Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Detroit Public School system.

Highlights:

• Establishes 2 districts within the Detroit Public School system (Sec. 12B):
• A community district funded by state appropriations; and
• A qualifying district funded by local property taxes.

• Establishes a 9 member school board for the community district (Sec. 384).

• Authorizes the Financial Review Commission to possess oversight on the finances of the community district (Sec. 387).

• Establishes a 5 year education commission appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer and comprised of the following members (Sec. 390):
• 3 individuals, 1 being a parent, with ties to public schools;
• 3 individuals, 1 being a parent, with ties to chartered schools; and
• 1 individual, an expert in public school accountability.

• Establishes a letter grading system to rate community district schools (Secs. 392, 393 & 394):
• Schools with an “A-B” grade can replicate without education commission approval; and
• Schools with an “F” grade are subject to potential closure if they receive failing grades for 3 years within a 5 year period. 

• Specifies that this bill does not take effect until SB 711 is enacted into law (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text