I am pleased to announce that the majority of the members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers voted to ratify a new contract agreement. While the contract is far from perfect, the ratification is a significant step in the right direction for our members and our school district.
The contract provides increases, mostly in the form of bonuses, as well as supports to help educators—including the restoration of class size limits. Additionally, the new contract includes a commitment from the school district to partner with the union to establish a community schools program to help revitalize public education in our city.
We know the hard-working, dedicated educators of Detroit deserve so much more, but now is the time to move forward. We believe the vote to ratify the contract is a clear indication of our members’ commitment to our students, this school district and our city.
Now, more than ever, it is vitally important for us to stand together and fortify our efforts to fight for the schools our students need and the respect we all have earned.
Our fight forward begins now.
In less than two months, voters will decide on a number of issues that are critical to the future of our schools, our union and our city. We will vote to elect new members to serve on an empowered local school board. Wayne County residents will vote on a millage that could provide vital resources to our schools. We have an opportunity to flip the legislative seats in the Michigan House to elect lawmakers who will stand with Detroit’s students and educators. And, we will elect a new president.
It’s time to get to work!
Ivy Bailey
DFT president