Most plans for Detroit Public Schools are coming from lawmakers from anywhere but Detroit, but what are Detroit lawmakers doing to shape the future of Detroit Public Schools?
“We’re being bombarded with e-mails, phone calls, people are always asking 'What are Detroit lawmakers doing?'” said Rep. Harvey Santana (D-Detroit)
He says politics make things difficult. Republicans control the agendas in the House and Senate. Still, Detroit lawmakers say they are working to build relationships across the aisle. They are sharing ideas.
On Tuesday a group of Detroit lawmakers shared a five-page list of principles they say they are sharing with their colleagues. It lays out what they are for and against.
They asked for local control in the form of a school board. They said they are against plans to constrict collective bargaining agreements.
They asked for a commission to oversee both public and charter schools to grade schools and weigh in on what schools should open and close. They want the commission to have to comply with the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act.
They also want academic reforms. They want a city wide pre-kindergarten system, social workers in all schools to help kids deal with life’s struggles, extra help for kids that are behind, and partnerships with universities to help recruit teachers.
