Unions representing St. Louis Public Schools employees signed a joint letter on Monday demanding to be included in discussions with the St. Louis Board of Education regarding upcoming school consolidations.
The unions, including American Federation of Teachers Local 420, want a seat at the table for decision-making, particularly regarding tornado-damaged schools. Employees such as principals, teachers, nurses, custodians, skilled tradespeople, safety officers and bus drivers say their insight and experience working closely with students and in school buildings is necessary and shouldn’t be excluded.
Two weeks ago, the school board voted 7-0 during a work session to allow union members a seat at the table during discussions. At least 12 schools were damaged during the storm, resulting in over $1 million in damage, and SLPS says seven of them will not be repaired in time for the first day of school on Aug. 18…