School Closings: Detroit May Lose 23 Public Schools

Detroit Public Schools’ emergency financial manager, Robert C. Bobb, announced today that the Motor City may be forced to close 23 schools and layoff 600 teachers in order to meet expectations as they face a $303 million deficit, according to the Detroit Free Press. Bobb has asked for $200 million in federal stimulus funds to improve the remaining schools and ensure school safety. There are town hall meetings and other forums planned for parents at the end of the month, but plans are to make a final decision regarding the closing by May 8. Currently, Detroit has about 5,700 teachers who teach more than 95,000 students.—WLW