Informs our Understanding

Activists working to save schools

In Highland Park, an emergency manager possible

By Melanie D. Scott Free Press Staff Writer

   A dozen Highland Park teachers, parents and community leaders gathered Saturday in hopes of creating a plan that will improve the city’s school district amid speculation of a state takeover.

   The group, which included City Councilman Rodney Patrick and state Sen. Bert Johnson, D-Detroit, discussed plans to form an organization to build awareness about the issues in the schools, including limited financial resources, low enrollment, overcrowded classrooms and lack of teaching materials.

   The two-hour meeting, held at Greater St. Mat-thew Baptist Church, also addressed the need to work with school officials to build a better district.

   Members of the school board and the superintendent were invited, organizers said, but none of them attended Saturday.

   “Highland Park needs every stakeholder involved. We all talk, but we need to work,” said Glenda McDonald, organizer of the group. “By Monday, the schools may know its fate and whether we have an emergency manager. As a community group, we still need to figure out how to work.”

   Gov. Rick Snyder appointed a10-member financial review team Nov. 3 to examine the district’s finances. The team had 30 days to complete its review.

   State Superintendent Mike Flanagan asked Snyder to appoint the team in August after a Michigan Department of Education preliminary review of the district’s finances unveiled “probable financial stress.”

   The finding was based on the fact that the district had a deficit of more than 15% of its general fund revenues and recurring fund deficits. The Free Press reported in August that the district had a $19.9-million deficit at the end of June.

   Johnson said the appointment of an emergency manager was likely.

   Doris Harris, a parent, said she would be happy to have an emergency manager revamp the struggling district.

   “It would change things and it would be for the betterment of the kids,” Harris said. “When parents complain now, nothing is done.”

   Many at the meeting said the district is in desperate need of change.

   “We need to start a plan as soon as possible,” said Patrick, who started his teaching career in Highland Park schools. “There’s acancer on the district. …In order to be successful, we have to remove it.”

   ! CONTACT MELANIE D. SCOTT:

   313-222-6159 OR MDSCOTT