DETROIT - In a power struggle between the Detroit Board of Education and Robert Bobb, the district's emergency financial manager, a Wayne Circuit Court judge has ruled that Bobb may not close schools or implement his academic plan without consulting the board, The Detroit News reported.
The judge granted a preliminary injunction temporarily halting Bobb's plans to end social promotion, change grade levels in schools and test students every quarter, saying those overstepped his authority, according to The News. He also may not move ahead with plans to close up to 40 schools.
The Rev. David Murray, a school board member, told The News the injunction "protects the rights of the people who elected us," while Bobb said the judge "sentenced the school children of the city of Detroit to continued failure."
Both sides are expected back in court this week, with Bobb saying he will fight the ruling, according to The News. Separate media reports said that summer school might be cancelled due to the decision and that Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said his office will back Bobb in the dispute.
SOURCES:
The Detroit News, "Judge
halts Bobb's plans for DPS," April 17, 2010
The Associated Press, "Detroit could cancel summer school after ruling," April 17, 2010
Mlive.com, "Attorney General Mike Cox backs Robert Bobb after judge halts plans for Detroit schools," April 19, 2010
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, "Detroiters
Yearn For Tuition Tax Credits," Jan. 29, 2010
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