DETROIT – Detroit Public Schools and the city of Detroit announced Monday that there has been significant progress in fixing nagging problems with conditions at school buildings.
Last winter, deplorable conditions in some schools prompted teacher sick-outs and a national embarrassment.
Bates Academy was reported as being cold in the winter and hot in the spring. Teachers said they had to battle leaks and frequent blackouts. Other schools had rodents and mold, but eight months and $2.5 million later, most of the problems disclosed by teachers and confirmed by city inspectors have been corrected, officials said.
Four hundred inspections turned up violations, including rodents, mold and other health issues.
According to the city, the district stepped up and worked nights and weekends to correct violations. As of Monday, 86 of 94 schools are 100 percent compliant with city codes. The city is keeping a close eye on the situation.
"We'll keep the website up, where teachers, parents, anyone can complain if they see something they believe is a violation of the building code," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said.
The remaining eight schools with larger construction issues should be completed by September’s end, officials said. The new district has $10 million set aside for long-delayed maintenance.
But that’s $50 million less than needed.
"More than once I've had a conversation with the governor about the fact we still need that $50 million," DPS transition manager Steve Rhodes said. "The needs are still here."
Enrollment forecasts show a 1.2 percent decline. But with improved conditions, district leaders are hoping parents return.
As part of the project, the Children’s Hospital Foundation tested for elevated lead levels in drinking fountains and found 21 schools with at least one problem. Now, 100 percent will get a clean bill of health.