Union's chosen four could take majority on St. Paul school board

Teachers unions are strong, but in St. Paul, muscle is being flexed in new ways.

Rather than simply work on behalf of candidates, the St. Paul Federation of Teachers teamed with parents this year to coordinate and bankroll a Caucus for Change movement that challenged incumbents and lifted four political newcomers to prized DFL Party endorsements.

Now, contract talks are underway between the teachers and the school district, and as candidates enter the final weeks of the election, the union could soon find itself with maximum leverage: a new majority on the seven-member board already endorsing its contract pursuits.

http://www.startribune.com/union-s-chosen-four-could-take-majority-on-st-paul-school-board/330594671/