Bilingual secretaries to be laid off by Detroit schools

Parents protested Detroit Public Schools, but their problem isn't with what's happening in the classroom.

A frustrated group of Spanish speaking parents say they will no longer be able to communicate with their children's school administrators. The bilingual secretaries they depend on are losing their jobs.

"She is saying she wants somebody who speaks Spanish there because, obviously she does not speak any English," said Maria Sanchez.

The secretaries at six predominately Hispanic southwest Detroit schools have been notified that their final day will be Dec.18th. It is believed to be an affect of Gov. Rick Snyder's plan to restructure Detroit Public Schools and get out of debt.

"The children are affected also, because what happens is, the children are asked to translate when there isn't somebody bilingual," Salinez said.

Those opposed tried to visit DPS leaders at the Fisher Building to set up a time to discuss the issue, but they were turned away.

Instead of setting an appointment with these concerned parents, DPS kicked them out of the Fisher building and into the cold.

FOX 2 also tried to set an appointment on their behalf. But with no hope of meeting with DPS leaders, the protesters hope to return for a bigger protest, and travel to Lansing to try and speak with Gov. Snyder.

"I speak very little English and so please we really need help to have these people translate for us," said Norma Hernandez, a DPS parent.