Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Detroit Teachers Union promises legal battle over charter conversion provisions

Detroit Public School's Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb's plan to convert 41 under performing schools to charters schools would save the district millions.

The district would generate revenue from renting out the buildings and save money by not having to close down, secure and patrol vacant campuses.

But the Detroit Federation of Teachers says not so fast.

March 16, The Detroit News: Keith Johnson, president of the teachers union, said DPS Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb had told him that because the schools would be chartered by DPS, teachers would fall under the current collective bargaining agreement and be entitled to the same benefits, including state pensions.
"It now appears what he wants to do is issue these schools as charters and not have to deal with part of the pension plan," Johnson said. "That's an admission you failed in your responsibility as an EFM."

Johnson says the teacher's union will use every legal option available. The public to charter school conversion process could become bogged down in a legal war of attrition.

Well, that's a possibility under today's law on the power of an EFM. But tomorrow is another day.

Governor Snyder is ready to sign a bill to give EFM's like Bobb, greater control. Bobb's new powers could potentially negate any legal maneuvering by Detroit's teachers union.

The Detroit Federation of Teachers would have to challenge the legality of the soon to be signed EFM bill. Even if the union won in court, decisions would likely be appealed to the State Supreme Court. Republicans hold a 5 -2 majority, so the new EFM bill probably wouldn't be overturned.

How far is the teacher's union willing to go? How much money can it spend on lawyers?

And what about the group most affected by the changes, the children who attend schools in Detroit? They are pawns on a convoluted chess board. Just how many will be lost as this game is played out?



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