Bing says he's ready to lead schools, if Detroiters want it
Choosing new superintendent would be key

BY KATHLEEN GRAY and ROCHELLE RILEY
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS

MACKINAC ISLAND -- Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said Friday that the mayor should be in charge of the city's schools, as supporters ready petitions to put the issue before voters in November.

"We want to get a feel if there's community support for this," Bing told the Free Press on Friday. "I do think one person should be responsible."

It won't be an easy sell. A poll last fall by EPIC-MRA of Lansing showed 62% of Detroit voters opposed turning school control over to the mayor.

Bing spoke at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference. He has said his hands were full managing the city's troubled government, but left the door open to adding schools to his job if there was community support.

Robert Bobb, the district's state-appointed emergency financial manager, is to leave his post in March. Bing said if voters approve, he would want to be in position before Bobb leaves. The proposal would take control from the elected school board.

Community groups hope to start a petition drive within two weeks, said mayoral spokeswoman Karen Dumas.

The push has the support of Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who said earlier Friday: "I hope Dave Bing will have the authority to appoint a superintendent. That would be enormously helpful."

http://www.freep.com/article/2010060...o-lead-schools