KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Members of the Kalamazoo Education Association teacher’s union turned out to picket the Kalamazoo Public Schools board meeting last night, and made it clear they want a better offer.
They have been working without a contract since the beginning of the school year, and several teachers stepped up to the podium to tell trustees that it’s getting harder to get by on a teacher’s salary.
“I do not feel respected as a professional,” said one, with another saying “The climate of our schools becomes more stressful for everyone,” and a third teacher saying “We want to show that we are valued rather than disposable.”
Union president Heather Reid pointed out that the district had made considerable strides in test scores and attendance and they deserved a raise.
“We want to work, and we want to work hard, and we want to take part in the wonderful advances that KPS is making.”
Superintendent Darrin Slade says he meets with the union president regularly and talks are continuing.
“So I do want the teachers to know that our goal is to bring this contract situation want to resolve that very soon. I talked to her today that is our goal,” he says.
Districts are facing their own financial uncertainty these days with the state budget in Lansing and the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education in Washington.
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