Another teacher 'sick-out' causes Detroit school closure

Detroit school teachers staged another sick-out, this time forcing one school to close.

Now the district's spokeswoman is calling the protesters "selfish" and "irresponsible" while the students that are paying the price.

Friday was another day of no school for students at Bates Academy.

"Do I like it no," said parent Lynn Garland. "But I understand that they have to do drastic things to get things done."

It is the one school to remain closed after 10 were forced to shut down Thursday when teachers decided to teach a different kind of lesson by calling out sick.

"Teaches are fed up with inequality of schools," said Steve Conn, former president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers. "Getting less and less from the state that's controlled schools for past 15 years." 

The sick-outs are one way organizers say they are letting state and school officials know they are unhappy with their leadership.

"We want class size down, teacher pay up so we can retain teachers," Conn said. "We want what they have in wealthy district."

Bur Gov.  Rick Snyder's office released a statement saying that the Governor's plan is aimed at improving academics and finances for Detroit schools.

Right now, Detroit Public Schools spends a figure equal to $1,100 per student just to cover debt. That's money that could be better spent on teachers and in the classroom. The plan also helps parents become able to choose from quality options for their children's education.

But those who oppose the governor's plan say they want a change and they want their supporters to join them for a planning meeting scheduled for Saturday.

"Teaches come in and vote Democratically on what to do next," said Conn.

The planning meeting will be at 4 p.m. at Gracious Savior Lutheran Church, 19484 James Couzens in  Detroit.