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If you have a student at a Detroit school that will be closing soon, we want to hear from you! BridgeDetroit and Chalkbeat Detroit are partnering to document this challenging time for parents, students, and district staff.
Detroit Public Schools Community District is accelerating the timeline for closing J.E. Clark Preparatory Academy, Ann Arbor Trail Magnet School, Catherine Blackwell Institute, and Greenfield Union Elementary-Middle School, to save between $10 million and $19 million. In addition, Barack Obama Leadership Academy — a charter school — will also close if school leaders are unable to find a new authorizer to oversee the school. DPSCD, the current authorizer, has opted not to renew the school’s contract. .
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Detroiters have seen mass school closures over the years due to declining population, the state’s emergency management of the district, and enrollment lost to neighboring charters and suburban districts. Since 2000, more than 200 school buildings have closed in the city.
During last year’s budget cycle, the district’s board voted to accelerate the closure of these four schools to save between $10 million and $19 million. The board also voted to speed up the planned phase-out of Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle School, though there are no plans for it to close this school year. This district has not said when Marshall will close.
The under-utilized buildings cost the district more money to operate than the revenue each brings in, officials said. The threat of federal funding cuts, demands for higher teacher pay, and inflation were all considered when district officials recommended closing the schools earlier.
Formerly known as Timbuktu Academy, the Obama school offers African-centric education to about 300 students in grades K-5. The school has been open since 1997 and is one of the oldest charters in Michigan.
The Detroit school board cited concerns over the school’s budget and transparency, as well as its teacher licensure rate. Some board members also commented on the school’s poor academic performance.
If the school can’t find a new authorizer, it will be forced to close. The school’s current contract ends June 30.
Lauren Abdel-Razzaq is the executive director at BridgeDetroit. You can reach her at lrazzaq@bridgedetroit.com.
