Detroit isn’t the only public school system in Michigan facing big challenges. But it’s the biggest one in the state that has a fresh opportunity to write a positively new chapter in education.
The selection of a new superintendent by Detroit’s newly-elected school board (is) (was) the 7-member body’s first major task. After 8 years of state control, it’s a new day of self-governing for the 46-thousand student district. The long-term stability of a city on the rebound will hinge greatly on the new educational regime’s leadership and results. Everyone is watching!
How will student education improve? How will families be attracted back to the district? How will teacher vacancies be filled? How will employee and parent morale be boosted? And how will the district be stabilized financially?
When Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a $617 million state aid package for DPS last year, he hailed it as “a new day” for the district. The new bill suddenly erased a $467 million debt.
But that’s the past. The immediate and future obstacles facing DPS are poverty, transportation issues and multiple school closings. It’s a tall order for the entire Detroit Community District but also a do-or-die opportunity to reform Detroit schools into an urban education system that is once again envied across America.
I’m Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager
Broadcast: April 13 - 16. 2017
