WSWS Reports on Bob Bobb's Proposal

to close 45 so-called "underperforming" schools as if closing them down will improve student "achievement."

Closing down POVERTY will do far more good, but the goal is far more elusive:

Bobb’s plan entails the closure of five more schools than had been previously announced. This would bring the number of schools closed since 2005 to 140; more than half the district. Bobb said that his plan would entail the slashing of 2,100 more jobs, together with additional outsourcing.

In his hour-and-a-half-long speech, Bobb stopped to recount his “accomplishments” since being installed as emergency financial manager for the DPS in 2009. Since that time, he has closed 29 schools and laid off 1,500 employees. He has worked with the Detroit Federation of Teachers union apparatus to push through a concessions contract that would force workers to take a drastic pay cut, together with healthcare cuts amounting to $45 million.

When Bobb announced he plans to shortly close 45 schools—five more than had been anticipated—even the hand-picked audience sat stunned. Bobb then went on to outline a host of regressive measures, including gutting special education programs and the introduction of “competition” into the school system.

He said his goal was “to create a purely market driven school district” and work toward “partnerships with the business community.” Bobb said he would “force the closures of poor performing schools.”


How in the HELL can one make a public service into something "market driven"? It boggles the fucking mind.

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