DPSCD board approves new teacher contract that includes pay raises, AI policy

July 15, 2026

The Detroit school board has approved new two-year contracts for teachers and office employees that feature substantial salary increases and groundbreaking provisions regarding artificial intelligence usage in classrooms. The Detroit Federation of Teachers contract, covering over 5,000 education professionals for 2026-2028, provides annual raises of 3. 7% for staff with master's degrees and establishes maximum salaries reaching over $100,000 by 2027-28.

Who is affected

More than 5,000 Detroit Federation of Teachers members, including teachers, paraprofessionals, academic interventionists, and psychologists
Detroit Association of Educational Office Employees members
Substitute teachers working in the district
General education prekindergarten through fifth grade homeroom teachers
Speech and language pathologists (like Michelle Awesome at Jerry L. White Center)
Lead teachers in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies for grades K-12
Students in Detroit Public Schools Community District
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and the Detroit school board
Beginning and veteran teachers in the region
Teachers with students diagnosed with autism or emotional impairment

What action is being taken

The school board is implementing annual 3.7% raises for teachers and ancillary staff with master's degrees
The district is advancing all union members one step in the pay scale each year (except those in alternative certification programs)
Substitute teachers are receiving 3% raises in both contract years
The district is providing additional compensation for substitutes who cover absences on Mondays or Fridays
DPSCD is maintaining or increasing healthcare cost contributions up to the 80% threshold
The district is publishing and maintaining a list of approved AI tools at the beginning of each school year
The district is providing ongoing professional development on AI to union members

Why it matters

This contract represents a significant investment in teacher recruitment and retention during a time when veteran teachers are retiring and districts compete for qualified staff. The salary increases, particularly the region-leading starting salary of $57,400 for beginning teachers, position Detroit as a competitive employer in attracting new talent. The groundbreaking AI language establishes critical boundaries around technology use in education, ensuring AI serves as a support tool rather than replacing professional judgment in sensitive areas like grading, discipline, and special education decisions. The contract's early approval—the earliest since 1994—demonstrates improved labor relations, while provisions addressing substitute teacher shortages, special education classroom caps, and enhanced professional development compensation directly tackle staffing challenges that impact student achievement and attendance.

What's next

The top annual salary for teachers with master's degrees will reach $96,500 in 2026-27 and $100,100 in 2027-28
Lead teacher positions will become available in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies for grades K-12
The district will publish a list of approved AI tools at the beginning of the school year
Teachers will participate in ongoing professional development on AI usage, including responsible use, data privacy, and bias identification
The contract will cover the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com