Flint Community Schools and The United Teachers of Flint Reach Historic Restoration Agreement, Paving the Way for Educational Excellence
FLINT, MICHIGAN - April 4, 2024 - Flint Community Schools (FCS) and the United Teachers of Flint (UTF) are pleased to announce the culmination of constructive dialogue and collaboration, resulting in a historic Restoration Agreement that marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to educational excellence and the well-being of our future scholars, educators, and community.
On April 3, 2024, after a special session, The Flint Board of Education unanimously passed with a 7-0 vote, and the United Teachers of Flint later ratified the tentative agreement reached on March 25, 2024.
This landmark agreement, reached after nearly 15 hours of collaborative, honest, and constructive dialogue, reflects our shared dedication to fostering an environment where every scholar can receive a high-quality education delivered by qualified, dedicated educators. The agreement underscores the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the future of our children and acknowledges their invaluable contributions to our community.
Bruce Jordan, MEA UniServ Director, and Karen Christian, UTF President, jointly stated, “We look forward to working with the district to address vital recruitment and retention of both teachers and students – The Time is Now. We are hopeful. This agreement goes a long way in restoring the trust we have had with the District and the Board.”
Furthermore, Kevelin Jones, Superintendent of Flint Community Schools, emphasized, “The collaboration between the Board of Education, Administration, and the United Teachers of Flint sparked a much-appreciated joint focus on the future of our school community. This historic restoration calls for continued focus on right sizing and fiscal responsibility. Although all educators support the needs of our students...Teachers are the most important intervention for student growth and development, and I appreciate each one of our teachers."
Flint Community Schools and United Teachers of Flint, through open and respectful dialogue, have worked tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of our educators and scholars while also focusing on the sustainability and growth of our district. This agreement recognizes the importance of fair compensation and supportive working conditions for teachers, as well as emphasizes the critical importance of professional development and ongoing training to further enhance the quality of education provided to our future scholars.
In addition to celebrating this significant achievement, Flint Community Schools remains committed to making informed decisions regarding the right sizing, closure, and repurposing of buildings within our district. As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of education, we are dedicated to ensuring that our resources are allocated efficiently to best serve the needs of our scholars and community.
Likewise, we are working together to actively evaluate decisions regarding vacant properties, with a focus on maximizing their potential to benefit the community and support our educational objectives. Our goal is to make strategic and sustainable decisions that align with our vision for the future of Flint Community Schools.
This Agreement stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership in driving positive change within our schools and community. We commend the dedication and commitment demonstrated by both FCS and UTF in reaching this historic milestone, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we work together to provide the best possible education for the students of Flint.
------------------
A press conference will be held to provide further insights into the details and implications of the agreement. Representatives from the Flint Board of Education, Superintendent Kevelin Jones, Bruce Jordan, MEA UniServ Director, and Karen Christian, UTF President will be available to address questions from the media before the next Flint Board of Education’s regular board meeting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 5:30 pm.