Members of Detroit Federation of Teachers union pick leader

DETROIT (AP) - Members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers union have selected a new president.

The Detroit News reports (http://bit.ly/1B7NHn9 ) union members on Saturday elected Steve Conn, who has taught math in Detroit Public Schools since 1986. He defeated Edna Reaves, the union's executive vice president.

Conn says his election is testament to teachers wanting a progressive agenda. He says they are "fed up with the destruction of their jobs, their schools and their students. They voted to stand up."

The district is run by a state-appointed emergency manager.

Keith Johnson, who is retiring from his post leading the 4,000-member union, describes Conn as his nemesis of nearly 30 years. He says he's "gravely concerned about the future of this union," saying Conn's answer to disagreements would be to strike or protest.

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Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com