DPS: Schools may be closed Monday

Detroit (WJBK) - Detroit Public Schools is issuing a special alert to parents and families that a high number of schools may be closed Monday, due to ongoing sick-out strikes organized by some DPS teachers.

At this time, the district doesn't know which schools may be affected, but wanted to inform families so they can plan accordingly for their students.

The district will announce school closures no later than 6 a.m Monday.

Steve Conn, a Detroit school teacher, told FOX 2 that parents should prepare for school closures Monday.

"It is our expectation that  DPS schools will be closed [Monday] due to the continuation of the rolling strikes by DPS teachers and we advise the DPS Emergency Manager to begin notifying the public immediately, so that parents can have adequate advance warning," Conn said in a statement Sunday.

In a statement to FOX 2, Detroit Public School Emergency Manager Darnell Earley says he understands why teachers are frustrated.

“It’s clear that teachers are feeling an overwhelming sense of frustration over the challenges that they and all DPS employees face as they do their jobs each day,” said Earley. “We understand and share their frustration. However, given the reality of the District’s financial distress, it is becoming clearer every day that the only way that we are going to be able to address these serious issues in any way is through an investment in DPS by the Michigan Legislature. Unfortunately, obtaining that support becomes more challenging with each closure of a school due to a teacher sick-out.”

This is an ongoing story check FOX 2 and fox2detroit.com for continued coverage on DPS school closings.