Detroit Schools Manager's Plans Face Skepticism, Anger At Meeting

The remarks from federal judge Steven Rhodes, who was appointed this year to oversee the district that's been under state oversight since 2009, came during a public meeting about his financial and operating plan to boost enrollment and academic achievement.

Dozens of people at the meeting repeatedly interrupted Rhodes during his presentation, demanding more accountability for the district's problems.

Protesters took to the mic during the question and answer segment to confront Rhodes, per WWJ 950's Stephanie Davis. School board member Tawana Simpson questioned him about meeting with the elected school board, demanding "why? why sir? why?" when Davis said he would not.

"The best answer I can give you is what we have seen here this afternoon," Rhodes said about why he was declining. He later agreed to a meeting if they would agree to be "civil."

In one assurance, Rhodes told the crowd Detroit teachers' pay will be covered for sure next school year. Among the changes, the district will set up an escrow account to ensure the salaries of those on a 26-week pay cycle.

Many attending the meeting questioned Rhodes about the need for a forensic audit.

"Here's the thing about audits, they are done every year," Rhodes told the restless crowd. "And DPS will have an audit done for this fiscal year and it was done for last fiscal year and every other fiscal year. And the results of it will be made public this fall just as they have every other year."

Rhodes says money from the state under a $717 million Senate plan would be used "to substantially upgrade our buildings and facilities to make them more efficient."

A different $500 million proposal was approved last week by the state House.