Darnell Earley was the emergency manager who put toxic water in the homes of Flint, Michigan, and he’s the emergency manager who has presided over Detroit public schools with fungus growing in the halls, rotten and moldy food served to students, and serious rodent infestations. Now the big question is, where’s the next place Gov. Rick Snyder will override democracy to put Earley in charge? Because Earley is stepping down from being the Detroit schools’ emergency manager at the end of the month.
Earley is declaring victory because “comprehensive restructuring necessary to downsizing the central office” blah blah blah, but the announcement of his departure comes after sustained teacher protest over terrible conditions in the schools and a lawsuit that, among other things, called for him to be removed from his position. According to a statement by Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich:
“For the sake of the kids, Earley needed to go, but this move should in no way allow him to dodge his responsibility to fully comply with every investigation about his role in the Flint water crisis. The governor must demand that he testify before Congress tomorrow and be completely transparent in turning over every document related to what happened.
“The public also has a right to know all the details about his severance package, contract terms and any nondisclosure agreement. Make no mistake, this announcement today was not motivated by what is best for the children — it was about saving face for the politicians who are worried about what he might reveal under oath.”
In response to Earley’s announcement, the Detroit Federation of Teachers called for the schools to be returned to local control: “Appointing another emergency manager won’t fix Detroit’s education crisis. Now is the time for DPS to have an elected school board that answers to the people of this great city.”