Lansing—State Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit) said today that he applauds State Superintendent Michael Flanagan’s appointment of an Emergency Financial Manager for the Detroit Public Schools system.

“The appointment of a financial manager is a strong, decisive action that puts the educational well-being of Detroit’s children first, before any other considerations,” said Senator Hunter. “The DPS system has struggled long enough on its own. Now the district will get the financial assistance it needs so that they can get back to the important business of educating the students.”

Flanagan announced the appointment of the financial manager earlier today after the school system failed to meet the conditions of a consent agreement with the state to avoid such an appointment. The DPS system is trying to eliminate a $112.8 million deficit. The consent agreement required detailed financial reports be filed with the state. DPS officials were warned by Flanagan last week that they had one last opportunity to meet the conditions and retain control. Today Flanagan said that the school system had not met the conditions and he was declaring a financial emergency and will appoint a financial manager.

“I look forward to this appointment which will allow Superintendent Calloway and the Board of Education to focus their efforts on the academic planning, programming and development for the school district,” said Senator Hunter.

“While it is difficult for any school system to relinquish control of any facet of their operations, this is still not a state takeover of the Detroit Public Schools,” said Senator Hunter. “I urge Detroit Public School officials, Board Members, and parents to see this action as the helping hand that I believe it is. This is what is best for the children of Detroit, and this action can help the school system get back on the right track and design an education that will truly prepare our students to compete in this global economy.”

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Sen. Hunter represents the 5th district, which is comprised of northwest Detroit, Dearborn and Inkster. He serves as Minority Vice Chair of the Banking & Financial Institutions and the Homeland Security & Emerging Technologies Committees. He is also a member of the Commerce & Tourism and the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform Committees.