New Detroit school district at crossroads Nov. 8

By Mike Renda, General Manager

The new Detroit Public Schools are at a major crossroads already with the election of the school board Nov 8.

The board will have responsibilities including mention, transportation, special education and much more at Detroit's 97 public schools. It was created this year by the Michigan legislature's massive Education Reform package.

The election of the board could bring about the long hoped-for goal of lifting up Detroit Public Schools with the hands of people who are residents of the city, but the importance of who is selected to fill the board seats cannot be underestimated. It's imperative the board members elected cannot be the statement over underachievers who use the position to gain political clout or popularity.

The new school board members must bring what Transition Manager Steven Rhodes calls, an absolute commitment to serve as a trustee for the benefits of the district's children, and nothing else. Rhodes has been passionate about the importance of these school board choices, and considers it so vital he has met with many of the candidates himself, to ask and answer questions.

We, too see the importance of choosing the best candidates. So much so that FOX 2 has teamed with other major news organizations, including The Detroit Free Press, Bridge magazine and WDET to provide a deep background look at the candidates so you, the citizens, will be able to make the best choice.

My take is this: there has never been a more important time for the city of Detroit voters to do their homework and look closely at the list of candidates to determine who are the best choices to become a Detroit public school board member.

This is our chance. The future of Detroit city school children is riding on it.