DETROIT - Detroit Public Schools board members were to meet Monday to hash out the terms of a revised deficit elimination plan, this one calling for the possibility of closing schools, cutting 400 staff jobs and trimming hours for assorted non-teacher instructional positions, according to The Detroit News.
The board must submit a plan to the state by Dec. 5, after which State Superintendent of Instruction Michael Flanagan will decide whether the state should take over district finances, The News reported.
No additional teachers are expected to be laid off next year, according to The News, though 818 teaching jobs already have been eliminated through attrition or past layoffs. The plan does call for $19 million in employee concessions this year, but Detroit Federation of Teachers President Virginia Cantrell told the News that the "DFT is not looking at concessions."
School board members are divided on the plan, The News reported. Board member Marie Thornton said that the state is not putting similar pressure on other deficit districts, but member Tyrone Winfrey said the plan is preferable to state intervention.
SOURCE:
The Detroit News, "DPS plan requires deep cuts," Nov. 27, 2008
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "DPS lays off 300," Oct. 7, 2008
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.