Greetings friends, neighbors and activists,
The time for town hall meetings and vent sessions has come and gone!
As yet another undemocratic emergency manager was appointed in Michigan - this time to run the Highland Park Community School District - concerned citizens, parents, educators, faith-based and civic leaders from across our community formed the Financial and Academic Reinvestment Commission to oppose Public Act 4, reject the concept of state-appointed czars (emergency managers), fight against the secretive Educational Achievement Authority (EAA) and, uniquely, propose real policies to reinvest in our struggling cities and school districts.
We recognize that the fiscal problems we face are not solely due to mismanagement. We contend that disinvestment has led to large budget deficits in cities and school districts, particularly in urban areas. We intend to work together at all levels (local, state and federal) to create real policies that will keep our communities strong and our neighborhoods vibrant.
So, if you are ready to move past the speeches, rhetoric and meetings thrown together where the same folks tell you what you already know... if you are ready to share your expertise, your thoughts, your concerns and your ideas... if you are ready to work toward accomplishing our shared goals of creating stronger communities and better educational systems for our children... then you are invited!
Our first public hearing is this Thursday, February 23rd, at 6 p.m. at the Ernest T. Ford Recreation Center located at 10 Pitkin, Highland Park, MI 48203.
This hearing will feature:
- Brief presentations from our five subcommittees: Financial, Academic, Reinvestment, EAA/Charters, and Community/Civic Engagement
- Testimony from leaders currently under the oppression of an EM, from: Pontiac, Flint, Benton Harbor, Ecorse
- Public Comment and Q&A
- Laying the foundation for the real work ahead
Commissioners:
- Bert Johnson, State Senator- District 2- Rev. D. Alexander Bullock, Greater St. Mattew Baptist Church & Rainbow Michigan
- Stephanie Vaught, Sugar Law Center
- Glenda McDonald, Highland Park educator, parent and activist
- Kenneth Reed, Institute for Public Policy and Educational Affairs
- Victor Bonds, Highland Park NAACP
- Rodney Patrick, Highland Park City Council
- Earl Wheeler, community resident and activist
- Walter Rushing, CPA & M.Ed
Thank you! We hope to see you on Thursday!
- The Financial and Academic Reinvestment Commission
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