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Union-led climate-and-culture survey shows mixed staff views; union calls for anti-retaliation statement
Summary
A presentation to the Hamtramck board summarized results of a union-distributed climate-and-culture survey of roughly 123 staffers: strengths included respect for students and planning time for many teachers; concerns centered on inconsistent discipline, limited staff input on policy changes, perceived lack of district responsiveness and weak prioritization of staff retention. The union urged a board statement condemning retaliation for grievances.
A union representative presented results of a recently conducted climate-and-culture survey and urged the Hamtramck School District board to act on staff concerns.
The presenter said about 123 staff members completed the survey and described the 1–5 response scale used. The report highlighted areas of strength — for example, about 60% of respondents said their principal demonstrates respect for students; roughly 59% said they received schedules and adequate planning time — and areas needing improvement, such as consistent handling of student discipline (only about 36% agreement) and whether principals respect the collective-bargaining agreement (around 40%).
The presenter acknowledged a technical glitch affecting assistant-principal items that likely skewed those results by an estimated 5–6% and asked the board not to 'put people on blast' but instead to engage in targeted follow-up. Recommendations included conversations with staff at highly rated buildings to identify effective practices, targeted outreach to lower-rated buildings, and a clear board statement condemning retaliation so staff will feel safe filing grievances under the contract.
The union representative also offered a recurring, practical suggestion: require building and central-office administrators to substitute in classrooms once a month so leaders experience daily realities and to improve empathy and communication.
Board members thanked the presenters and indicated staff will circulate the full survey slides and comment text to the board for further review.
