The Big Comeback
In June of 2016, Michigan's Governor Rick Snyder signed a $617 million bailout and reconstructing a plan for Detroit's public schools, From, the $617 million bailout, two districts will be formed. The "old" district will be the existing district that has accumulated the severe amount of debt, it will be kept to help collect tax revenue. The new district will receive $150 million for traditional fees to launch it and ensure that it will have enough to money to operate. Also, the new district will be a known as Detroit Public Schools Community District The split of the two districts resembles the split of an old and new General Motors, where they kept the "old" General Motors to collect tax revenue while the "new" General Motors brought in more revenue. Due to the extensive bailout, students will be attending brand new schools. Schools won’t be as horrendous as the prior conditions that students have endured. Governor Rick Snyder states "This marks a new day for Detroit families, with DPS free from debt and strong accountability measures for all schools in the city that promises a brighter future for all of Detroit's children." Its seems as great efforts being brought forth on the behalf of the students. This could be a great start of the rebirth of Detroit Public Schools.
Picture of Rick Snyder signing a previously bill for third grade proficiency.
Democrats, Teacher Unions and Others Oppose
Although, signing the bailout seems as great efforts of pulling the district from the dump. Democrats, teacher unions and other oppose this idea. The money may fix the "outside" of the districts but help is still needed "inside" the district. Additionally, they believe the money won’t cover be enough to cover the districts. Eventually, the loan will accumulate more debt to the district and they will be in the same position years from now they are in now. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a Democrats states "a missed an opportunity to right history with his signing of the separate and unequal" legislation. She said the law was passed with zero Detroit or Democratic support and that it should be challenged in court. Ultimately, the teachers, democratic and others want the debt issue to be addressed. They want to discuss the effects of the debts and truly work on a more efficient to keep the debt from arising. Not deliberately adding more money that later must be figured out how to pay back. For now, that bailout is immensely needed and could help their present needs but they are thinking beyond the present and focused on the future. Their concerns for the future of the districts is commendable and rightfully so, If the debt is never addressed than it will sustain the growth of the district. Another issue that arises from this huge bailout is the increase of charter schools. Unions and democrats believe charter schools will continue to increase eventually wiping out the traditional public schools. Charter schools are on uproar in Detroit and parents are enrolling their children in charter schools more than traditional schools. So, they are a bit skeptical about the bailout but in their defense of their skepticism is understandable considering previous deceptions. As perfectly said by Detroit DPS spokeswoman Michelle Zdrodowski that the district will indeed implement the legislation and "do the best job that it can for the children of the City of Detroit."
Detroit Public Schools have a long road ahead to recovery but with the $617 million bailout and leadership it shall surmount their struggles. As previously mentioned in Financial Struggles, leadership has played a magnificent role in the down spiral of Detroit (also mentioned in corruption). In November, a new school board was elected and state appointees that oversees city budgets that will also review the schools' finances. This is exactly what DPS deserves. New faces entering this despair district to help repair it. The city has enough of the same "powerful" people in high positions. Its evidently, that all issues won’t be repaired. The district wont continues to have wool pulled over their eyes or be bullied in a way by criminals who are in power. Leadership not only from district officials but from the schools, parents, from the community and others, Detroit Rising College Preparatory Schools are committed to putting every student on the path of graduation and college. They are ensuring that every effort will be put forth towards their students including support from the community and expert educators. Leadership comes in different forms. Also, the instability of teachers too. Many teachers quit because of poor conditions which is understandably so but some teachers must realize they are quitting on the students as well. The conditions in the schools are dangerous but incoming teachers should be fully aware and understand the extreme needs and unreasonable conditions before accepting the job. Leadership in teachers are expected to be included as well. It’s a difficult decision but its affecting the students. Leadership is expressed in different ways and everyone can play a role in leading the school district in its honorable direction.
A visual depict of how leadership is implemented.