Teachers in the Troy School District, frustrated with their current financial standing, took to the streets Tuesday, picketing for a new contract and improved pay outside a school board meeting. Working without a contract since February 1st, educators have taken a stand against what they perceive as disrespect towards their profession. According to a CBS News Detroit, a local high school history teacher, "It's about respect. Troy teachers deliver a world-class education every day. And we believe that we deserve a contract that reflects that."
Amid mutual concerns about teacher retention and recruitment, the district and the Troy Education Association, representing around 800 staff members, are looking into using a mediator to finalize an agreement. "We're in the midst of teacher hiring season, and it's going to be hard to fill those vacancies before the fall. We don't want empty classrooms," Jason Cichowicz, the president of Troy Education Association, per CBS News Detroit. The district acknowledges its $32 million in reserves, which teachers argue should be used for their compensation, and intends to use a portion to settle the contract, as per discussions with the union.
As the negotiations drag, Troy teachers highlight the district's substantial fund balance in comparison to other school districts in the area. The Oakland Press reports that the $32 million fund equity is the second highest in Oakland County. Yet it is only slightly over the average, with the district maintaining it is a best practice recommended by auditors. "We are slightly over the average in the county. Best practice, as identified by our auditors, suggests that school districts maintain approximately 15%," the district stated.
However, the union claims that Troy's financial conservatism comes at the cost of fair treatment and compensation for teachers. "The Troy School District is sitting on a massive fund balance, yet district leaders refuse to fairly compensate local teachers and treat us with dignity," teacher Alex Benitez said, as per The Oakland Press. The reported 15 bargaining sessions have yet to yield a new contract, necessitating the presence of an independent mediator, set to meet on Wednesday, which will fall on a date when Troy teachers continue to rally for their cause.
With teachers and parents united in their call for competitive wages and improved working conditions, the demonstration before the school board meeting serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles in public education. As reported by Patch, this year's bargaining has been mired in complexity, due to the re-introduction of previously prohibited bargaining topics state-wide. The district expressed ambition to align Troy's pay scale among the top in Michigan, but as of now, no bargaining breakthrough has been reported.
