Detroit Federation of Teachers

Entire UTR Slate Reelected

Congratulations to United for Teacher Rights on their reelection to the DFT leadership team. President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins is being returned for a second term. The term of office will begin in January 2025 and will be for two years.

DFT Provides Breakfast to Drew

DFT staff stopped by Charles Drew Transition Center to express condolences to their staff on the loss of Crystal Lee.

New Red DFT Shirts for Members

Members are wearing their new red DFT shirts, which are available at General Membership Meetings. Be sure to attend the next meeting in January and pick up yours.

Retirees Celebrate the Holidays

The retirees chapter of the DFT came together one afternoon in December for their annual holiday party. The luncheon was held at Golightly Career and Tech Center, where first year students prepared the food. Holiday garb was on full display and it was a festive gathering for all.

WHAT'S NEW: 2018-19 DPSCD Academic Calendar

Here are the:

2018-2019 Academic Calendar: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/2018-2019_academic_calendar.pdf

Letter of Agreement regarding 2018-19 Academic Calendar: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/letter_of_agreement_.school_calendar_and_prep_periods_.pdf

Unfair Labor Practice document: http://dft231.mi.aft.org/sites/default/files/article_pdf_files/2018-09/ulp_charge_-_draft_attachment_statement_of_charge_-_08.03.18.pdf

WHAT'S NEW: AFT Leaders Respond to Detroit Public Schools Drinking Water Problems

WASHINGTON—AFT leaders respond to concerns with the drinking water at Detroit public schools.

AFT President Randi Weingarten:

“Every child and every educator should be guaranteed safe drinking water at school. What’s happening in Detroit is the latest illustration of the harm inflicted on children and their teachers through the systemic underinvestment in Detroit public schools by this governor and state leaders. We’re working to get water, coolers and hand sanitizers to the schools, and will continue to do everything we can to work with our locals and the district to ensure our members and the

Board Approves Revised 2018-2019 Academic Calendar; New Spring Break Dates Are April 1-5

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

More than a dozen DFT members participated this week (July 31-Aug. 2) in a three-day Activist Boot Camp (ABC.)

There, they focused on mobilization and organizing efforts toward affecting DPSCD's teacher evaluation model. Members also gained more knowledge of our local's history; acquired a stronger sense of what it means to be an activist; and were trained on an app that is designed to mobilize members in short order.

Our featured speakers included Mary Cathryn Ricker, AFT executive vice president; and Brandon Johnson, Chicago Teachers Union deputy political director.

On the session's third

WHAT'S NEW: Appeal planned in Detroit literacy lawsuit tossed by federal judge (Detroit Free Press story)

Plaintiffs plan to appeal a closely watched federal lawsuit — dismissed Friday by a judge in Detroit — that accuses Gov. Rick Snyder and other state officials of depriving Detroit children of their right to literacy.

U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III asserted in his ruling that as important as literacy is, the U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee a fundamental right to literacy.

The students and families who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit said Monday they would appeal the ruling to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

"Friday's decision is as deeply disappointing as having to file a lawsuit

WHAT'S NEW: America Needs Unions Now More than Ever As Supreme Court Sides with Corporate Billionaires Rigging Economy against Workers

WASHINGTON– The following statement was issued by leaders and members of AFSCME, AFT, NEA and SEIU following the decision by the United States Supreme Court to rule against working people and in favor of billionaire CEOs and corporate interests in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, holding that requiring fair-share fees in the public sector violates the First Amendment of the Constitution. Read more by clicking here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/america-needs-unions-now-more-ever-supreme-court-sides-corporate