Initiatives Will Transform Struggling District Says DPS Emergency Manager

DETROIT (WWJ) - After slightly more than four-months on the job - Detroit Public Schools' Emergency Manager Darnell Early is rolling out several new initiatives that he says will transform the struggling district and make it more competitive.

Among the changes, Early says, the district will offer an international baccalaureate program, restore art, music and gym to some of the middle schools.

"These initiatives are designed to expand proven academic offerings and replicate successful academic programs that family and students desires. One of the things I said in my very first press conference when I was being introduced is that we are going to take a look at the things that we do well and we're going to replicate those in other areas," he said.

Initiatives include turning the Academy of the Americas into a high school and is a part of Early's 10-Point Management Plan.

"And that's one of the things I've been hearing over the last four months -- about the future of DPS -- is will we do anything to expand, bring back or strengthen the art, music and arts programs at DPS, we are looking at ways to do that," said Early.

Early who is the district's 4th Emergency Manager was appointed by Governor Snyder in mid-January.