To GVSU United Students Against Sweatshops:
Your letter to President Haas has been forwarded to me for a
response.
Grand Valley State University recognizes that
families throughout the state of Michigan expect
quality public schools in their communities. We also recognize
that state law affordsparents the right to choose the school that is best
for their children. As an authorizer of charter schools, some of
which are located in the city of Detroit, GVSU is
committed to providing excellent educational options for
students enrolled in schools authorized by the university.
GVSU agrees with the Legislature and
the Michigan Department of Education that
schools with continuous poor academic performance should be closed;
in fact, Grand Valley has closed fifteen charter schools that failed to
meet our high expectations. It is GVSU’s policy that the educational
outcomes of students in its charter schools should exceed
those of the traditional public school district that those students
would otherwise be attending. To ensure accountability to all
stakeholders, GVSU’s Charter School Office was the first authorizer in the
nation to have sought and received accreditation from AdvanceEd, the organization
that reviews and accredits thousands of school districts in the United
States.
Governor Snyder, the Legislature, and Mayor
Duggan, among others, are discussing proposals to change governance and school
oversight in Detroit. As these plans progress, GVSU will continue to
hold the schools in its portfolio to the highest of standards.
Thank you for your interest in this important
matter.
Sincerely,
Tim Wood
Timothy H. Wood, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Charter Schools
Grand Valley State University
201 Front Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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