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Detroit charter school administrators found not in compliance with state requirements

Posted at 8:40 AM, Aug 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-04 20:31:05-04

Top administrators running a Detroit charter school may be more familiar with a courtroom than a classroom.

Some administrators became famous because of close ties to former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick who is now serving 28 years in prison on a Federal corruption conviction.

The top administrator of the charter "Detroit Community Schools" is Sharon McPhail. She's been low key at the school for almost four years. She's been high profile in the past as one of the attorneys working for the former mayor and she was elected to the Detroit City Council.

The Michigan Department of Education confirms to 7 Action News that an investigation found McPhail and one other administrator, Echelle Jordan, are not in compliance with state certification requirements. 

A letter from the State of Michigan Department of Education indicates that the administrators out of compliance will be financially penalized in the upcoming school year and suffer state aid deductions. 

The Bridge Magazine was the first to look into questions to try to get better state oversight and reforms:

McPhail told 7 Investigator Jim Kiertzner back in April that people make mistakes and that should not keep them from working. McPhail also says the state investigation. "will be dealt with."  McPhail's title on the school website changed from Superintendent to CAO after questions were raised.

According to McPhail the salaries are:
McPhail - $130,000
Coleman - $115,000
James - $75,000
Peoples - $73,500
Average teacher - $42,000

VIEW THE FULL LETTER FROM THE STATE BELOW: 

DCS Penalty Letter