Detroit Federation of Teachers

Solidarity Wednesdays

Thank you Spain Elementary Middle School for standing together in red.

Giddy Up! at the Annual Building Representatives Dinner

Members Cynthia Pearson-Matthews, Tracie Diggins, Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, and Cassandra Brown know how to put their "boots on the ground" at the annual dinner.

Mayoral Candidates Address DFT

Thank you to these mayoral candidates who spoke to members at the June General Membership Meeting: Sauteel Jenkins, John Barlow, and Todd Perkins. Candidates spoke about their campaign and DPSCD.

DFT and the Anthony Wayne Society

The DFT is pleased to be recognized as a charter society for the Anthony Wayne Society for establishing the DFT Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Wayne State University and encouraging donations.

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.