Flint teachers send message: 'We're ready to negotiate'

FLINT (WJRT) -- (05/21/08)--Wednesday night a Mid-Michigan teacher's union united to let school leaders know they're ready to negotiate.

In just a few months, more than 1,000 teacher contracts in the Flint School District will expire.

Dozens of teachers packed into Wednesday night's school board meeting. They didn't say a word, but their message was loud and clear.

Before heading into the Sarvis Conference Center for an evening of meetings, the Flint School Board and Superintendent Linda Thompson were greeted by shouting by pickets.

With an August contract deadline fast approaching for more than 1,200 educators, the United Teachers of Flint hit the concrete.

They came bearing t-shirts stating "Flint Kids Deserve the Best," but it's not to be confused for a protest.

"This is informational. Yes, we're saying we are ready to sit down and make sure we have the best for our students," said Michele Stinson with Flint Teachers United.

Heading into the new school year, teacher concerns involve class sizes, safety and meeting new educational requirements.

But the union has had to wait longer than normal to jump start those talks with the district.

"I really don't have an explanation to that, as to why we haven't had an opportunity," Stinson said.

"We haven't had a human resources department director for most of this school year," Thompson said.

But they do now. After the picket, dozens of teachers attended Wednesday's school board meeting. No one said a word. Just being there united spoke volumes.

"Yes, I was surprised, but I think it's great," the Flint School Board's Very Perry.

"I love to see unions stick together it shows solidarity and that they're ready and eager to start negotiations."

Wednesday night all the teachers directed questions to the union representative.

Talks between the union and the district will begin next week.

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