Michigan Chronicle's Pancakes and Politics spotlights educational crisis

Tonya Allen, Skillman foundation president and CEO expressed frustration over tried and failed approaches to solve Detroit’s educational problems. “We need to prioritize children. I am exhausted that every time we have a discussion about education we talk about power, politics and money. When do the kids become the number one priority?” Allen asked panelists and Pancakes and Politics participants.
“If you look back at where schools were 2o years ago, and where we are now, we are on a quick slide to hell,” she added.
Cornerstone schools co-founder, Clark Durant introduced 14 college-bound cornerstone students, to P&P guests, pointing out there academic accomplishments as they stood to rousing applause and a standing ovation. “Every school and every principal and every teacher in this city is doing hard work and good work and we need to have a framework that makes it possible for them to do what they need to do.”
“We have to shift more of our focus away from the operational and structural side,” explained DPS emergency manager Darnell Early, “and focus on the educational outcomes so that our children can have equal opportunity through the most competitive educational experience possible.”
EAA chancellor Veronica Conforme, underscored the severity of the educational crisis and the need for a coherent and comprehensive strategy to address academic issues. “Our house is on fire and we’ve got to save our children. … It’s about getting to the right solutions and getting our children where they need to be to give them a chance at life.”