Detroit Schools Urge Voters To Say 'Yes' To 'S'

DETROIT (WWJ) Detroit Public School Emergency Manager Roy Roberts laid it bare Thursday for those gathered at Bagley Elementary School in Detroit -- considered one of the best schools in the city.

Roberts -- and others gathered there -- warned of problems that could occur if voters fail to approve Proposal S -- a renewal of a nearly $81 million operating millage for the school system. The proposal is one of several ballot issues Detroit voters face at the polls November 8.

The tax is a 10-year renewal of an existing tax, so it would not cost homeowners additional money.

It's such a critical issue, it drew together two sides that tend to be at odds: The Detroit Federation of Teachers and the district's leadership. Supporters say if the millage fails, 900 teacher jobs could be lost.

"The failure of this funding to go through, to be supported, would jeopardize our ability to maintain arts and music programs in our schools and possibility even put us into a position where athletes would have to pay to play," said Keith Johnson, president of the DFT.

With the economy in Detroit, that's something most Detroit parents could simply not afford, many said.

Roberts added the millage represents 21 percent of the total operating budget.

"Proposal S provides for continued operating funds for Detroit Public Schools, to allow for teaching and learning to continue uninterrupted in our 100 school buildings," he said.