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Michigan law provides that once the Detroit Public School system (DPS) dips below 100,000 enrolled students they must forfeit their "first class school district" status. Since the district fell below 100,000 students on the September 2008 count day, DPS is now a "general powers" school district and has lost any and all of the special privileges they previously enjoyed. One of the provisions of being a first class school district is a prohibition the opening any public charter schools in the city which are authorized by community colleges.
Earlier today the House Education Committee passed HB 4047 (Scott), a bill to extend "First Class School District" status to the Detroit Public School system (DPS) through July 2010, regardless of the district's enrollment.
In essence, this bill is a two-year moratorium on the consequences of DPS losing their special status, and passage will delay momentum for positive change and reforms needed to deliver a quality public election in the city. DPS officials stated during today's hearing that their top priority is to retain "first class school district" status, and this will be their request when they return to the legislature in July 2010.
Given the current concerns about district performance, and a vote in favor of HB 4047 is a strong endorsement of their status quo performance. What about the teachers, students and families waiting for change?
Our question is this: Who is speaking up for the children of Detroit in all of this? While Michigan's children are screaming for opportunities to receive a comprehensive and competitive education, who will deliver it for them?
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