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Saint Paul Public Schools and teachers approve two-year contract
Media Advisory
Office of Community Relations
Contact: Howie Padilla (651) 767-8104
January 10, 2007
Saint Paul, Minn – Saint Paul Public Schools and the Saint Paul Federation of Teachers today announced approval of a two-year contract effective through 2009. The agreement allows for teachers to continue receiving professional development while balancing time with students.
“The approval of this contract reaffirms that our teachers and our administration are partners committed to the success of our students,” said Superintendent Meria Carstarphen. “It also continues a long-standing tradition of having some of the best educators in the state working to help Saint Paul students reach beyond their goals.
“Research has shown that teacher quality is the most important ingredient for a student’s success,” Carstarphen said. “This contract sets us up for the future in terms of time shared between students and teachers while enhancing teacher quality through job embedded professional development and expanded opportunities.”
The contract establishes the foundation for an “Ideal Day” that could eventually increase a student's instructional day by 30 minutes. An “Ideal Day” would allow teachers to strike an optimum balance between time with students, time preparing for students and time improving teachers’ instructional practices.
“Our teachers are professionals who recognize the importance of staying on the forefront of their profession now and moving into the future,” said Saint Paul Federation of Teachers President Mary Cathryn Ricker. “What we’ve done with this agreement is start to address what working conditions look like for teachers in the 21st Century. We began having conversations at the bargaining table that we all intend to continue having as we move forward.”
The contract also re-establishes a Professional Issues Committee that will increase communication between teachers and administration. The committee will work to recognize challenges to implementing key initiatives and suggest solutions to those challenges ensuring the initiatives’ success. The Professional Issues Committee will include eight members: the federation president, the federation business agent, three members appointed by the superintendent, and three members appointed by the federation president.
Other highlights of the contract, which is effective retroactively from August 4, 2007, include:
• Salary increases of 2.5% in the first year of the pact and 2.25% the second year. This allows the district to remain competitive in the area market while being fiscally responsible and working within the district’s budget.
• A $500 increase in the stipend for teachers who become Nationally Board Certified. Teachers who complete the process for becoming certified will now receive a $2,500 stipend. Those who become recertified after 10 years are now eligible for a $3,000 stipend, which is new.
“The Board is appreciative of all the work that was done in bringing together an agreement that will benefit our teachers, our district and, ultimately, our students,” said Board of Education Vice Chair Elona Street-Stewart.
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