NEW DPS MANAGER’S 1ST DAY
Roberts promises fast action, change
The high level of uncertainty about the short- and long-term future of the Detroit Public Schools is not lost on Roy Roberts, the district’s new emergency manager. As of now, parents and teachers don’t know for sure which of 45 schools will become charters. And all teachers have been pink-slipped as officials figure out how to address a $327-million deficit. Many or most teachers will likely be rehired before the start of the next school year. “I understand there’s a feeling of uncertainty, and changes will surely be necessary,” Roberts wrote in a letter to DPS’s staff on Monday. “I soon will be taking a deep dive into all areas of this organization to determine cost efficiencies and organizational needs.” Roberts, a 72-year-old former General Motors executive, was appointed this month by Gov. Rick Snyder. Roberts has a one-year, $250,000 contract that includes unprecedented legal authority to run the 74,000-student school system. On Monday, his first day on the job, he pledged to move quickly to evaluate needs, fill several top-level administrative positions and build a culture of high expectations and cooperation. The outgoing emergency manager, Robert Bobb, is expected to stick around for a month or so. “Robert Bobb will work in a transitional capacity in support to the new EM and DPS for a period of time no longer than the end of June that the two will agree to,” said DPS spokesman Steve Wasko. Roberts’ first day started with tours at Davis Aerospace High and Marcus Garvey Academy on the city’s east side. In a news conference at Garvey, Roberts said about half of DPS’s high-ranking staff are contractors, so he expects to hire new administrators for at least four positions: chief financial officer, budget director, human resources director and superintendent. Roberts said the current plan to close 14 schools and charter as many as 45 others will remain in place as he assembles a team to evaluate needs. Roberts said he has no reason so far to dismiss the school board or cancel union contracts, powers he has as the emergency manager. Roberts said he first wants to change the culture to ensure that students have “choices and chances.” He’s facing a system with high absenteeism, and a 62% graduation rate, compared with 76% statewide. Of DPS graduates, about 1% of them are college-ready, according to ACT test results, compared with 16% statewide. “I am challenging everyone in our DPS community to be focused together on creating a culture of excellence that permeates our system of schools like never before,” Roberts wrote. Kristina Maxwell, whose children have attended Marcus Garvey Academy, said she wants Roberts “to keep the schools open and accessible. That’s the main thing.” • CONTACT CHASTITY PRATT DAWSEY: 313-223-4537 OR CPRATT@FREEPRESS .COM 
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