On Wednesday, Detroit Public Schools and labor union officials warned state lawyers that if they don't quickly approve the money to keep the schools operational, about 47,000 Detroit students will be shut out of their classrooms.
Times Union reported that retired bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes, who is now the new manager of DPS, said in a statement that he can't in good conscience ask the DPS staff to continue working without assuring each one of them that they will be paid. Judge Rhodes implies that the cash-strapped school system could be gearing towards a halt if the lawmakers don't approve an additional budget before adjourning for a two-week spring break which happens later this month.
The Detroit Public Schools' system has about 47,000 students and 97 schools. DPS is facing a $3.5 billion of debt, including $1.7 billion of bonds, and is suffering from declining enrollment, as Reuters reported.
In a testimony before the House of Appropriations Committee, retired bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes raised the prospect of payless paydays for Detroit Public Schools staff. Judge Rhodes is worried about the April 8 date since he heard there is no plan 'B', Detroit News reported. Moreover, Judge Rhodes said that they cannot print money and have looked at some options, like expenses that could be used, but it is not enough to buy another two weeks of pay for DPS staff.
Reporters asked the judge if taking out a short-term loan could be an option, but he replied with a resounding 'no'. According to Michelle Zdrodowski, the unions were reacting and were not pleased about the comments made by the new manager.
Meanwhile, officials of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals, and Detroit Association of Education Office Employees said that their members will 'not work for free.' The group added that Detroit's students won't have schools to attend, won't receive their daily meals, and staff and educators won't get paid, if DPS runs out of money on April 8.
