On Tuesday evening, August 14, the Detroit Board of Education approved a revised academic calendar for the 2018-2019 school year. It includes a new set of dates for spring break: April 1-5. The previous academic calendar outlined April 19-26 as a break.
It is unfortunate that the dates were changed, however, the district needed to comply with the Wayne RESA common calendar and student testing schedules. The revised calendar also eliminates one-hour-early releases on Wednesdays.
To remedy the situation, the DFT negotiated with the district that our members be compensated for all missed preparation periods during the 2018-2019 school year.
We are not happy because this is a significant change in our negotiated contract. However, we understand this is what’s best for students—and we put students first.