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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

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 Hil Harper

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: LOA Amended Calendar Change

The district and the union have signed a Letter of Agreement affecting the 2023-2024 calendar. The Professional Development originally scheduled for Monday, January 29th will now be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. This change is due to the Michigan Presidential Primary Election being held on that day and many of our work locations are polling site. Other calendar changes include the February Count Date and the recognition of Juneteenth. You can read the LOA here  2024 Calendar Change Letter of Agreement .

WHAT's NEW: LOA Head Coach Sports Reporter Producer 2023-2024

The district and the union have agreed to a stipend rate for the newly created position of Head Coach Sports Reporter Producer. Click here for the letter of agreement.

WHAT'S NEW: 2023-2024 Class Size Overage Supplemental Pay

Click here for the letter of agreement which addresses oversize classes for the 2023-2024 school year.

WHAT'S NEW: District Approves Tentative Agreement

At the September DPSCD Regular Board Meeting, school board members voted to approve the tentative agreement which was ratified by members late last month. President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins and the negotiating team are excited about the 6% raise that bargaining unit members will receive, which is the largest increase in salary in 34 years. Other highlights of the agreement include

  • Teachers with 15 years or more of experience will get a longevity bonus of $4,500. Teachers with less than 15 years of experience are to receive a $2,000 retention bonus.
  • Ancillary Staff will receive a $2,000 bonus.
  • All full-time DFT members are to receive a $2,000 bonus in November, while part-time members are to get a $1,000 bonus, in addition to the longevity and retention bonuses.
  • All new hires will be on the salary schedule.

Read the entire document of the tentative agreement here: https://actionnetwork.org/user_files/user_files/000/096/060/original/DFT-DPSCD_2023-2024_Ratification_Packet_8.21.23_corrected.pdf


WHAT'S NEW: Tentative Agreement Is Ratified

PDF of Vote Results YES 1121 NO 406
 

We have concluded the ratification vote of the tentative agreement.

YES: 1121

NO: 406

The negotiating team of President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, Executive Vice President Jason Posey, Labor Affairs Administrator, Karin Whittler, Retirement Counselor/Financial Analyst, Patrick Falcusan and Atttorney, Marshall Widick sincerely appreciate the vote of confidence that has been given by our members in ratifying this agreement.  

WHAT'S NEW: Tentative Agreement Has Been Reached

We Have a Tentaive Agreement, Members Will Receive Email About special Informational meeting

The Detroit Public Schools Community District and the Detroit Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 231, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a tentative agreement for a successor collective bargaining agreement for the 2023-24 school year.  The DFT Executive Board went into special session this evening and unanimously agreed to present the tentative agreement to the membership for a ratification vote. All DFT bargaining unit members are expected to report to work, tomorrow, August 21, 2023 at the start of your work day.

According to the Constitution and By-laws of the union, only members who are in good standing may cast a ballot on the tentative agreement.