A Detroit charter school has abruptly announced it will be closing down this week.
Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice informed parents Wednesday that the last day of classes will be Friday, Sept. 28.
In a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon, the school stated:
As you may already be aware, the Board of Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice voted to cease operations as of Monday, October 1, 2018. Please know the Board reluctantly made this decision, but it was necessary for the best interest of the students enrolled in the academy, both academically and fiscally.
The closing leaves nearly 200 students out of a school. The school's Board of Directors says representatives from "surrounding traditional public-school districts and academies" will help parents and students find "another educational institution" before Oct. 3.
Equity Education released the following statement:
The children and families of Detroit deserve better than the decision that was handed down today by the Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy School Board. We want the students, staff, families and the communities that we serve to know that without question the decision of the school’s board does not reflect the value we place on serving students and the commitment we made to families to prepare their children for future academic, career, and life success.
It is important for our families to know that today we presented the Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy board three ways to avoid this closure – and allow our students to continue their school year. After being provided with these solutions, the board voted 4-1 to close the school mid-year, which in turn will cause our 200-plus students to unexpectedly find new schools just three days prior to state count day.
Our staff, community partners, and fellow charter leaders are absolutely committed to making sure every student and staff member in the Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy receive the transition support that will be required to ensure they are placed in a new school here in Detroit.
Ferris State University issued the following statement:
Ferris State University has been informed that the board of directors of the Detroit Delta Preparatory Academy for Social Justice has decided to discontinue operations, effective Oct. 1. This action was taken at the academy board’s special meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The University’s Charter Schools Office is committed to assisting families in finding new educational opportunities for the 180-plus affected academy students. Further, the University is prepared to help faculty and staff in finding new positions.
