Detroit public schools face 'draconian' cuts
By Sarah Cwiek/KPCC
A state official's plan closes half the city's schools and dramatically increases class sizes in order to eliminate the school district's $327 million deficit. The emergency budget director calls his own plan "draconian." With Detroit's public school district facing a $327 million budget deficit, the state-appointed Emergency Financial Manager has proposed closing half the district's schools and putting up to 60 kids in a classroom. Robert Bobb admits that his deficit elimination plan could be disastrous for students — he calls it "draconian" — but he may have no choice but to implement it. In January, he gave the plan to the state of Michigan, warning that it's the only way for Detroit Public Schools to "cut its way out" of its deficit. The state's department of education says that's exactly what Bobb should do. (more...)