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Detroit Public Schools (DPS) is a school district that covers all of the city of Detroit, Michigan, United States. The student population of the Detroit Public Schools was 116,800 [1] in Fall 2006, after a loss of 12,350 students [2], and was 129,150 [3] (revised from 130,600) as of November 2005 [4], a drop of 11,500 students and $61.9 million in funding from 2004. [5] Auditors consistently denounced the district for overestimating the number of students.

The district consists of 220 schools: 147 elementary, 31 middle, 28 high schools; and 10 adult education and 4 vocational education schools. In addition to ten newly built schools (eight elementary, two middle), five area high schools have either been remodeled or have new buildings. More than half of the city schools were built before 1930.[6]

Contents 1 History 2 Financial Difficulties 3 Employee Relations 4 Student Achievement 5 Charter School Competition 6 Contractors 7 Elected Officials 8 Miscellany 9 Schools 9.1 Secondary schools 9.1.1 High schools 9.1.1.1 Zoned high schools 9.1.1.2 Optional high schools 10 Defunct schools 11 External links

In the early 1970s, the federal courts ordered busing to desegregate the system, which helped to accelerate the white flight that had been on-going within the city. As of 2004, Detroit schools were 91% African-American.[7]

In the 1999, the Michigan Legislature removed the locally elected board of education amid allegations of mismanagement and replace it with a reform board appointed by the mayor and governor. The elected board of education returned following a city referendum in 2005. The first election of the new eleven member board of education, with four chosen at-large and seven by district, occurred on November 8, 2005.*Detroit never lost the right to vote in the board of education, though there were attempts made by Governor John Engler and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

The DPS student population was 159,768 in fall 2001 and has fallen to 116,815 in fall 2006 [8]. This is approximately a 6% loss per year, or a loss of 1/2 of the total student population every 9.5 years.

Due to declining enrollment, some believe that DPS are headed towards a fiscal collapse [9] leading to another state takeover. The projected loss in 2006 of about 25,000 students (12,350 actual) would have likely require immediate and severe action, including closing schools and reducing staff. [10] To encourage students to attend on count day, Wednesday, September 26, the attendance date for establishing state funding, Charter schools used a media campaign and givaways including flat panel TVs, lunches with celebrities, and free grades. [11] Total spending was $100,000 for attendance promotions on that day, including $40,000 in donated funds and $60,000 in school funds. [12] Some were offended. [13]

The State Department of Education calculated that total per student funds for Detroit Public Schools are $11,631 per year, including federal, state, and local contributions. [14]

An audit of The School District of the City of Detroit’s Administration of Parental Involvement Funds Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 [15] found that DPS used funds for unallowable or improperly documented purposes, didn't ensure that it's contractors performed in accordance with the terms of the contract, didn't correctly report budgeted expenditures, misclassified expenditures, and that their policy didn't include all of the required elements.

In 1994, the voters approved a $1.5 billion bond issue to be used for capital improvements. Many people have called for an audit of this money, saying that they've seen very little benefit from the bond. DPS is currently seeking voter approval for an additional $1.5 billion bond issue for additional capital improvements. The average age of a student "seat" is 60 years. [16]

Due to the disagreement over $250 million in debt created during the takeover from 1999-2005, State Rep. Lamar Lemmons III proposed that it be forgiven, or Detroit would withhold $40 million annually in casino money it was to pay to the state of Michigan. Contractors are largely accused of wasting taxpayer dollars during the takeover, so the board cut a proposed contract with Filmore Construction from $6.6 million to only $2 million and one year. [17]

From previous bonds, DPS owes the State of Michigan $510 million, and many Detroiters are calling on the state to forgive that debt, pointing out that some of it was created by the deficits made by the reform board imposed by the state (although they issued no bonds), and some further oppose this bond issue because of this additional state debt. A state overseer already automatically sets aside about one quarter of state funding for debt repayment of state bonds. [18]

