New Plan Would Keep DPS Control In Check
There's a new proposal floating throughout Detroit City Hall regarding mayoral control for the Detroit Public School district. Council President Charles Pugh's plan calls for the mayor to appoint a superintendent, but that choice would have to be approved by a majority of City Council.
The mayor would be required to work with a nine member superintendent selection committee, comprised of educators, parents and students.
"We all realize that our current DPS governance structure is not working," said Pugh. "The plan that I am proposing maintains the people's right to vote, while allowing the mayor and city council to have input about the education of our children," he said.
In addition, the new proposal calls for a nine-member school board with four members elected and five appointed by the mayor and city council.
The board's primary function would be to approve school system contracts and oversee curriculum decisions by the superintendent. The board's President would be elected by a majority of the board. All school board meetings would be open to the public.
City Council members have been considering a ballot proposal that would give Mayor Dave Bing control of the school district.
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