Detroit teachers ratify contract; DPSCD board vote set for July 14

Detroit teachers represented by the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) say they ratified a tentative two-year contract with Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) in a union vote that was 1,751 in favor and 440 against.

But the process isn’t finished yet: the DPSCD Board of Education must vote to accept the ratification results. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 5:30 p.m., at 5020 Cadieux Rd (the district lists this location as East English Village at Finney).

What the CBA highlights say is included

• Pay and other increases: the contract highlights describe “significant raises” for bargaining-unit members, plus additional increases through stipends and bonuses.
• Discipline/job security: the highlights reference a just cause standard for discipline and discharge for bargaining-unit members after 1 year of employment.
• Layoff and recall: the highlights describe a clear process and note seniority as a major factor in determining layoff order.
• Evaluation: the highlights say the contract reduces the weight of the “Commitment to Community School” component.
• Seniority, transfers, and due process: the highlights also reference clearer seniority calculation procedures and interview rights for voluntary transfers, along with increased dues-process rights for certain members (including a 120-day process mentioned in the highlights).
• Union dues: payroll deduction for union dues.
• Working-condition topics: the highlights specifically cite commitments to a safe bathroom, space for nursing mothers, and recess.
• Coaches/clubs stipends: the highlights list a 7% increase for “coaches stipends and clubs.”

What happens after the July 14 board vote

CBS Detroit reports the union said that once the school board agrees to accept the ratification results, the union will publish the tentative agreement. Until that board action happens, the union vote is still a required step—but not the final checkpoint for implementation.

Sources

• CBS Detroit: teachers ratify 2-year contract; DPSCD board vote next (July 14, 5:30 p.m.)
• DPSCD Board of Education: upcoming meetings (July 14 regular board meeting time/address)
• Detroit Federation of Teachers: summary page describing the two-year agreement’s reported components