LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives Education Committee on Thursday passed a plan proposed by State Representative Bettie C. Scott (D-Detroit) that will ensure Detroit Public Schools remain classified as a first-class school district until July 1, 2010, despite the number of pupils in the district. The plan now heads to the full House.
"The children in Detroit Public Schools deserve a high-quality education," Scott said. "This plan will give us time to ensure our students will be able to compete for the highly skilled jobs of the 21st century. These are tough times and education is the best way to protect and prepare our children."
When initially designated a first-class school district, the Detroit Public Schools enrollment was in excess of 100,000 students. Detroit Public Schools recently saw a decline in enrollment, dropping below the 100,000-student threshold. Scott's plan will ensure first-class designation through July 1, 2010, for any district that was rated "first class" as of September 1, 2008, giving schools time to prepare for changes resulting from the population loss that is occurring in Detroit and across the state.
"By passing this plan we are giving our children a chance," Scott said. "Detroit needs this boost to help the city – which has been especially hurt by these tough economic times – rebound and become stronger. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this common-sense plan to improve our children's education."