The
Senate approved a bailout package for the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) on
Wednesday after much discussion.
The
package has few changes from the House plan that passed last week. The bills
would establish a new Detroit Community School District and return control to
an elected school board. The new district can hire uncertified teachers and
would not include a Detroit Education Commission. DPS would remain to pay down
debts through the 18-mill property tax on non-homestead property.
The
Senate Fiscal Agency analysis on Tuesday showed a potential shortage of $88
million for K-12 schools, over 10 years. An amendment provides that the General
Fund would pick up any over run, of the School Aid Fund. HB 5384 was also amended to treat public
schools and charter schools the same in terms of closure. The state school
reform/redesign officer shall consider other public school options available to
students in the grade levels offered by the public school academy (PSA) or site
who live in the geographic area served by the PSA or site.
The
Senate Republican Caucus held an almost 2-hour meeting over the House plan to
gather the 19 minimum votes to pass the package. Following the caucus, which
included a presentation from Governor Rick Snyder, the bills were passed within
two hours. Senate Minority Floor Leader Morris Hood III (D-Detroit) voiced his
opposition by calling Senate Republicans “cowards” for abandoning the Senate
plan that passed earlier this year. Several Senate Democrats felt the House
plan would effectively end a traditional public school district in Detroit.
House Democrats also stood in opposition of the bills with Detroit
Representatives being denied requests to speak.
All
changes have been approved in both the House and the Senate and the package
awaits Governor Snyder’s approval.