Detroit Public Schools

On Thursday House Republicans passed a revised plan for Detroit Public Schools that pays down $500 million in debt and provides a $33 million emergency loan. The district is split into two and new language on strikes or lockouts in the district is added.

House Democrats remained in opposition largely due to the lack of the Detroit Education Commission being involved in the placement of schools and because the $500 million supplementary bills would prohibit current collective bargaining agreements from transferring. HB 5384, which creates a new district and outlines reforms, passed 57-51. HB 5383, which provides the $500 million passed 55-53.

Other bills in the package include SB 822 passing 55-53, HB 5387 passing 59-49, SB 711 passing 61-47, and SB 820 passing 59-49. No’s were predominantly Democratic with a few Republicans joining. Representative Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) said the House bills did not fully address the issues and criticized the majority for not working with the Democrats.

Under this legislation, the Financial Review Commission (FRC) is given an expanded role allowing them to oversee the school’s finances post-bankruptcy and allows them to oversee the community district. The FRC also approves the school board’s superintendent pick and any changes in their contract. The school board would be elected in August 2017, with the Governor appointing the interim board.

The House also plans on putting a School Reform/Redesign Office (SRO) in charge of closing schools. The SRO has the ability to rescind a school closure if the closure would negatively impact the students in the area.

House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R-Mount Pleasant) said it is too early to tell when the Senate will act on this legislation.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, May 6, 2016 10:48 AM
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