FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2020
Contact:
Peter Leggett
peter.leggett@ci.stpaul.mn.us
651-307-8603
SAINT PAUL, MN – Mayor Carter released the following statement today in response to the possibility of a Saint Paul Federation of Educators strike:
“I have been in regular contact with union and district leaders over the past few weeks and days. I have heard a common ambition to better serve children’s needs and common frustration with financial constraints that force us to choose between academic supports, mental health counseling, and other resources our children deserve.
There is room to work together. I encourage both parties to remain at the table tonight until an agreement is reached. If a final agreement cannot be reached overnight, I have asked both parties to consider temporary options that would delay a strike as long as possible.
In the unfortunate event that no agreement is reached and classes are interrupted tomorrow, the City of Saint Paul has plans in place to provide support for children and families through our rec centers and libraries, including meals for youth ages 18 and under.”
Details of the City of Saint Paul’s plans in the event of a strike can be found at stpaul.gov/spps-strike and include:
- Along with some school locations, select recreation centers, and libraries will be offering free meals including breakfast, lunch, and snacks to youth ages 18 and under. A map of locations is available at stpaul.gov/spps-strike or view the map in a new window here. Families can contact the Mayor’s Office at 651-266-8510 for assistance in finding meals locations near them.
- Recreation centers that normally open at 2pm during the school year will open at 1pm. All other centers will operate normal business hours. For a full list of recreation center hours and locations visit stpaul.gov/reccenterhours.
- Saint Paul Public Libraries will operate their normal business hours. For a list of locations and hours visit sppl.bibliocommons.com/locations/.
- Drop-in recreation center programs will be available, including open gym times, teen programs and more. For more information, visit stpaul.gov/opengym.
- Drop-in library programs will be available, including Homework Centers, Reading Together, Createch, and storytimes. For more information, visit sppl.org/spps-strike-information/.
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will be offering day camp options for grades K-4. Visit comozooconservatory.org to register.
- Saint Paul Parks and Recreation S’more Fun sites will offer full-day programming for registered families. For families not currently registered for the S'more Fun program, limited space is available at our Highland Park and Battle Creek locations. Visit stpaul.gov/smorefun for registration information.
- The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Rec Check program will open one hour early, from 1pm-6pm.
- The strike may impact the library’s Read Brave author visit to Saint Paul Public Schools.
- For questions on programming available from the Parks And Recreation Department, call 651-266-6400 or your local recreation center.
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