Gov. Snyder: Senate approval of DPS package represents new approach, best opportunity for success for Detroit's students and families

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today praised Senate passage of a six-bill package to structurally reform Detroit Public Schools and put the district on a path to a sustainable future with improved educational outcomes.

“The focus throughout this process has remained on how we can position Detroit’s students to thrive and succeed,” Snyder said. “Today’s agreement shows the best solutions are found when everyone works together.

“I greatly appreciate the Senate’s action today, as well as the support of Mayor Mike Duggan, the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren, Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof and Sen. Goeff Hansen for the endless hours of work they put into shaping this solution.”

The package approved today in a bipartisan vote includes the following provisions from the Governor’s proposal:

• $200 million in operating expenses, including improvement of existing facilities;
• $515 million to pay down debt and stabilize district finances;
• Financial Review Commission oversight to keep financial stability throughout the transition;
• Academic reforms to ensure access to quality education for all students;
• Returning to local governance through an elected school board; and
• Formation of a Detroit Education Commission with members appointed by the mayor to engage the community with input on operating issues such as opening and closing of school buildings.

The legislative package is supported by the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren and Mayor Duggan.

“The package passed by the Senate today is a tremendous accomplishment that puts politics aside and places the welfare of our children first,” said former state Rep. Thomas Stallworth III, serving as senior advisor to the Coalition.

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