Detroit Public schools ordered to reinstate protesting teachers

as published in Examiner.com

Last week a federal judge ordered the Detroit Public Schools to reinstate two math teachers accused of leading a protest where students banged on a school's windows and were pepper-sprayed and detained by police.

Steve Conn and Heather Miller, a married couple, were placed on leave in June 2007 when the Board members voted to fire them. Judge Stephen Murphy III granted a temporary injunction that orders DPS  to allow the two to go back to their jobs immediately at Cass Technical High and Marquette Elementary while their case continues. The teachers' lawyers argued that "the board and its former president have conducted a year-long vendetta against Conn and Miller, because of their vocal opposition to the board's closure plans for 38 schools."

Frank Beckman of WJR had these two teachers on a talk show the other day, and it got pretty lively. The pair feel that the district is underfunded compared to suburban districts. Several listeners disagreed and felt that the school district has plenty of money.

“They are playing the okey dokey with you, Frank,” one listener told the talk show host. “The Detroit Public Schools earns over $13,000 per student once you add up all the millages and other funds.”

Others went on to say that the district is corrupt and  they waste money. “This money is more than many other districts receive, and more than the tuition in private schools."

Beckman finally asked the two teachers how much money the taxpayers should keep throwing at Detroit Public Schools. Conn and Miller replied “as much as it takes."

 They agreed that there should be better systems and accountability, but said that the students should not suffer. “They should not close schools down, said Miller. "Also, they have eliminated basics, such as after school programs and latch key."

Detroit Public Schools did not appear in court for this hearing, and Judge Murphy calls officials 'rather disrespectful' for failing to attend. Click here for more information.

To see these teachers in a youtube video of their hearing last June, click here.

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