Detroit Federation of Teachers

DFT President with Ingram, Care Moore, Morgan

Reading Opens the World Features Honored Guests

Detroit was ecstatic to have these three people participate in our book giveaway. AFT National Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick C. Ingram welcomed families and educators to Reading Opens the World. He announced that in May the organization will have given away 10 million books for free. We are thrilled to have had a hand in distributing 50,000 of those books. Poet Jessica Care Moore read one of her poems, I used to be a roller coaster girl and author Ellen A. Morgan, Ed. D read her book, Ellie’s Formal Table. They are standing with President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins.

Election Committee is Sworn In

Four Election Committee members were sworn in at the April General Membership Meeting. Serving a two year term will be Onza Stokes, Laura Watts, Devette Brown and Julia Hunko. We thank these members for their service to the members of the DFT. Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, looks on. Be sure to say hello to Election Committee when you sign in at the May General Membership meeting.

Posey, Wilson-Lumpkins, Weiss, Martin at town hall

DFT Leadership Participates in Town Hall Meeting

At a town hall hosted by State Representative, Regina Weiss, three of our leaders attended the forum: DFT Executive Vice President, Jason Posey, DFT President, Lakia Wilson-Lunmpkins, and AFT Michigan President, Terrence Martin. Many union members were in attendance to listen to the information.

US Senate Candidate Addresses the Membership

.A candidate for the US Senate from Michigan, Hil Harper, came before the DFT General Membership meeting in April to ask for an endorsement by the union. He spoke to members about his support for unions, being a card-carrying member of one himself, as well as the reasons he would like our support in the upcoming August primary. The union will be hosting other candidates who are also seeking our endorsements.

WHAT'S NEW: Legislative Update from AFT Michigan

You’ll find information on a number of high priority bills under consideration.

Knezek Offers Resolution Demanding Snyder Drop the Appeal and Return our 3 Percent

Sen. David Knezek (D-Dearborn Heights) introduced on March 29 SR 37, a resolution demanding Gov. Rick Snyder return the money taken illegally from school employees’ paychecks from 2010-12, the subject of a seven-year court battle led by AFT Michigan and the Michigan Education Association.

Three separate courts have found the law in violation of the state constitution, as it forced the deduction of 3 percent of school employees’ wages

"I know some of the teachers are going to ask, why did he leave Detroit?” said Ivy Bailey, Detroit Federation of Teachers - DFT Local 231, president.

http://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/dps-superintendent-candidate-under-fire-as-school-board-considers-him

AFT Detroit statement regarding Detroit Board of Education Superintendent Selection Process (Next Steps)

MARCH 22--The American Federation of Teachers Detroit, at the request of its members, called on the Detroit Board of Education to extend Interim Superintendent Alycia Meriweather an opportunity to interview as a finalist for the Detroit Public Schools Community District superintenden position.

During her tenure, Interim Superintendent Meriweather has led the way in restoring trust, confidence and hope in our school district. She has earned an opportunity for further consideration. While we respect the Board's process, we hope that it will give our request ample consideration.

Superintendent

ATTN MEMBERS: TAX INFORMATION

The dues deduction for 2016 was: $897.16

Deductions from January thru July 2017: $570.92

DFT run-off election: Final results

The votes have been counted and the results for the office of president, vice president and recording secretary are posted. View the final counts here.

DFT passes resolution to pardon DACA immigrant youth

Read the resolution passed by the DFT on pardoning DACA immigrant youth and supporting the National Days of Action.

Resolution to Build the Movement Demand President Obama Take Action to Pardon DACA Immigrant Youth