Hopefully, the Detroit Public School system is a step closer to hitting the reset button. But it's not a done deal and the clock is still ticking!
A few weeks ago, former bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes was appointed transition manager. He quickly and skillfully brought on board DPS veteran Alycia Meriweather as interim superintendent.
Last week, the Michigan House passed a $48.7 million stopgap measure to keep schools open until the end of this school year. The Senate agreed.
In addition, earlier this week, the Senate approved Governor Snyder's $715 million reform package. It happened on a 21 to 16 bi-partisan vote. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan supported the plan.
The legislation isn't perfect and there will be plenty to debate when it reaches the Michigan House. Fiscal conservatives, charter school advocates and public school unions are weighing in. But on balance, it's sensible legislation that will save Michiganders money and the state's largest school system from a costly bankruptcy! The bill also includes a plan for financial oversight, an educational reform commission and the return to an elected school board.
There's much to do in a very short period of time. But lawmakers should be guided by the future of 47-thousand innocent students who had nothing to do with adult mistakes and politics!
Reset the Detroit Public Schools now!
I'm Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager
Broadcast: March 24-27, 2016
