A STUDY in Contrasts and Dysfunction?

Yin

Detroit news briefs: DPS doesn't turn in finance reports

February 25, 2009

Detroit Public Schools has failed to submit financial reports that are required under a state mandated consent agreement, according to the Michigan Department of Education.

DPS has not turned in at least five required documents since state Superintendent Mike Flanagan determined Dec. 8 that the district is in a financial emergency and in need of a state-appointed manager to take over the budget.

DPS has a $139-million deficit and has not paid millions of dollars in vendor payments in order to make payroll.

In appointing a financial manager, the state has exhausted its most serious penalty for noncompliance with the consent agreement. The manager, Robert C. Bobb, a former Washington city manager and school board president, is expected to start on the job next week.

YANG

Obama's school plea may not be enough

BY PEGGY WALSH-SARNECKI • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • February 25, 2009

President Barack Obama said Tuesday that it was the patriotic duty of students to finish high school and at least one year of college to equip the country for the 21st Century, but some say it's going to take more than words to stop kids from dropping out.

"Dropping out of high school is no longer an option," Obama said. "It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country -- and this country needs and values the talents of every American."

Eboni Ivory, 15, a student at Detroit's Southeastern High School, said students relate to Obama and will listen to him, up to a point.

"He said he's going to change everything and he said yes, you can," she said. His words will inspire students, but it's not going to be enough to stop kids who have made up their minds to drop out, she said.

Others say Obama ranks high enough with teens that his words could make kids listen.

"Look at him, he didn't have anything and he's president," said Raneisha Chatman, 18, a senior at Detroit's Henry Ford High School. "He can make a difference."

Michigan's Michael Flanagan is to be among several state superintendents meeting today with Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in Washington.

The Detroit Public Schools could be a topic of discussion. Duncan said last week he worries about the "poor quality" of education Detroit students receive.

Contact PEGGY WALSH-SARNECKI at 586-826-7262 or mmwalsh@freepress.com.