Details are sparse as they’ll be revealed to Detroit Federation of Teachers members later this week, but a tentative agreement has been reached between the new district that controls Detroit’s public schools and the 2,900 or so unionized teachers and staff who work there.
Any deal not only must be approved by both parties, but also the Financial Review Commission overseeing the finances of the district. The DFT has called a special meeting of membership for after the first day of school Tuesday.
In a statement sent to the media including Daily Detroit, DFT President Ivy Bailey said the following:
“This agreement recognizes and values the voice and experience of Detroit’s educators. While not perfect, this deal turns the page and provides a new pathway for the district and our union to do right by the students, families and city of Detroit.
“Our priority has always been educating the students of this city, and this agreement makes that a little easier. Beyond economic gains for members, this deal will restore parents’ confidence in our schools and will help ensure that our students get the high-quality public education they deserve.
“Now it is up to our members—folks who have been through quite a bit this year—to review this agreement and make the final decision. This process will get underway tomorrow at our special membership meeting, followed by a school-by-school vote later this week.”
The district released their own statement quoting Transition Manager and former judge Steven Rhodes.
“We are pleased that the summer-long negotiations have resulted in a tentative agreement prior to students returning to school. Detroit Public Schools Community District looks forward to a successful start of the school year as we begin this new chapter in Detroit public education in providing the best educational opportunities we can for our students.”
