Building power in public schools

Parents & STUDENTS ARE ORGANIZING FOR THE SCHOOLS WE NEED

Public schools are centers of gravity in our community. They’re supposed to be safe places to get an education, mentorship, good meals, and the support all of us need as we grow up. Thousands of educators in Minneapolis and Saint Paul are working hard to make that happen – and they’re succeeding in many ways. 

But too many school administrators are choosing to waste our precious public resources on private contracts and overhead salaries – instead of investing those resources where they belong: in students and educators.  

That means teachers are stretched thin. Students aren’t getting the attention they deserve. Enrollment is dropping, and schools are at risk of closing. Students are overheating in schools that need new HVAC systems and struggling to find a safe, clean place to use the bathroom.  

We won’t accept that. Public schools are a precious community resource. They shape our futures and our democracy. Parents, students, and educators are building power to make sure our schools reflect our values and deliver what we need and deserve. 

ACT WITH US

At-a-Glance: TakeAction organizing in twin cities Public schools

Parent and student teams: We’re building teams of parents and students in schools across the district to address key issues impacting students and educators: like ballooning class sizes and potential school closures. Learn more.

Student organizing: Through a youth organizing fellowship in 2024, we supported students to start a campaign to improve bathroom access, safety, and cleanliness.

Healthy, green schools initiative: In partnership with Saint Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE), we’re working to decarbonize Saint Paul schools, using federal funding from the IRA. In 2024, we organized with SPFE during their contract negotiations, winning two of our three climate justice demands of the district – including the creation of an ongoing climate justice stakeholder committee with educators, students, community members, district staff, and school board members.