New ed system could become MI's largest

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Projections say a new statewide educational system for troubled schools in Michigan could become the state's largest school district in the next five years.

The Detroit Free Press reports Monday that the projections made in a federal grant application say as many as 45 additional schools could be added, giving the Education Achievement Authority system tens of thousands of students. Currently, the 15 schools that are part of the system are in Detroit.

The system was created to operate the 5 percent of schools with the lowest academic performance. School control is placed in the hands of principals, teachers and staff.

The Free Press say the list includes 146 schools that are in 10 districts, including Southfield, Pontiac and Grand Rapids, but the actual ones involved could change.