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.
“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.”