In May 2006, the Detroit School Board voted to borrow up to $200 million to cover short term spending. [19] The Detroit Public School Board voted to close 7 schools, down from 20-30 under the previous deficit elimination plan, and borrowed $200M to keep the school system budget balanced. [20]

Because of rapidly declining enrollment, the Detroit Public Schools has a goal of closing 95 schools by 2009. [21] Detroit Public Schools has closed 29 schools due to declining enrollment, [22] and the state mandated deficit reduction plan calls for the closure of a total of 110 schools. [23]

In June 2006, the DPS board approved a $1.4B budget, a drop of $44M, or about 3% eliminating 800 jobs, cutting non-union salaries 10%, and school supplies 13%. The budget anticipated a loss of 9,000 students in the next school year (approx 6.9%). A US Department of Education audit for 2003-2005 found that the district misspent $930,448 intended to increase parental invovlement on items like duplicate salaries, job perks, or entertainment, so it must also repay those federal grants next year. [24] The district sought labor union concessions of $105 million, and the Detroit Federation of Teachers expects 300-500 teachers to retire or resign this summer. Additionally, principals and assistant principals will not receive the second half of their raises expected this year. [25]

90% of the 500 students at Duke Ellington Conservatory kept their children home from school after they learned that the district intended to lay off its music teachers. [26]

There have been numerous incidents, including a food fight with over 300 students causing 52 students to be expelled, and a diabetic student unable to eat all day, after DPS recently laid off a large number of [27] cafeteria workers. Brenda Scott Middle School Principal Beverly Butler forbade students from purchasing milk or juice with their home made lunches, and required that all lunches not include sweets and chips as a disciplinary measure.

Cuts continued in December 2006. 450 more teachers were laid off, a championship chess team with a budget in previous years of $120,000 was defunded, and teachers without Spanish language skills were moved to bilingual schools to replaced laid off teachers. DPS clerical workers reported district demands for immediate pay cuts of 16.5%. The Organization of School Administrators and Supervisors have walked out of contract negotiations, and are now assigned to watch students. The district has failed to meet a self imposed deadline to have a plan to utilize in house food services that passed on September 30th. One union representative claimed that the district intends to close 30 schools at the end of this year. [28]

In January 2006, after announcing a forthcoming plan [29], Detroit Public Schools Superintendent William F. Coleman presented a plan to close 47 school buildings in summer 2007, for a savings of $19 million per year. The district has lost 60,000 students, or about 1/3rd of its population, but closed only 35 buildings, or only 14%, and the remaining buildings are underutilized. [30] Many parents and teachers believe that additional closings will cause even more students to leave DPS for competing charter schools. The state mandated deficit elimination plan calls for closing 50 buildings by 2010. Teachers, parents, and students were upset by the plan. [31] Teachers and others protested before the Jan 11, 2006 school board meeting, and many people jammed into the meeting [32]. Board President Jimmy Womak called on people to develop solutions to keep their schools open, and not just vent frustration. The Detroit News condemned teacher's complaints regarding closing schools, saying that the teachers themselves know there is a problem with DPS, and that teachers are more likely than the general public to send their kids to private schools.[33]

An analysis of the financial crisis by the Michigan Citizen blamed the takeover board and former CEO Kennith Burnley for the cuts, pointing out that the district's deficit of $19 million per year can largely be attributed to debt payments of $19 million per year incurred from a $210 million loan from the state made by that board. At a meeting, teachers accused the board of inflating capacity figures and allowing the district to violate per classroom student limits. [34]

A Detroit Free Press report showed that the district spent $1.3 million on conferences, catering, hotels, and related items. The district indicated that grants paid for much of that. This compares to a district budged of $1.3 billion, or 0.1%. [35] Some specific expenses, such as last minute air fare, suggested that the district could do more to control costs.

