Detroit Schools have been struggling with a myriad of problems for many years, from budget woes to dismal graduation rates. In 2009, the district was subjected to a state takeover, which resulted in the appointment of an emergency manager to turn the failing school district around. Recently, the third emergency manager was appointed to the beleaguered district, with ideas for a turnaround that incorporate both old and new concepts.
Introducing Jack Martin
The reports that Michigan Governor Rick Snyder recently announced the appointment of Jack Martin to the post of an emergency manager for Detroit Schools. Martin boasts an impressive resume, serving as both the CFO for the U.S. Department of Education and more recently, as the chief financial officer for the city of Detroit. He has also run his own accounting firm and served under three U.S. presidents in various posts.
A product of DPS himself (he went to both Thurgood Marshal Elementary and Cass Technical High School), Martin has firsthand knowledge of the public education environment in the city. He also has a personal stake in seeing his own school system succeed. To that end, Martin brings in plenty of ideas for transforming Detroit schools into the bustling halls of academia they once were.
“The opportunity will allow me to continue offering leadership and making a positive impact in the Detroit community,” Martin was reported as saying on . “Fixing education in Detroit is foundational to addressing the myriad of other critical issues facing our community – locally and statewide.”
This video reports on the appointment of Jack Martin.
Following in Big Footsteps
Martin will be the third emergency manager to be appointed to DPS since the state took over the district in 2009. Prior to Martin’s appointment, former General Motors executive Roy Roberts had been at the post. Roberts made a number of positive changes to the school district, including making a significant dent in the large budget deficit. Under Roberts’ direction, graduation rates across the district also increased by five percent.
Despite those gains, DPS is still in dire straits by most standards. Academic performance is still some of the lowest in the country. Tight budgets restrict teachers and administrators from meeting all the needs of students in the schools. Safety concerns have become a constant worry for many Detroit parents, many of whom have moved their children out of traditional schools and into charter schools in the area.
This video reports on the previous Emergency Manager, Roy Roberts.
The Biggest Problem Facing DPS Today
Martin’s plan will be to capitalize on the good work started by Rogers and expand on the forward progress made. According to Martin, the biggest challenge still facing DPS is declining enrollment. According to the , the district boasted a robust student population of around 300,000 during the 1960s. Since that e