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Friday, May 19, 2006
Following his review, Detroit Public Schools Superintendent William F. Coleman III has concluded that the District’s policy on retreats, particularly as it relates to food and other associated spending, is vague.
To this end, he is putting stricter controls in place regarding the use of money for all forms of professional development, including retreats.
Much of the money spent on retreats, including a retreat that was held at Chadsey High School nearly two weeks ago, was provided by a federal grant and restricted to staff development and technical assistance at schools that did not make Adequate Yearly Progress. The retreats typically feature consultants. Coleman has determined that the consultants’ fees were competitive.
Some highlights of the new policy:
• All expenditures for food must follow the guidelines of the U.S. General Service Administration. The cap on food expenditures may be exceeded only with written authorization from the responsible division head. The division head must have received a written justification to exceed the cap.
• There will be specific dollar restrictions on meals provided as part of staff training.
• Principals and other department heads planning to hold retreats or workshops must first attempt to secure a DPS facility for use.
• If DPS facilities are not available, attempts must be made to secure meeting locations within the city before going elsewhere. Cost must be part of any justification for going outside the city.
“The Detroit Public Schools system, like all school districts throughout this country, is mandated by law to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress,” Coleman said. “Retreats are a key component of our strategy to attain Adequate Yearly Progress. Therefore, we will continue to have the retreats.
“Working in a public agency is a sacred trust. As superintendent of this school system, I intend to do everything within my power to ensure that this trust is not abused. This policy will guarantee safeguards against any future excesses.”
