Detroit Federation of Teachers

Deputy Mayor meets with students and Leaders pose for pictures

Microprocessing Coming to DPSCD

Southeastern HS tour: left: Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison with Randi Weingarten as students explain thier drawing plans for a pizza manufacturing plant, right: Bettison stands with Deputy Supt. Alycia Meriweather, Neera Tanden, of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and Weingarten as the partnership is discussed

Winners at the General Membership Meeting

Five lucky winners at October's DFT General Membership Meeting, courtesy of Combined Insurance, a Chubb Company. You just never know what surprises are in store at our monthly meetings!

Retiree Chapter Officers Sworn In

President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins was on hand at the October Retirees Chapter meeting to swear in the officers of DFT231R. The officers are (from left to right) Victor Gibson, President, Mary Helen D'Angelo, Treasurer, Michelle Broughton, Secretary, and Cynthia Pearson-Matthews, Executive Vice President. The Social Vice President (not pictured) is Lois Lofton-Doniver.

Paying Tribute to Patrick Falcusan

We took time from our business at the October General Membership meeting to pay tribute to our Financial Analyst/Retirement Counselor, Patrick Falcusan, for his 30 years of service to the DFT. he has worked under every president, from Mary Ellen Riordan to Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins. Well done, Patrick!

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.