Failing Detroit Schools Booted From District

DETROIT (WWJ) - A new statewide system of schools has announced a list of buildings which will open under its authority this September.

WWJ's Marie Osborne reports that the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan is starting with 15 Detroit schools which are among the lowest achieving in the state.

Chancellor John Covington describes the EAA of Michigan as, "A different system for a different outcome. It is our goal to create a new model for education within the state of Michigan."

Students in the new school system will have an eight-hour school day and a 210 day school year as well as  an individualized lesson plan.

Covington tells WWJ that he understands that parents will have questions about the new school system.

"What will happen to my children during the summer, now they are in school, instead of being on the street, as result of us going to a 210 day school year. All of these initiatives is going to make it better," said Covington.

Covington says kids that attend these (15 schools on the list) will automatically be part of the new system.

"We're going to be hitting the road very quickly, with several parent groups, meetings for them - so that we can clarify what EEA is and what it means for your child, what kind of curriculum will we offer," said Covington.

The nine elementary/middle schools that will be part of EAA are:

1. Brenda Scott Elementary/Middle
2. Burns Elementary/Middle
3. Law Academy
4. Mary M. Bethune Elementary/Middle
5. Murphy Elementary/Middle
6. Nolan Elementary/Middle
7. Phoenix Elementary/Middle
8. Stewart Elementary/Middle
9. Trix Elementary/Middle

The six high schools are:

1. Central Collegiate Academy
2. Denby High School
3. Ford High School
4. Mumford High School
5. Pershing High School
6. Southeastern High School

Families will have the choice to transfer to a different school if they so desire and have complete information on the options available to them.

Students from other schools may also enroll in EAA schools if they desire to be a part of the new education model.

Covington says a full schedule of meetings is planned to assure that parents are fully informed about all the options available for their children.

Parents will receive a special package in the mail in a few days with meeting dates and times.

In addition, parents can call the EAA Parent Information line at 313-456-2278.