Union president and teachers urge fair contract, emphasize classroom care as board prepares for negotiations

Richard Taber, president of the Northville Education Association, used public comment to urge the board to negotiate a “fair and equitable contract” for district educators. Taber said Northville Public Schools has carried a historically high fund balance and noted the district’s most recent year-end fund balance was cited as 34 percent in discussion, higher than projections previously presented during negotiations.

“Given our status as a top district driven by highly dedicated staff and with robust and growing financial reserves, it's time for our contract to truly reflect the value of our employees,” Taber said, asking the board to pursue a contract commensurate with staff contributions.

Later in the public-comment period, Stacy Sutter Katikos, a Northville teacher and longtime district resident, spoke about the classroom relationship between teachers and students and said teachers’ central role is to make students feel seen and supported. “Every student walks into their classroom every day with three questions. Do you see me? Do you hear me? Do you care?” Katikos told the board.

Board members had earlier moved to a closed session under the Open Meetings Act to discuss negotiations, taking a roll-call vote later in the meeting. The board recorded unanimous support to convene the closed session.

Why it matters: the comments framed local expectations ahead of labor negotiations. Taber’s remarks tied contract demands to the district’s reported fund balance and asked for compensation that reflects the district’s fiscal position; Katikos’ remarks emphasized teachers’ role in student well-being, which board members cited when discussing personnel and negotiations.

The board will discuss negotiations in closed session as permitted by statute and will release information consistent with legal requirements after confidential discussions conclude.