| Detroit Federation of Teachers

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

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.

Action Needed Today, Stop the Tax on Pensions!

The Senate Reforms Committee took substantial testimony today (5/10) on HB 4361, the tax bill that includes taxation of pensions on an age-related sliding scale. The committee is slated to meet again tomorrow morning and take a little more testimony before reporting the bill to the floor. We have been told that the Senate plans to vote on it on the Senate floor on Thursday, telling members to be prepared to stay all night.

The Governor and the legislature are taxing the pensions of retirees, raising the taxes on low-income working families and cutting education in order to fund a tax cut for large corporations! This is not shared sacrifice!

Please call your state senator today or tomorrow to urge a “NO” vote on this unfair shift of taxes to retirees. Click here to find your Senator’s phone number. A phone call is better, but you may also send an email by clicking here. Do it today!

EFM Bills Pass House

Today, March 15, the House passed the last two bills required to finish the Emergency Financial Manager legislation. It now goes to the Governor and he has said he will sign the bills. The way to keep EFMs away from our school districts and local communities is to keep them out of financial trouble. We can’t do that given Governor Snyder’s proposed budget which includes cuts to schools, universities and local community Revenue Sharing. If you are able, we hope to see you in Lansing tomorrow for a budget protest rally at the State Capitol. If you can’t make it to Lansing, please call your State Representative or Senator, find out when they are having local events – coffee hours, town halls, etc. – and then attend with a few friends, or lots of friends. Local action, in person, with your Representatives and Senators is very effective.

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