Save our Students: County negligence of special needs Flint kids draws fire

Latest

PHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK

 
FLINT, MI — FLINT, MI — For the past several months, parents and community activists, including pastors, have packed the Genesee County Intermediate School District (GISD) meetings demanding equal funds for special education students in Flint.
Special Education needs skyrocketed since the Flint water disaster which began in 2014. Exposure to lead and other toxins resulted in negative education and behavioral outcomes. Last year, only 10% of 3rd graders in Flint passed the statewide reading test, a whopping 56% decease since the crisis began.
A county millage passed some 20 years ago still uses a formula that now ignores the impact of the Flint disaster on Flint kids. “You are fueling the school to prison pipeline,” charged one advocate at the school district meeting. And, “maintaining a system of educational gerrymandering,” said another during public comments. The growing community outrage has prompted the Flint Community School Superintendent Dr. Derrick Lopez to file a complaint challenging the formula with the state of Michigan. The hearing is scheduled for April 14 of this year.
Many residents believe the GISD board’s negligence is a path to the outright destruction of Flint public schools through regionalization and/or privatization. Conversely, the fight for a fair special education formula is a step toward saving Flint’s public education system altogether. The struggle continues.

PT Logo collage
+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

More from the People's Tribune