The third installment of the Michigan Chronicle’s 2015 Pancakes and Politics series may have been one of the most riveting discussions taking place anywhere in Detroit on Thursday morning. Pancakes and Politics guests at the Detroit Athletic Club listened intently to the panel of educational leaders, who although they may differ in strategy, all agree that quality education is critical for the future of Detroit.
Hiram Jackson, Michigan Chronicle publisher and Real Times Media CEO set the tone for the forum’s topic, Education in Crisis: The Way Forward, by sharing a personal statement regarding educational opportunities. “I am fortunate to put my children where I want them to be. But not all of our children have those options and some are trapped in a system or a school that is not working … quite frankly I think it’s criminal that we sit by quietly at times and watch our children get less than a quality education.” Jackson reminded attendees of dire educational circumstances throughout the country, citing the closing of 50 public schools in Chicago and the infamous Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal.
Emmy-award winning journalist and forum moderator, Carol Cain, introduced the impressive panel of educational heavyweights, which included: David Hecker, American Federation of Teachers Michigan president; Tonya Allen, president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation; Clark Durant, co-founder of Cornerstone Schools; Darnell Earley, emergency manager, Detroit Public Schools, and Veronica Conforme, chancellor of the Education Achievement Authority.
Pancakes and Politics panelists offered thought provoking and candid insights on the sate of education in Detroit.
“There are many great things going on in public schools, charters, EAA, DPS, traditional school districts and charters throughout the state … but overall he state as whole is not performing at the level we need to perform,” said David Hecker, president AFT Michigan regarding the state of education, adding that poor performing schools are not exclusively a Detroit problem, but a statewide problem.
About Post Author
