John B. King, Jr.
The nation is watching Detroit and Lansing.
A sick-out that closed most of Detroit's schools on Monday was reported on the nightly news.
And U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. blasted the Michigan Legislature on Monday for inaction regarding Detroit Public Schools’ financial troubles during an on-the-record question session at an Education Writers Association conference in Boston, according to Ron French of Bridge Magazine, who attended the conference.
Lansing lawmakers are considering legislation to fund the school system far beyond June 30. That's when the district, under state control, will run out of money.
“The lack of concern for people is disturbing,” King said about the legislature, Bridge reports.
State Rep. Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, isn't happy with the remarks.
“The secretary’s comments are irresponsible,” Pscholka tells Bridge. “Here we are poised to spend between 500 and 700 million dollars. The bills we have in committee coming up tomorrow (Tuesday) not only will pay off the debt, but we’re also setting aside money to make sure teachers get paid back for loans (they) paid to the district.”
“That’s why today’s sick outs, the timing was terrible. Especially when you’re trying to rebuild enrollment. I don’t know how you rebuild trust when you don’t show up for work.”
