Fiona Carlson's high school career in Minneapolis has been defined by interruption.
The COVID-19 pandemic, canceled events, whiplash between distance learning and a return to the classroom. And now a teachers strike.
"It's been weird," said Carlson, a junior at Southwest High. "There's definitely been a sense of uncertainty around school."
It's unclear when the strike will end and reopen schools for the district's 28,700 students. In the meantime, many students and parents trying to make plans each day say the instability has left them feeling weary — even if they support the teachers' efforts.
The walkout began Tuesday after months of tense contract negotiations. The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers is seeking higher wages, class-size caps and more mental health supports for students, among other things. But school leaders have said the union's proposal is $166 million over the district's budget.
"There's such a disparity between the proposals that it's like, 'Oh my word. How will they even come to an agreement?'" said Michelle Sutton, whose four children are Minneapolis students. "It is challenging to navigate."
Negotiations are continuing through the weekend.
Meanwhile, the union representing the district's food service workers has also filed an intent to strike, which could pause school meal pickups across the city.