Bobb named DPS money manager

DETROIT - Robert C. Bobb, the new emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools, said he will begin his work by examining the system's structure and contracts, and finish with systems in place to correct the district's fiscal woes, according to The Detroit News.

A financial consultant and former Kalamazoo city manager, Bobb was named to the position by Gov. Jennifer Granholm for a one- year term at a salary of $260,000, according to The News. Though the term can be renewed, Bobb told The News that he plans to leave after a year with a five-year financial plan in place.

During his tenure, Bobb will control all financial matters, including balancing the budget and spending, The News reported.

He also can hire and fire staff and negotiate contracts, according to The News.

Bobb told The News that he took the job, in part, to make sure that taxpayer dollars are "being spent appropriately and, at end of the day, being sent to the classroom."

"Now that (the governor) has made her decision, I look forward to working cooperatively with Mr. Bobb to stabilize the district's finances and generate new revenue," DPS board member Tyrone Winfrey told The News.

SOURCE:
The Detroit News, "New manager takes on DPS," Jan. 27, 2009

FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "DPS board ousts Calloway," Dec. 16, 2008