In
a memo to transitioning manager Steven Rhodes, the Miller Canfield law firm
stated the School Reform Office (SRO) shouldn’t be allowed to close schools in
the new Detroit Public Schools Community District until the SRO exists for
three consecutive years.
Legislation
enacted earlier this year established the new Detroit district in July and gave
the SRO power to close a school in the district on the priority schools list
for three consecutive years with some exemptions. In the memo, however, it was
interpreted the SRO has not operated any of the schools until July 1, 2016 and
therefore cannot order a closure until July 1, 2019.
Written
by Amanda VanDusen and Michelle Crockett, the memo added the primary purpose of
the Detroit schools legislation was to address financial and academic distress.
If priority schools are immediately closed, there could be a drop in per-pupil
funding that would undermine any potential progress. Additionally, since the
priority list is based on 2013 data, it cannot accurately reflect current
academic performance.
Christyn
Herman with the Department of Technology, Management and Budget commented they
are working with the Department of Attorney General to draft a legal opinion
stating the SRO can close before 2019.