Detroit Federation of Teachers

May Day at Jerry L. White

These DFT Members wore their red on International Workers Day to stand in Solidarity with the labor movement.

DFT Election Committee Sworn In

Congratulations to these members on their election to the DFT Election Committee. From L to R are Maria Davis, Onza Stokes, Laura Watt, and Crystal White, They will serve a two year term.

DFT Delegates Attend State Convention

Delegates attended the AFT Michigan Statewide Convention. The local was honored with the Political Action Award and 4 members of the DFT were recipients of the Walter Bergman Award.

DFT President Welcomes Bernie Sanders

Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins had the privilege of welcoming and introducing Senator Bernie Sanders at his Rally Against the Oligarchy, held at Mumford HS.

Teacher Appreciation Gala

The DPS/DFT 2nd Annual Teacher’s Appreciation Gala will be held June 4, 2016 at the Detroit-Dearborn Doubletree Hotel from 6pm-12am. This event is to recognize our hard work and dedication to the children of Detroit Public Schools. The deadline to sign up is May 2, 2016 so don't delay.

Detroit Teacher - March 2016

News in this issue of The Detroit Teacher:

DFT Actions Are Building Momentum
We Are So Close to a Breakthrough
Retirement Guide 2016
Detroit Teacher is Michigan Counselor of the Year

and much more...[Download here].

2015-16 DPS Calendar

[Download here] the 2015-16 DPS Academic Calendar.

Settlement of 2012 Lawsuit on Evaluations and Layoffs [4.16.13]

The DFT and the DPS reached a settlement agreement [Download here] which resolved a number of disputes -- one of which was the lawsuit challenging the flawed evaluation, layoff, and recall procedures used by DPS. Approximately 422 teachers were laid off as a result of those flawed procedures, which were neither negotiated nor agreed to by the DFT.

Some of the highlights of the settlement are as follows:

Teachers who received an evaluation score that did not make them "eligible" for retention shall have those scores expunged from their permanent record.
Teachers who received a score that made them

3 Percent Healthcare Deduction [8.17.12]

This afternoon, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed our position and an earlier Court of Claims ruling that the Legislature’s imposition of the 3 percent retiree healthcare deduction from school employees’ paychecks is unconstitutional. The Attorney General is likely to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. Until a final decision is reached, the deductions will remain in the escrow account.

This is another victory in defense of our rights and we are confident that we will ultimately prevail and get your money back to you. Unfortunately, as you know, the Legislature yesterday passed SB 1040, which eliminates retiree health care for new hires, while increasing costs for current employees and retirees. Even after we win this lawsuit, we will all be paying more for retirement.

We will continue to provide you accurate information as we get it, and remember, the Supreme Court justices we elect this November will be the ones deciding whether you get your money back or not.

-David Hecker, AFT Michigan President

2012-13 DPS Academic Calendar

Click above for the Detroit Public Schools 2012-13 Academic Calendar.