DFT president Virginia Cantrell criticized the plan to close 52 schools, calling for a systematic, data driven approach, and saying that it would encourage more families to leave DPS. [36] She later suggested that Governor Granholm take over DPS. [37]

During the state takeover, DPS paid Sherry Washington $1.6 million on artwork. Some invoices and inventories from the purchase are missing. The Detroit Free Press criticized the purchase [38] and called on DPS to make a "commitment to openness and accountability" [39]

A study of the estimated 25,000 students lost after the DPS teachers strike in Fall 2006 suggests that substantial numbers of them dropped out during the strike. [40] Losses were 12,350, indicating that a substantial number of students returned when the strike was over.

The Call'Em-Out Coalition is appealing an August 2006 FOIA request denied by the Detroit Public Schools for what amounts to full access to their Peoplesoft accounting records. The Coalition is seeking what they describe as a community based audit of DPS's financial records. [41]

On March 3 2007 Detroit Free Press reported that DPS is probing wire transfers to risk management consultant Long Insurance. Superintendent William F. Coleman III placed CFO Dori Freelain and Delores Brown on administrative leave. [42] DPS normally pays contractors via check.

Rex and Sue Smith have donated their time, effort, and at least 10 million dollars to hire teachers and install custom classrooms to encourage reading and imagination, first at Grayling Elementary which closed in 2006, and now at Steve T Mason Elementary, which may close at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. They also support programs for preschoolers and parents. Laura Berman of the Detroit News called on the distrit to save Steve T Mason Elementary from closure, asking "Is Detroit school investment pointless?" and saying "[e]ven a cash strapped and desperate district should be able to save the rain forest room" [43]

In March 2007, a revised facilities plan calls for 39 schools to close this year, with 4 possible schools closing next year, and 10 schools that may close. It also reorganizes some schools and creates 23 themed schools. It has not yet been approved by the facilities committee or the DPS board. [44] A Detroit Free Press Video reflects concerns of residents. [45]

The relationship between the Detroit teachers union and the Detroit Public Schools has been weakened by the financial hardships of the district. In an agreement with the union, teachers loaned the district 5 days of pay in fall 2005. The median base pay for elementary school teachers in Detroit is $52,063, [46]. with total compensation at $71,964[47], and for High School teachers it base salary is $54,286 [48] and total compensation is $74,808. [49]

On Wednesday, March 22, 2006 Some of the teachers staged a "blackboard flu" [50] in protest of administrators raises from 4.7% to 10.6%. 53 schools were closed, and 36,000 kids were sent home early.[51]

In the 2006 contract negotiations, the district sought $88 million in reductions, but the Detroit Federation of Teachers (representing 7,000 teachers and 2,500 other employees) and other unions fought further pay cuts, and the district threatened to lay off 2,000 union employees in response. [52] On Tuesday, August 22, thousands of DPS teachers protested further pay cuts, and demanded a pay increase. A district spokesman said that pay cuts for teachers was a necessary requirement for balancing the school's budget. [53]. Teachers held a strike vote on Sunday, August 27, 2006. [54]. The Teachers agreed to go on strike, closing school for three days and shortening the first day of school.

The Detroit Federation of Teachers requested a 15.6% pay increase for the highest income teachers, pointing out that they're making less than their counterparts in the suburbs. The median teacher pay for the Detroit Public Schools is $70,046, while the median teacher pay in the tri-county area is $76,100. Teachers concessions were still below the state mandated deficit reduction plan, and a prolonged strike was averted primarily because both sides recognized the threat of more children leaving the DPS for charter schools. [55] In an appeal to teachers who are considering a wildcat strike, Detroit Superintendent William F. Coleman III argued that a strike would encourage more children to leave the district for suburban schools of choice and charter schools, exhasperating problems and forcing more layoffs and program cuts. [56] Some blame the state takeover for the strike. [57]

The teachers went on strike. [58] County Circuit Court Judge Susan Borman ruled on September 8, 2006 that the teachers must return to work the following week. [59] [60] However, teachers defied this order. [61]

On Wednesday, September 13, teachers approved a new contract brokered by Mayor Kilpatrick, with 0 percent, 1 percent, and 2.5 percent pay increases over 3 years, repayment of pay previously loaned by teachers, health care concessions, and some concessions regarding teacher preparation time and legal services. Teachers who are retiring are generally unhappy with the terms, which limit their pensions, and the school district is still seeking ways to save additional money to balance its budget. [62] Detroit mayor Kawame Kilpatrick brokered the deal. [63]

Preliminary district enrollment figures showed that the district was down 25,000 students [64], or more than twice as many as the 10,000 student loss originally budgeted. Actual loss was 12,350 students.

