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Detroit Public Schools Community District prepares for a new school year

Posted at 5:21 AM, Sep 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-01 05:52:50-04

There is less than a week until the start of a new school year for most kids. In Detroit - it is history making.

The district starts the school year with a balanced budget for the first time in years - thanks to legislation that addressed debt.

When lawmakers passed this legislation, they created two districts -- the old one to pay down debt and a new one to educate kids.

So when school starts next week, it will be a new district the Detroit Public Schools Community District. It symbolizes, for many, a new start.

District leaders have addressed the new academic opportunities they are offering - and the challenges this new district faces in the near and long term as it tries to overcome a troubled past.

There is one big area of concern. Judge Steven Rhodes says lawmakers didn't do enough -- that they underfunded the restructuring of the district by $50 million.

"I have discussed this matter with the governor and he has told me he will do everything in his power to find that money for us. I will continue to hold the governor to that and ask the people of Detroit to do the same," said Rhodes.