CEO Dr. Kenneth Burnley speaks out on his future at DPS

Thursday, July 8, 2004

Detroit Public Schools CEO Dr. Kenneth Burnley has issued the following statement in response to reports that some members of the board have asked him to resign:

My main focus has always been and will continue to be improving student achievement and performance. This is an extremely challenging job, but it is one that I have chosen because of my commitment to the education of children in this city.

The District is facing some Herculean difficulties that will not go away anytime soon. Chief among these difficulties is our declining student population, which is sure to lead to the closing of more schools and additional layoffs.
Given these challenges, I believe that continuity and stability in the leadership of this District is critical to student achievement and the future of the Detroit Public Schools.

To this end, I intend to honor my contract. I will not resign until I am certain our goals have been accomplished. Resigning now would mean abdicating my obligation to help the children of this District.