Pontiac, Mich. – More than 300 days after their last contract expired, teachers in the Pontiac School District are still working without a new agreement, and their union president says morale is sinking.
“It feels like we don’t matter,” said Candice Ridley, a Pontiac teacher and president of the Pontiac Education Association. “Like we’re not valued.”
Ridley said the current situation marks the longest stretch Pontiac teachers have gone without a contract since she joined the district in 2011.
The previous contract expired June 30, 2025, 301 days ago, according to Ridley.
The Pontiac Education Association represents teachers and advocates on their behalf.
Ridley said attempts to reach a new agreement have been slow-going.
Ridley said teachers are pushing for better pay and more resources to serve students.
They are also seeking more input on key decisions that affect their classrooms and work environment.
“One of the big sticking points right now is we want to be on the interview panel for administrators,” Ridley said. “They hire these people that have a say in how our working conditions are and what our lives look like in the classroom, but they don’t want us at the table to be a part of that conversation.”
Ridley said paraprofessionals and secretaries are also working without a contract and are involved in their own negotiations.
She said PEA began trying to start talks with the district in April of last year, months before the contract expired, but is still waiting for a resolution.
The prolonged uncertainty, Ridley said, has led some teachers to leave and others to plan their exit.
“They’re frustrated. They feel like they don’t matter, so why stay someplace when the people above you treat you like you are unimportant?” Ridley said.
Local 4 contacted the Pontiac School District multiple times on Monday, beginning at 11 a.m., seeking comment and is awaiting a response.
Ridley said she remains hopeful an agreement can be reached.
More negotiations are scheduled for Wednesday.