Friday next week (April 21-23), all in-person learning students in all grades will return home for distance learning. Students will not be required to leave their homes to attend school for the remainder of the week, though school buildings will be open. Over these three days, no athletic events or Minneapolis Kids before- and after-school childcare will be held. Meal box pick-ups will continue as currently available. [Read more…]

Minneapolis Public School’s Meal Box Pickup Locations Change Starting 2/8/21

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Starting on Monday, February 8, food box pick-up will be available at 15 sites across Minneapolis. All 15 sites will operate Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please note that there will be no sites with extended hours. Instead of offering separate meal and snack boxes, we will be offering one food box with a week’s worth of nutritious, convenient breakfast and lunch items.

But don’t worry – some of your favorite items from the snack boxes will continue to make appearances in our food boxes, along with school favorites, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and more! Food boxes will remain free for all youth 18 & under, and all families are welcome to participate in this program. Learn more.

Eat with us! When children return to school this February, all students are invited to eat breakfast and lunch at school every day at no cost. Our meals are safe, convenient, and delicious. Learn more.

For more information, please visit: cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/2020-21_school_year.