Relations between the DFT and the DPS continue to be strained. In Early November, 2006, Union President Jenna Garrison was escorted out DPS administrative offices in the Fisher Building after refusing to leave while inquiring about $780,000 in union dues she said the district owed. DPS officials responded that DFT owes them about $1 million in fines. The previous day DPS notified DFT that it intended to pursue contempt of court charges against the union relating to the 2006 teacher's strike. [65]

On November 9, 2006, DPS laid off 907 lunch aides and 713 teachers. Aides are union members of the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals, and typically make near minimum wages. A recent minimum wage hike was a factor in the layoffs. [66]

DPS may close 10 last chance academies [67] [68] , due to labor disagreements between the DFT and DPS [69].

DPS pays 14.55% of each employee's salary to the Office of Retirement Services to cover the costs of participation in the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System. [70]

In 1999 Detroit teachers staged a wildcat strike, using the slogan "Books, Supplies, Lower Class Size!"

Academic performance under the Superintendent and new school board has been increasing. On January 27, 2007, the local Detroit Newspapers have reported that Detroit Public Schools' students showed performance gains in reading and math at each tested grade this year on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program.^{[citation needed]}

On February 2, 2007, Superintendent William Coleman and Wayne County Community College District's Chancellor, Dr. Curtis Ivery, announced a unique partnership between Detroit Public Schools and Wayne County Community College District that will require the district's 8,000 eighth graders to take a college course covering note-taking, study skills, career planning and other college readiness tips. Students will have dedicated class time to take the course at school but also can access it from home or public computers. Schools officials said every school is wired and there are ample computers for the program. Sharell Williams, a seventh-grader at Remus Robinson Middle School, said she looks forward to taking the course next year. "I think it's a good opportunity," said Williams, 12, who wants to be a pediatrician. "If it's for college, I'm for it. I've wanted to go to college ever since I can remember." Superintendent Coleman said the course also will satisfy a new state law graduation requirement beginning with this year's eighth-graders that students have an online learning experience. [71]

In a report from Education Research Center, Detroit Public Schools ranked last among 50 large school districts for the percentage of students who receive a high school diploma on time. DPS officials indicated that the report did not take into account the large numbers of students that it lost to suburban and charter schools. [72]

At the Annual National Academic Games Olympics, DPS students won 25 individual and 20 team first place awards. [73] [74]

103 of Detroit Public School's 225 schools did not meet the goals in the Federal No Child Left Behind Act, up from 63 last year. [75] Barbour Magnet Middle School met the federal standards for the first time in years. It would have been closed in June had it not met standards. [76]

70,000 students are eligible for free tutoring under the No Child Left Behind Act, but only 10% of them participate. Many observers blame the Detroit Public Schools for failing to adequately publicize the availability of tutoring by the November 19 deadline [77], and not using radio adds or other media, for financial reasons. Students in schools not meeting Adequete Yearly Progress [78] as measured by the Michigan Department of Education [79] are eligible, but must sign up by November 19.

Detroit also has a public charter school system with about 54,000 Detroit students. When charter school and Detroit Public Schools enrollments are combined, the total number of children in public schools in Detroit has increased.[80] If the current growth trends continue, more of Detroit's public school students will be attending charter schools than the Detroit Public Schools during the 2009-2010 school year. This shift is sometimes called "black flight". [81]

Officials at the Detroit Public Schools and Detroit Federation of Teachers oppose expansion of charter schools. Despite this, a new high school "University Prep-Math and Science" is in progress of obtaining a charter. It will begin with 7th and 8th grades in 2008. A previous plan for 15 new charter high schools was scuttled. Philanthropist Bob Thompson is backing this new high school. [82]

University Preparatory Academy [83] are elementary, middle, and high schools which have shown [84] test scores well above Detroit Public Schools averages and near Michigan statewide averages.

