Detroit schools strife causing parents to flee district

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More than a dozen principals and administrators slapped with federal charges for taking bribes.

Teachers counting on a bailout from lawmakers just to get paid and now Detroit Public Schools have a new crisis -- parents pulling their kids out of the district in search of better classrooms. And who can blame them?

Born and raised in Detroit, Chris Beasley is helping shed light on a sad reality that many parents are pulling their children out of Detroit Public Schools due to the ongoing problems, which include crumbling buildings and teacher sickouts.

"I love DPS but at the same time, they're going through some really hard struggles," he said. "And I wanted to ensure my children would have the best right now."

Beasley has a daughter in middle school and her son  who is in elementary school.

She made the choice this year to put them in the Madison Heights school district.

FOX 2: "How hard of a choice was it for you to pull your kids out of DPS, growing up in Detroit?

"It was really hard because we still live in Detroit," Beasley said.  "We're not too far from here. at the same time, I'm a product of DPS. I love it. at the same time, I have to do what's best for my kids."

"Kids are finding themselves caught in the middle of adult problems," said Randy Speck, Madison Heights superintendent.

Speck said his schools have been able to adjust and handle increased enrollment, but knows DPS has to make a comeback at some point.

"It would be good for the state of Michigan, for Detroit to be a vibrant school system," Speck said. "If every school system is working well together, then that's good for kids. That's good for families. that's good for economic development. It's good for the city and the state."

FOX 2: "If things can somehow improve in the next year or so in DPS, could you see yourself putting your kids back in Detroit Public Schools?"

"Most definitely," Beasley said. "I honestly think it will improve. I hope for the best with DPS."

Speck said that about 35 percent of the district's student enrollment have come from Wayne County and the city of Detroit over the past 10 years.