Letter from the District of Columbia Public Schools About Proposed Teachers’ Contract Negotiations

October 2, 2008 The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has proposed new teachers' contract that features a merit-based pay arrangement. The proposal would permit current teachers to select the merit-based track or to remain in the tenure track. Both tracks would provide raises. The merit-pay track calls for all teachers to be evaluated during the first year of the contract. Those who pass are eligible for bonuses based on student achievement; those who do not pass the evaluation may be terminated. The negotiations are on hold. Until a new contract is ratified, DCPS will implement a . . .