Detroit teachers’ union approves tentative 2-year contract with school district

June 25, 2026

The Detroit Federation of Teachers has voted to approve a tentative contract agreement with the Detroit Public Schools Community District covering the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, with over 80% of participating members supporting the deal. The contract provides wage increases for all union members, including raising the starting salary to $57,400 and the maximum teacher salary to $100,100, while introducing new bonuses for attendance agents, career and technical education teachers, and English language learner specialists. Additional provisions include classroom caps on students with certain disabilities, enhanced parental leave benefits, and safety notification requirements for administrators.

Who is affected

More than 5,000 Detroit Federation of Teachers members including teachers, paraprofessionals, academic interventionists, and psychologists
Substitute teachers
Attendance agents
Career and technical education teachers
Staff certified to teach English language learners
General education prekindergarten through fifth grade homeroom teachers
Ancillary staff (counselors, speech language pathologists, psychologists)
Special education teachers
Immigrant students in Detroit Public Schools Community District
Detroit Public Schools Community District administrators and school board

What action is being taken

The union voted to approve the tentative agreement (with over 80% approval from 2,600 participating members)
The DFT has held forums and provided Know Your Rights information regarding immigration issues
State and national teachers unions have issued resolutions expressing support for immigrant students and educators

Why it matters

This contract is significant because it establishes a precedent that could influence other union negotiations in Detroit and throughout Michigan, as noted by union president Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins. The agreement addresses critical staffing challenges by offering retention bonuses and performance incentives in hard-to-fill positions like English language learner instruction and career-technical education, while also providing workplace protections such as classroom size limits for students with disabilities and enhanced safety notifications. The wage increases and improved benefits aim to attract and retain educators in Detroit's public schools, which is essential for maintaining educational quality and stability for students.

What's next

The school board must approve the contract before it becomes final
The current union contract expires June 30

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com