Sunday, February 14, 2010

Aja Burrell Wood: Further Action Needed to Halt Layoffs of DPS Fine Arts Teachers



[Cass Tech String Quartet at Detroit Public Schools Board Meeting Feb. 11, 2010]


On Feb. 9, 2010 AfriClassical posted “Orchestra Conductor at Detroit's Cass Tech: 'I am scheduled to be laid off as of Sunday, March 7, 2010.'” Aja Burrell Wood told us on Feb. 13, 2010: “I would like to share the updates (as of today) of pending outcomes...” She says the above photo was taken by a parent at the Feb. 11, 2010 meeting of the Board of the Detroit Public Schools. Aja Burrell Wood continues:

“Parents, teachers, students and supporters in the community attended to protest the decision of 31 (we received new confirmation of the number) Fine Arts teachers in the district.”

The award winning Cass Tech quartet performed to begin the meeting in a stand and as an example of the value of the program. During the meeting, an alumnus, a parent and a student spoke on behalf of Mr. Haas, Cass Tech's historical fine arts program and the value of Fine Arts education within the Detroit Public Schools. By the end, the board pushed for a viable Fine Arts program for DPS students and voted to rescind all layoffs.” “There is still a challenge for the Board, together with parents and teachers, to have the person, Robert Bobb, with the ultimate authority over budget cuts rescind the layoffs officially.”

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