Third Charter School in New Orleans Votes for Union

WASHINGTON—Faculty at International High School of New Orleans, a charter school, voted today to be represented by a union, making it the third charter school in the city to unionize.

By a 26-18 vote, International High teachers and paraprofessionals will join two other charter schools in New Orleans—Benjamin Franklin High School and Morris Jeff Community School—to be represented by the United Teachers of New Orleans.

International High faculty said they wanted a union so they could have more of a voice on the job and in the education of their students, as well as greater job security and respect.

“I’m very excited about the vote and so proud of the courage of those who helped make this happen. I'm looking forward to the next step, which is meeting with the school’s board to negotiate an agreement that provides job security, fairness and transparency. All of us want to work together to provide the best program possible for our students,” said algebra teacher Cole Mills.

“It’s a great day for the teachers and paraprofessionals at International High. We look forward to working with the board and the administration to bargain an agreement that we can be proud of for the students and the staff,” said UTNO President Larry Carter.

UTNO is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, which now represents 228 charter schools nationwide.

“Teachers across the country care deeply about their students and schools, and want to be real partners in their education. The faculty at International High share that deep desire. Today, despite a vicious anti-union effort, they voted to act on that belief. They voted for a voice in their workplace and to make sure that the school, kids and teachers have the resources they need to succeed,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.