Q.
A. Empow rment i a pro b d on the
umptlon that th re is mor than on way to
best educate children. It Iso ...
1. 1I0ws individual school the opportunity
to t ke the initiative to exercise independence
in achieving the District's mission, goals and
objectives, and
2. requires the chool mpo rm nt
CouDcillT a to manage ducatlonal
programs, budget, personnel, student and
parental support, and community involvement.
The T has flexibility to d sign and
implement strategies that will enable their
school to achieve dlstrict-wide goals.
This enhanced authority and responsi
bility Is exercised within the parameters
of existing policies of the Bo rd of .
Education and union contrects.
.. The T am has the option to request
waivers from the Int rventlon Team.
Interventlon/T m Members
General Superin endent
School Board President .
Detroit Federation of Teachers President
Organization of School Administrators and
Supervisors President
w' ..... 1t
A. In addition to s in
rvefttlon' am, he Ge
Submits the District's mission, goals and
objectives to the Board of Education.
Supports continuous organizational
improvement through experimentation, risk
taking and integrated decentralization.
Ensures that as many decisions as possible
are made at the school site.
Provides resources and support to help staff
(school, area and central) assume responsi
bilities in their new roles .•
Evaluates program progress.
Q. WIly .....
Hrllt
A. School site decision-making enhances
leadership, ownership, commitment and account
ability at all levels.
� Personnel from central and area offices
provide support services that assist the
management of the school.
• Teachers and school staff are professionals
in controt of their own destinies.
• Parents, teachers and students are encour
ag�d to take the initiative to implement ideas
that impact the school environment, and to
take an active role in school management.
Q.
poeItIon of
lIT ,
A. The' local school decides the number of
School EmIMM rment Councll/Te m members,
determines how decisions are made, and sets the
agenda.
,
The chool Empow rm nt Council/Team
incl des representatives from each of the following
groups:
Administrators
Teachers
Support Staff
Parents
Students (where appropriate)
Q. No .. ,
A. According to the Memorandum of
Understanding,
The process and of deci
will b� consistent with th lin ure of
the school system. Decisions will be reached
through consensus to the extent possible.
When consensus cannot be reached, and
a decision must be made, the principal will
do so. Otherwise, the issue will be put aside
for further investigation or discussions for
determination.
Q. How
A. All Detroit Public Schools have the same
evaluation and accountability standards. Empow
ered/chartered schools also embrace the miSSion,
goals and objectives specified in De II" for
Excellence,. including student outcomes and
objectives.
Q. .. eal"ble for pow-
A. Any school is eligible to apply for empow
erment if the following representative numbers
vote YESI
Administration
Teachers: 75% (by secret ballot)
Parents: 55%
Support'Staff: 55%
• Students: 55% (where appropriate)
,...---------..,.--------
Deborah M. McGrttf, Ph.D.
General Superintendent
Detroit Public Schools
5057 Woodward Avenue.
Detroit, Mlc�lgan 48202
•
A. Empowered schools hav :
A budget based on the formula which
ensures a more equitable per pupil allocation.
The formula for the 1991-92 chool 'lear is:
Elementary School: 3,195 per pupil
Middle School: 3,595 per pupil
High School: 3,995 per pupil
Special categorical and grant funds based
upon school and/or student eligibility criteria.
Staff development which encourages the
will and provides the skills needed to
collaborate and manage their new roles and
responsibilities.
Q. How
............. joIn ,
A. Administrators and staff members who are
committed to empowerment, and who agree to
adhere to its principles, may join an empowered
school.
Q. C pow • ... r
cI size'
\ I,
A. Y s. Empowered schools can request a
waiver in any policy area from the Intervention
T m. However, all waivers must be implemented
within the school's existing budget, and cannot
be detrimental to, ortake away from, the resources
of ny other school.
.- .. "i..)\
ing this issue.
Q. Will mpow'en .... n prlv Iz. ucMI
MrYlces'
A. No. The District will continue to provide many
of the services needed by all schools. However,
empowered schools may purchase goods and
services that cannot be efficiently secured within
the District from outside vendors. But, union
contracts and Board of Education pollcle cannot
be violated.
Q. Ar� newl, � schools autom ..
leall, w ,
A. The Intervention Team is currently discuss
ing this issue.
•
In other school districts where empower
ment has been implemented, all new school
buildings are opened as empowered schools.
Persons applying for positions' in these
newly established schools express support
through their application.
The Intervention Team will resolve these
. issues before the 1992-93 school 'lear.
Q. I mpow eat Cldloul
lICe.'
A. No. There is no panacea for school improve
ment.
.. Empowerment promotes and encourages
diversity and creativity in problem solving.
, Empowerment gives schools greater author
ity and flexibility to determine their own needs,
select powerful solutions, purchase the goods
and services they require, and enhance
accountability for the mission, goals and
objectives of the district.