DETROIT — Shortly after the mother of an autistic student filed suit in federal court, Detroit Public Schools announced that the district will not lay off 88 bus attendants for special education students as previously announced, according to The Detroit News.
District officials said that Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb verified the need for attendants for 185 students based on a review of students’ Individual Education Plans, The News reported.
Paula Johnson filed the lawsuit on behalf of her elementary-age son and other children, according to The News. About 20 parents also spoke out against the layoffs at a meeting of the Michigan State Board of Education on Tuesday.
The layoffs were expected to save the district about $2 million, The News reported.
SOURCE:
The Detroit News, “Layoff
of DPS bus attendants halted,” Jan. 14, 2011
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Special education numbers down,”
September 11, 2010
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