Featured photo: Flint Community Schools teachers were hopeful at the April 3 special meeting before a landmark agreement was reached.
Photos by Tanya Terry
FLINT, MICHIGAN – April 4, 2024 – Flint Community Schools (FCS) and the United Teachers of Flint (UTF)
have announced the culmination of constructive dialogue and collaboration, resulting in a
historic Restoration Agreement that marks a significant milestone in their collective commitment to
educational excellence and the well–being of future scholars, educators and the community.
have announced the culmination of constructive dialogue and collaboration, resulting in a
historic Restoration Agreement that marks a significant milestone in their collective commitment to
educational excellence and the well–being of future scholars, educators and the 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 the shared dedication of FCS and the UTF 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 the 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 the educators and scholars while also focusing on
the sustainability and growth of the FCS 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 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 the
district. As they continue to navigate the evolving landscape of education, they are dedicated to ensuring
that their resources are allocated efficiently to best serve the needs of the scholars and community.
making informed decisions regarding the right sizing, closure, and repurposing of buildings within the
district. As they continue to navigate the evolving landscape of education, they are dedicated to ensuring
that their resources are allocated efficiently to best serve the needs of the scholars and community.
Likewise, FCS and the UTF are working together to actively evaluate decisions regarding vacant properties, with a focus on maximizing their potential to benefit the community and support educational objectives.
The goal is to make strategic and sustainable decisions that align with their vision for the future of Flint
Community Schools.
The goal is to make strategic and sustainable decisions that align with their 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.
Provided by Bruce Jordan, MEA UniServ director. More information will follow.
