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FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) — Westwood Heights School District teachers –chanting ‘we want a contract’ –staged an ‘informational picket’ outside of Hamady High School before Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting.
The teachers have been working without a contract since June 30th.
“Our shirt says ‘why not us’ because the teachers are beginning to feel very under-served and very unappreciated,” said Dianne Coplin.
The elementary science teacher didn’t hold back–questioning why administrators and support staff were all offered new contracts:
“Look at what you’ve given them in raises – and then think about your teachers,” she said to the board.
Coplin says this is especially hard to stomach given that the District is doing well right now:
“Our classrooms are full,” she said,”we’re just built this great big football stadium that we’re going to open tomorrow night. All of this is going on – yet they’re not offering the teacher’s anything.”
The last meeting between negotiators was Monday afternoon.
Superintendent Peter Toal says the lines of communication are open:
“I’ve met with them every time they’re requested a meeting,” he said,” I’ve called for several myself.”
When asked about their demands for a wage increase – he had this to say:
“We continue to meet with the teacher’s representatives on a regular basis, and we’ll continue to do our negotiating through that process.”
The contract that ended in June was a three year contract.
The teachers would like another three year contract.
They say they’ll continue their work in the classroom as this plays out.
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