KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo School’s Superintendent says he is more confident than ever that they will be able to prevent the State of Michigan from closing Washington and Woodward Magnet Schools, but that doesn’t mean they are dropping their lawsuit, challenging the process.
Dr. Michael Rice says they have scheduled meetings with the State Superintendent of Schools to establish a partnership, after the Governor tossed out immediate plans to close 38 schools statewide and greatly reduced the role of the School Reform office in the process.
They have two months to come to terms on a partnership and once that is worked out, they have 18-months to work their plan.
Rice says the issues involving the legal authority of the School Reform Office remain, whether or not they order any closures. That’s why they haven’t dropped the lawsuit.
This whole conflict began when the SRO sent letters to the parents of the 38 schools, suggesting that they consider looking for alternative schools, because their school might close.
Dr. Rice told us Thursday night that he will soon be sending the parents a letter of his own, updating them on progess and telling them the two schools won’t be closing anytime soon.
He says their involvement and support in the process has been very important in the success they have had keeping the two schools open.
