We have a follow up to a story you saw first on WXYZ. Teachers at Taylor International Academy say they have just learned through a letter they will not receive earned compensation promised under their contract.
School was supposed to be underway until June 20 at the charter school in Southfield. However, the school suddenly shut down 20 days early saying it ran out of money.
“It was money for those children,” said Renee Jenkins, former Dean of Taylor International Academy, “It was tax payer dollars and where did it go?”
The letter dated June 5,2017 says, “On behalf of Human Resource Experts 0125, Inc., we have received notice from Central Michigan University, that the school’s operations ceased on May 31st, 2017, and will not reopen for the 2017-2018 school year. The effective date of your “Termination” is May 31st, 2017. Your employee benefit coverage(s) will cease on May 31st, 2017. We are in communication with Central Michigan University and all of the stakeholders are are trying to learn as much as we can about this issue.”
Teachers say they were told this letter means they will not be paid and they do not have health coverage.
Seven Action News reached out to Central Michigan University. The university told us last month it would work to the best of its ability to ensure teachers were paid. We reached out again today. A spokesperson said the university was trying to find ways to preserve grant dollars intended for the school so teachers would be paid. We asked why a letter was sent to teachers telling them they were essentially being cut off of benefits. The spokesperson said, while the letter said it was written after “notice from Central Michigan University,” it does not represent the university.
Still, there is no indication as to when teachers will have answers from Central Michigan University.
Lawmakers set up the charter school system in Michigan so that the state would not be responsible. Now, those with a part in running the school are pointing fingers at each other when asked who is responsible.
Central Michigan University is the school’s authorizer. It has the job of providing academic and financial oversight. For that, it receives 3% of the tax dollars paid per pupil to the school. A spokesperson has said that the board and the school's management company are responsible.
Board members tell Seven Action News they have no comment, as the school board was dissolved. The management company said it inherited financial problems when it tried to help, has not been paid since November, and has no money to provide teachers.
Staff at this school say laws need to be changed to ensure accountability for your tax dollars and your children’s education.
“It’s about the children. When they can’t come to school and the building is closed, something is wrong. But you got your 3%,” said Jenkins of her message to Central Michigan University.
“These are your tax dollars,” said Nourbese Campbell, now former 4th Grade Teacher at Taylor International Academy. “These are the people you voted into office to represent you. You need to start seeking out your representatives and write letters and complain about this. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”
