KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – For the third year in a row, teachers in Kalamazoo Public Schools have started the school year without a contract, and they aren’t happy about it.
Union president Heather Reid told trustees at their latest school board meeting that they are doing their jobs, improving test scores and graduation rates.
“Beginning a school year without a contract should be the exception. It should not be the expectation. That uncertainty is taking a toll on staff morale,” said Reid.
She urged the trustees to bring the negotiations to a swift conclusion.
“We want a contract that is fair to our members, supports the work educators do every day and helps public schools attract and retain excellent educators.”
Some parents also appeared to urge action on the contract, saying that KPS is losing teachers to other nearby districts, because their wage increases are not keeping pace.
Trustees did not respond.
Their role in union negotiations is to set budget ranges in the summer and leave the negotiations to the superintendent and the district labor attorney.
Comments