Hours after sharing his demands at the Rhode Island State House, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza took his concerns over the teachers' contract directly to the state's most powerful politician.

"Governor, this is too important for you to play the coward role on this," Elorza said as NBC 10’s camera rolled. "You gotta face the community on this."

Gov. Dan McKee's security then separated the two leaders, but moments later Elorza attempted to address the governor again. McKee did not appear to say much in response.

"You gotta face the community on this," Elorza said, pointing at McKee. "This is too important."

The mayor, who no longer has power over the struggling school system, held a rally on Smith Hill Wednesday, raising concerns the deal will not allow for needed change in the district.

NBC 10 I-Team Education Advocate Ashley Cullinane questioned Elorza about his comments after the event.

"You've got to face the community," Elorza responded, when asked if he believed McKee was being a coward. "There's no reason this should be done in secret. This is the most decision the governor will ever make."

The I-Team also asked if Elorza stood by his approach.

"I mean, I went to the State House today. I was as close to his office as we could go. There was a public call for them to -- look, our ask is very simple and very basic," he said.

McKee would not stop to talk to reporters.

"Right now, we're celebrating WaterFire. I'll have more to say about that at our Tuesday press conference," McKee said. "Let's hope the contract is ratified on Friday."

The union will vote on the contract at 5 p.m. Friday at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Friday.

Details of the contract, obtained by NBC 10, can be read here.