Detroit Public Schools face fines for truancy
For the 2012-2011 school year, Detroit Public Schools had an attendance record that fell below 75 percent for 46 days, according to the Detroit News. School districts that fall below 75 percent face fines.
More from the Detroit News:
State officials are weighing how much to penalize Detroit Public Schools for persistent truancy, a problem that could cost the financially troubled district up to $25.9 million, according to documents obtained by The Detroit News. In the past school year, attendance at DPS fell below the state minimum of 75 percent on 46 days. The district says it is bracing for a loss of the full amount, though the Michigan Department of Education expects a much lower final figure.
Low attendance naturally leads to poorer performing schools.
Cash assistance cut-off
Some Michigan families will find out today and tomorrow whether they're cut off from state cash assistance. A new state law puts a four-year cap on cash assistance. Rick Pluta reports "the state Department of Human Services is holding two days of “rocket docket” hearings. People challenging their cutoff are expected to show up first thing in the morning, and wait their turn to make their case to a magistrate and a caseworker. They will be told before they leave whether they still qualify."
There are expected to be some protests outside of some DHS offices today.
Snow Wednesday
Snow is coming this week, according to the National Weather Service. Rain is expected to turn to snow late Tuesday night, early Wednesday morning. The Detroit Free Press quotes NWS Hydro Meteorological Technician Debra Elliott:
“It looks like, for the most part, 1 to 3 inches of snow will be possible west of U.S. 23, and east of U.S. 23, we’re looking for less than an inch of accumulation,” Elliott said, adding that the snow could affect Wednesday’s morning commute. “That could be a little bit of a mess for people, especially on the west side of 23.”
