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D.C. Council Unanimously Approves Five-Year Teachers’ Contract Worth About $239M Through FY28
Summary
The Council approved an emergency declaration and voted to adopt a five-year collective bargaining agreement between DC Public Schools and the Washington Teachers Union covering roughly 5,776 teachers; the CFO estimated an FY25 cost of about $52.1 million and a total cost through FY28 of about $238.9 million.
Councilmember Robert White moved the emergency declaration to approve a collective bargaining agreement between DC Public Schools and the Washington Teachers Union (WTU). Chair Phil Mendelson and several councilmembers praised the agreement and urged support before the Council voted unanimously to adopt the emergency declaration and then the underlying resolution.
On the floor, Mendelson summarized contract terms: “The agreement provides for a 4% bonus in lieu of a wage increase for fiscal 2024, a 2% wage increase for fiscal year 2025, a 3% wage increase for fiscal year 2026, a 3% wage increase for fiscal year 2027, and a 4% wage increase for fiscal year 2028.” He also said the CFO estimates the agreement will cost the district approximately $52,100,000 in fiscal year 2025 and a total of approximately $238,900,000 through fiscal year 2028. The agreement adds optical, dental and legal benefits, includes athletic trainers in the bargaining unit for the first time, and contains new planning-time protections and leave benefits.
Councilmember Robert White offered a floor statement stressing the contract’s value to teachers and students, calling the accord “a testament to the dedication of our teachers and the commitment of both teachers and the administration and the council to ensure stability for our students.” Councilmember Bonds noted the agreement was ratified by 96% of union members and described it as equitable and supportive of teacher retention and working conditions.
Why it matters: The contract reshapes teacher compensation, benefits, and working conditions across DCPS and carries a multi-year budgetary commitment. The Council’s approval enables the district to implement the negotiated terms.
What’s next: The emergency declaration and resolution were adopted on Jan. 7, 2025. Implementation details will proceed through DCPS and the mayor’s office per the contract and budgetary process.
