8/9/2022
On August 8th, 2022, nearly 800 teachers, students, parents, and other members of the working class rallied in support of Peoria Public Schools District 150 (PPS) teachers & students. The Peoria Federation of Teachers Local 780 (PFT) has been without a contract since June 30th of this year. Despite 19 meetings with PPS administrators, no movement has been made in getting teachers the contract and concessions they are demanding. The PFT is now calling for Federal mediation in contract disputes.
PFT President Jeff Atkins-Dutro said the union has a number of demands from the administration:
- A systems analysis of the District because morale is low & stress is high.
- Lowering class sizes
- Student discipline
- Employee protections
- Proposals for attendance
- Academic integrity by fixing social promotions
- Bolster the Fine Arts
- More workspace
- Certified school counselor in every school
Atkins-Dutro also said PFT wants higher salaries. The average starting salary for a PPS teacher is around $30,000 a year.
See my full interview with Atkins Dutro:
