Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/dc-schools-chancellor-teachers-union-reach-tentative-deal Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter D.C. Schools Chancellor, Teachers Union Reach Tentative Deal Education Apr 7, 2010 6:18 PM EDT Washington, D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee has reached a tentative deal with the city’s teachers’ union for a new five-year contract. Rhee came to Washington in 2007 with an ambitious plan to reform the city’s troubled schools, but has had a rocky relationship with the union over her desire to weaken tenure protections and implement a pay-for-performance salary structure for teachers. Special correspondent for education John Merrow has been chronicling Rhee’s efforts, and he spoke to correspondent Kwame Holman about the tentative agreement. Merrow said it could be a “win-win” for both Rhee and the teachers. “At first reading it seems as if Rhee may have gotten a little bit more than the union,” he said, including more ability to take into account teacher performance rather than seniority when deciding which teachers to let go. “However, the union got a big pay raise — 21 percent over 5 years.” Hear their full conversation: A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Washington, D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee has reached a tentative deal with the city’s teachers’ union for a new five-year contract. Rhee came to Washington in 2007 with an ambitious plan to reform the city’s troubled schools, but has had a rocky relationship with the union over her desire to weaken tenure protections and implement a pay-for-performance salary structure for teachers. Special correspondent for education John Merrow has been chronicling Rhee’s efforts, and he spoke to correspondent Kwame Holman about the tentative agreement. Merrow said it could be a “win-win” for both Rhee and the teachers. “At first reading it seems as if Rhee may have gotten a little bit more than the union,” he said, including more ability to take into account teacher performance rather than seniority when deciding which teachers to let go. “However, the union got a big pay raise — 21 percent over 5 years.” Hear their full conversation: A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now