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Whiston: School Choice Necessary, But A Net Loss For MI Education

Brian Whiston
dearbornschools.org
Michigan Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston

The state schools superintendent says he thinks the education choice movement has taken the focus off improving all public schools. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Superintendent Brian Whiston appeared on the Michigan Public Television show “Off The Record.” Whiston says he supports school choice, but he says the tradeoff is it takes the focus off improving all public schools.

“So, when a school district loses all those kids, what impact does it have on the education of the kids who are still in that district?” Says Whiston.

Michigan is in Year Two of Whiston’s 10-year goal of making Michigan a top-tier education state.

A charter school spokesman says the competition for students forces all schools to work to improve, and the option remains popular with parents.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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