It’s Time to Dump Detroit Public Schools

by Lindsey Stroud

From 2000 to 2015, Detroit Public Schools closed 195 schools, and student enrollment declined by 71 percent. Over the past four months, DPS’ problems have become even worse.  In January, 60 schools were shut down by a “sickout”—an organized protest in which all or nearly all teachers agree to call in sick on the same day. The stunt affected 31,000 students. In March, the Michigan Legislature approved nearly $50 million in emergency funds for DPS after the DPS emergency manager announced in January teachers should not expect to be paid beyond April 8. In Late March, federal officials charged 14 individuals — 12 former and current DPS principals, a vendor, and an administrator — for operating a bribery and kickback scheme that had been in operation for over 13 years.

What is DPS’ solution to these crises? More “emergency management.”.......To Read More