Lawmakers Unveil a Plan for DPS
Does the New DPS Bill Strike the Right Balance for Parents and Lawmakers?
Detroit Public Schools
A new plan to help Detroit Public Schools has emerged in the state Senate. It includes more than $700 million dollars, a plan to split the district in two, and an election in August.
For clarity on this Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson talked to Democratic State Senator Bert Johnson.
Johnson has been working with state lawmakers to get legislation for DPS approved. While it is expected to go through the Senate, Johnson tells Henderson that “the House is much more volatile.” The key controversial detail is the Detroit Education Commission which would give the mayor site control over where schools can open up in the city. It would also give them power to open and close charter schools along with public schools.
When asked how the bill balances the concerns of parents and lawmakers in Lansing, Johnson said there are three things that have to be done: the debt has to be cleared (currently $4,000 per student goes toward debt relief), local control has to be restored, and a superintendent with a “consistent tenure” is needed.
Click on the audio above to hear the entire conversation.
