Class Size Cap Complicates Contract Negotiations In Minnesota District

The St. Paul Pioneer-Press (12/30, Koumpilova) reports, "A teachers union bid to limit class sizes has held up contract negotiations in St. Paul." The piece credits the St. Paul Federation of Teachers' plan for a "hard cap on class sizes" a first in the state, noting that the "district has balked at the idea," stressing the need for flexibility. "The union counters that such a cap would be a powerful tool in a key district mission of attracting more families. The disagreement prompted the union to enlist an outside mediator for the first time in more than two decades - and for the first time ever over an issue other than salary or benefits."