Member Communication

D.C. Public Schools Closures: Less Wages, Fewer Benefits and Reduced Pensions for Teachers

Dear WTU Members:

As you may know, the Government of the District of Columbia released a report recommending the closure and transformation of 36 traditional public schools into independently operated charter schools in the District of Columbia's most high-needs communities. Click here to view the report, "Quality Schools: Every Child, Every School, Every Neighborhood."

I have met earlier with Deputy Mayor for Education De'Shawn Wright and D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson. Some ideas and reports are a threat to your welfare and viability in addition to traditional public education. We must not react but plan to elect public officials who value traditional public education and teachers!

All members are summoned to an upcoming general membership meeting on February 23, 2012 (more details to come) to discuss this issue and contribute to WTU's Political Action Committee to ensure we elect local leaders with a strong and sincere commitment to traditional public education and teachers.

WTU is serious about its responsibility to give a voice to the value of traditional public education, teachers, students and even communities that face the possibility of a new reality with fewer educational resources.

Nathan A. Saunders

President, Washington Teachers' Union