Detroit Schools, Union Reach Plan For Returning To Classroom

DETROIT — Hazard pay for staff and mandatory COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated employees are among measures included in a reopening agreement announced Monday between the Detroit Public Schools Community District and the Detroit Federation of Teachers.

The reopening agreement lays out the plan for teachers and ancillary staff to return to the classroom and schools for in-person teaching while adhering to several updated COVID-19 measures.

The agreement continues many of the protocols and systems implemented last year when the district opened schools before access to the vaccine, district officials said.

“We are all excited to have our students back in schools and classrooms in the fall," said Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District. "As a district, I am proud that we did everything we could to meet the needs of our employees, students, and families during the most difficult times of the pandemic. Everyone did their part to keep each other safe and supported.

"This agreement signals that we are all on the same page to restart our reform efforts that had great momentum before the pandemic. With a much-needed infusion of one-time Federal COVID Relief funding we will be able to effectively address absenteeism, learning loss, mental health, and many of our long-term facility needs."

One provision agreed to by both parties is the continuation of the joint Labor Management Committee on Schools Reopening. The committee will continue to meet weekly and review reopening issues, according to officials.

The agreement also provides teachers and auxiliary staff hazard pay up to $2,000 and another $2,000 if teachers need to work with students in a blended learning environment, such as in-person learners coupled with online learners.

While much of the reopening plan focuses on in-classroom teaching measures, provisions are included regarding new and separate district-operated Virtual School.

The agreement also provides additional support for any union member who performs work in person and contracts COVID-19 or is asked to quarantine by offering paid sick leave. In the event a teacher is asked to quarantine and is asymptomatic, instruction will continue remotely to ensure continuity of student learning, according to the agreement.

“As a board, we understand it is time to make the necessary provisions to ensure all students can return to their classrooms this fall,” said Angelique Peterson-Mayberry, DPSCD Board of Education President. “We believe our protocols are proven to work and we applaud our students and teachers who have demonstrated we can effectively perform seemingly difficult tasks. We thank the DFT for their partnership and willingness to stand with us, students first.”