New emergency manager appointed for Highland Park schools

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed a new emergency manager for the Highland Park school district.

Snyder announced Friday that Kevin Smith has been named successor-emergency manager for the district in the Detroit enclave. He replaces Steve Schiller, who was appointed in February and also serves as the state-appointed emergency manager for the Muskegon Heights schools.

Smith specializes in municipal law, restructuring, government policy and economic development.

Snyder says in a statement that Smith's skills and experience align with Highland Park schools' needs. Snyder adds that "continued management and oversight is necessary" to deal with the district's financial emergency.