The District recently replaced Compuware as its main IT contractor in favor of four minority owned firms. The contract is for 5 years, and worth $58 million. VisionIT was selected as the main integrator and manager of IT services providing data center, network services, application systems, data warehouse, help desk, field services and technology curriculum and assistance support. VisionIT is a national IT staffing, vendor manager and IT outsourcing firm headquartered in Detroit with offices nationwide. Compuware has protested the move, claiming that it has saved the district money while improving services, and that the new contractors may send jobs out of state. The board did not consider moving IT services back in house. [85] Compuware and Strategic Staffing Solutions, both losing bidders have appealed the contract, pointing to internal memos which they say show that the disctrict's selection process was flawed. [86]

The Detroit Public Schools has adopted a $21.7 million food service contract with Philadelphia-based Aramark Educational Services. Members of the public, including members of Call 'Em-Out have criticized the contract. [87] Call 'Em-Out continues to protest the contract. [88] On September 25, 2006, the board approved $16.3 million in contracts, including $6 million to apple computer for lease of student laptops, $3 million with Allied Waste Services of Detroit, and $2.4 million for snow removal with 6 companies. The vote of suspended member Thornton was not recorded. [89] Detroit Public Schools superintendent William F Coleman urged Julias Bender of Information Systems Group to hire his friend Ruben Bohuchot. ISG was then part of a winning bid for IT services, replacing Compuware. The board is considering rebidding the contract due to the apparent impropriety. [90]

The Alliance for Children Inc of Highland Park is suing Detroit Public Schools for allegedly failing to offer tutoring for students as required under the No Child Left Behind Act, after DPS terminated its contract with the company for tutoring services. [91]

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been in talks with University Preparatory Academy and others for months to establish more charter and private schools in Detroit. [92] Kilpatrick spearheaded a failed Proposal-E in 2005 to run the schools, considered another proposal to do the same in 2006. [93]

On September 14, the board voted 8-3 to suspend elected member Marie Thornton for 60 days. Some observers felt that this was in retaliation for her past and presnent objections to many contracts, including a contract with Hercules voted on at the same meeting. She was also barred from "Informal Sessions" between the school board and administrators, which are not subject to the open meeting act, and which she claims are illegal. No discussion was allowed before the motion was approved, and she was only there because two citizens drove several hours to pick her up from Kalamazoo at the last minute. She also reportedly recorded informal sessions and disclosed information to the public without authorization from the board. She was suspended under the board's decorum policy. Board members ignored her vote at subsequent meetings. [94]

The Call'Em Out Coalition ironically awarded Detroit Board of Education President Dr. Jimmy Womack it's Sambo award for what it claims are his actions in "selling out" Detroit and African Americans. [95]

In March 2007, the DPS board removed Superintendent William Coleman, elected Dr. Connie Calloway as its new superintendent, and placed Lamont Satchel as Interim Superintendent. Coleman will still be paid for the remainder of his contract. [96]

In March 2007, the Detroit Free Press reported that DPS board member Jonathan Kinloch was repeatedly driving on a suspended license after 3 convictions for drunk driving, and he still owed thousands of dollars in fines. [97] Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is seeking jail time for Kinloch from a previous drunk driving conviction. [98]

The members of the board of education are: [99]

• Rev. Jimmy Womack, M.D. President
• Joyce V. Hayes-Giles, Esq. (District 5) Vice President
• Rev. David Murray (At Large)
• Carla D. Scott, M.D.(District 1)
• Jonathan Cleveland Kinloch (District 2)
• Annie Carter (District 3)
• Tyrone Winfrey (District 4)
• Ida Short (At Large)
• Paula Johnson, Esq. (District 6)
• Marvis Cofield (District 7)
• Marie L. Thornton (At Large)

