LANSING, Mich. – There is significant progress to report in the rescue attempts for Detroit Public Schools before they run out of money in April.
Local 4 has learned that there is agreement in principle on two main obstacles to getting the needed support in Lansing: greater regulation of new charter schools and a quicker return of local control.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has been briefing Detroit's delegation and tested support for resolutions that were cobbled together on Monday, while the bill's original author is writing new language and hopeful of a vote next week.
"I'm not going to give you a timeline, but I'm hoping to get it done before spring break," said Sen. Geoff Hansen, R- Hart Township.
Legislative sources said that under this compromise, the end of state management of DPS and return of local control could come by summer's end -- four months sooner than expected under the original bill. This is a key step forward.
"The August election happening, and then the local school board taking over. There was talk of having them start immediately, then January, but we're pushing for immediately," said Sen. Morris Hood III, D-Detroit.
Under the revised bill, a Detroit Education Commission would be created. It would regulate the opening of any new charter or DPS schools.
"I think there is, on both the Republican and Democrat side, the need to have local decision making on where all these schools are opening and closing. I think the logic of that is becoming compelling. I think the more responsible charters have agreed to it, and now I think we're seeing bipartisan support for it," Duggan said.
Hansen needs support from at least three Democrats to get passage in the Senate.