Teachers Union Asks for More Funds for Full-Service Schools

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota's teachers union is proposing that schools be turned into one-stop shops where agencies would offer health care, legal aid and employment help for families.

Education Minnesota held a news conference Thursday calling for the so-called "full-service community schools" in an effort to improve academic outcomes for needy children. The news conference was held at Brooklyn Center Secondary School, where the model has been practiced since 2009.

The school has seen significant improvement in attendance, behavior and graduation rates. Patrice Howard with the Brooklyn Center district says full-service schools help students and families overcome barriers such as homelessness and lack of transportation.

The state Legislature set aside $500,000 last session to help schools move toward a full-service model. Education Minnesota will seek another $2 million for the idea next year.