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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Death Watch for Public Schools in Michigan « Diane Ravitch's blog

Death Watch for Public Schools in Michigan « Diane Ravitch's blog:


Death Watch for Public Schools in Michigan

Governor Rick Snyder’s administration is closing down public schools in two districts in Michigan and turning the schools over to charter operators.
Michigan has a draconian law that permits the governor to appoint an emergency manager whenever a municipality or school district or other governmental entity is in financial distress. All democratically elected officials are superseded by the emergency manager. Democracy comes to an end. The emergency manager has a free hand to do as he or she wishes. Decisions are made by diktat, with no need to consult with the community whose children are involved. So much for choice.
As context, bear in mind that the governor cut the budget for public schools while giving big tax breaks to