Detroit Public Schools has shown strong interest in having some same sex schools, and the state of Michigan is considering legislation to allow it. The ACLU and many residents opposes the plan. [100]

Detroit Public Schools has created a district wide uniform dress code. [101] This includes mandatory identification badges. [102] Several schools, including Mackenzie High already had uniform dress codes. [103] Some parents have failed to send their children to school due to a lack of uniforms. [104]

The group the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights & Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) has close ties to Detroit Public Schools teachers and students in Michigan. [105]

Auto supplier ArvinMeritor and Southwestern High School have a strong cooperative relationship, in which students and former students of the high school largely make up the staff of the auto supplier, and the auto supplier makes generous donations to the high school. [106]

On July 31, 2006, the Detroit Public Schools announced a $500,000 media campaign with the theme "Come Home to DPS" focusing on unique and high achieving students and programs in the district. The purpose of the program is to attract families who are increasingly sending their children to charter schools. Referring to the loss of students, Lekan Oguntoyinbo, district spokesman, was quoted as saying, "If we don't do anything, pretty soon we're not going to have a school district." Some observers indicated that the program may already be too late, as many parents decide where to send their children in the spring, rather than late summer. [107] This followed a similar media campaign. [108]

On March 29, 2006, students at Mackenzie High in Detroit staged a walkout to protest the lack of textbooks and toilet paper. 32 were arrested, with 8 charged for disorderly conduct, and 1 for inciting to riot. Students complained that they had only one textbook per 3 students, an administrator had an expensive plasma television, amid allegations of a missing $3,000, and leaking roofs which damaged 45 new computers in storage. [109] [110] The Detroit police department also enforced the parental responsibility act, fining parents up to $500 for the behavior of their children. The ACLU is considering challenging the parental responsibility ordinance. [111]

On Tuesday, April 11, 2006, 50 Detroit Police officers were sworn in to patrol the Detroit Public Schools. 48 of them were laid off former officers, and two already worked for the school district. Their wages are paid by the district. [112]

The Detroit School Board approved full access to schools for FAME (Finding Alternatives to Military Enlistment). [113]. They are online at http://www.famedetroit.org/

• Central High School
• Chadsey High School
• Cody High School
• Cooley High School
• Denby Technical & Preparatory High School
• Finney High School
• Ford High School
• Kettering High School
• King High School
• Mackenzie High School
• Mumford High School
• Murray-Wright High School
• Northern High School
• Northwestern High School
• Osborn High School
• Pershing High School
• Redford High School
• Southeastern High School
• Southwestern High School
• Western International High School

• Barsamian Preparatory Center
• Cass Technical High School
• Communication & Media Arts High School
• Crockett High School
• Crosman High School
• Davis Aerospace High School
• Detroit City High School
• Detroit High School for Technology
• Detroit School of Arts
• Ferguson Academy for Young Women
• Millennium School
• Renaissance High School
• Trombly Alternative High School
• West Side Academy Alternative Education

• Roosevelt Elementary School (Closed 1990 [114])

• Detroit Public Schools
• The Theory and Practice of Constructing Hope: The Detroit Teachers' Wildcat Strike 1999 by Rich Gibson
• Detroit Teachers Strike Again by Rich Gibson

Detroit Public Schools (DPS)

Zoned high schools Central • Chadsey • Cody • Cooley • Denby Technical & Preparatory • Finney • Ford • Kettering • King • Mackenzie • Mumford • Murray-Wright • Northern • Northwestern • Osborn • Pershing • Redford • Southeastern • Southwestern • Western International Optional high schools Barsamian Preparatory Center • Cass Technical • Communication & Media Arts • Crockett • Crosman • Davis Aerospace • Detroit City • Detroit High School for Technology • Detroit School of the Arts • Ferguson Academy for Young Women • Millennium School • Renaissance • Trombly Alternative • West Side Academy Alternative Education