When Roy Roberts, a former Big Three executive, took over as the emergency manager for the Detroit Public Schools, it was in shambles.
SEE ALSO:
Why Obama Should Say “I’m Rich”
Tea Party: Don’t Mention Founding Fathers, Slavery
But, less than a year into the job, he has already made big changes that have parents and critics feeling optimistic, the Detroit Free Press Reports.
So far, he has replaced legions of temporary consultants left over from the prior emergency manager with permanent employees. He increased long-term debt as a way to lower the annual deficit. And, he says, he won’t use his sweeping authority to dismiss the controversial school board or cancel teachers’ contracts.
This year, DPS plans to close some schools and open others and also share some administrative services with the new state-run Education Achievement Authority. And Roberts may sign on to lead for another year, he says.
“These kids deserve a degree of stability,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure the school system is something that people will want to aspire to.”
There is so much negative news coming out of the Motor City that sometimes you wonder if all of the good people have deserted it. That is certainly not the case.
To read more about Roy Roberts and the great work he is doing for the Detroit Public School system, go to the Detroit Free Press.
SEE ALSO:
