Welcome Back WTU Family!

Again, Happy New Year! I trust your return to the classroom has been both smooth and invigorating. I hope you safely enjoyed the recent snow days, relishing the extra time with family.

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news:

DC Council Unanimously Approves WTU's Five-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement with DCPS

During today's unexpected snow day, the DC City Council unanimously approved our five-year collective bargaining agreement with DC Public Schools. This new agreement will benefit approximately 5,776 teachers, including wage increases totaling 12%, improved working conditions, and enhanced benefits, with an estimated cost of $238.9 million through fiscal year 2028. The unanimous support of the DC Council reflects a commitment to teacher retention and student success, and we at WTU could not be more proud or thrilled.

For those interested in viewing the ratification and hearing discussions by DC City Council officials, we've posted the proceedings here.

Now, DCPS has 120 days to process your retroactive 4% bonus for the 2023-24 school year and your 2% raise backdated to October 1st, 2024. We are committed to ensuring timely and fair compensation for all members and will provide you and your building representatives with detailed information on the new CBA conditions that school leaders and DCPS must immediately follow. Your unwavering dedication is greatly appreciated.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our newly elected officials and look forward to collaborating with you in the coming years.

Have a fantastic week with your students!

In solidarity,

WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons

Social Security Fairness Act Signed Into Law by President Biden

Thank you to all the WTU members and WTU retirees who made calls, wrote letters, and signed petitions in support of the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on January 5th, 2024. Now, millions of workers will have the opportunity to retire penalty-free! Thank you to our members for your work in getting this done.

In Loving Memory of Ms. Christine Antoinette Savoy ("Ms. Carter")

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Ms. Christine Antoinette Savoy, known to us as Ms. Carter, who touched countless lives at Wheatley through her tireless dedication to teaching and her unwavering belief in her students' potential. She passed away on December 14, 2024.

A native Washingtonian, Ms. Carter, a beloved computer science teacher, worked with students of all grades, inspiring them with her warmth, kindness, and commitment to their success. Chris lived by the mantra, “Life is an adventure.” She was kind, free-spirited, loved to travel and experience the finer things in life, including good food and breathtaking sights. Adorned with flowers in her hair, vibrant head wraps, and distinctive jewelry, Christine’s colorful style reflected her zest for life. Known affectionately as "Christie Love," she brought positivity to every situation and inspired everyone she encountered to live boldly and authentically. Christine will be remembered as a devoted mother, visionary educator, and radiant soul whose life embodied love, resilience, and boundless optimism. Her light will continue to shine brightly in the countless lives she touched.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who mourn her loss. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Read more.

Ward Education Council Meetings

• Jan 16, 2025 @ 6:30PM, Ward 8 Education Council January Meeting, REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Mark your calendars now!

"Bowling for Gold" Tournament hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO.

When: Sunday, February 2, 2025

Where: Crofton Bowling Centre

Enjoy a day of bowling with your fellow union members and colleagues while supporting the Community Services Agency's Emergency Assistance Fund. WTU will pay the bowling fee which includes three games and the shoe rental. Please reach out to Mike Roland ([email protected]) if you’d like to attend individually or with a school team. Don't miss the fun—sign up today!

WTU members will have an opportunity to ask OSSE questions on the proposed high school graduation requirements in a virtual meeting on Jan 29, 2025 at 4:30-5:30PM. ONLINE MEETING LINK

We hope you will attend this very important meeting. Please take a moment to give questions, comments, or concerns regarding the proposed requirements via this FORM.

• Jan 13, 2025 @ 5PM, C.O.P.E. Meeting, INFORMATION
• Jan 14, 2025 @ 4:30PM, Rep Assembly, INFORMATION
• Jan 16, 2025 @ 6:30PM, Ward 8 Education Council January Meeting, REGISTER
• Jan 29, 2025 @ 4:30-5:30PM, WTU-OSSE | Reimagining High School Graduation Requirements Listening Session, INFORMATION

• Dec 13, 2024, NPR, How D.C. tackled a child care crunch through a tax hike on the rich
• Dec 16, 2024, The State Board Slate, To ban or not to ban cell phones in District Schools?
• Dec 17, 2024, NBC News, 17-year-old girl shot and wounded near Dunbar High School

• LEA Look Forward for Dec. 20, 2024: Revised Model Policies: School Safety Omnibus Amendment Act, FY24 ESSER Annual Reporting and More
• LEA Look Forward for Jan. 3, 2025: Inclement Weather Instructional Days Reminder, School Health Profiles and More
• Fund for Teachers Program Dates: Summer 2025 Application Deadline: January 23, 2025. More Information

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