October 30, 2015
University of Michigan Students
c/o Hannah Matalon May
University of Michigan
Dear University of Michigan Students:
Thank you very much for your October 23, 2015 communication
on behalf of various students at the University of Michigan and other student
groups from across the state regarding the recommendations of the Coalition
for the Future of Detroit’s Schoolchildren.
I am aware of the very serious and thoughtful
recommendations put forward by the Coalition and know that by the very
diversity of the Coalition’s members, the discussions provided a robust forum
for the exchange of ideas leading up to the final report and its
recommendations. I also have talked
with several of the leaders of the Coalition since the report was released to
hear their perspectives and their commitment to continuing to make the case for
change.
At the University of Michigan, we are involved in dozens of
activities with Detroit’s school-aged population. Many are in the form of academic support for
student learning outcomes, others support health and social well being, and
still others are focused on student empowerment. I personally have visited several high
schools in Detroit over the last year and will continue to engage with students
in the future to encourage their pursuit of academic success and higher
education.
We are committed to these initiatives and more as the
Governor, Mayor Duggan and groups such as the Coalition negotiate how to move
forward and launch plans for improvement in educational outcomes. I do intend to use my voice as U-M President
in supporting broad objectives aimed at raising the level of student success. And I expect the University of Michigan to
continue building relationships and contributing to this important work. As an
example, the Wolverine Pathways initiative that I announced last week, beginning
in two area school districts, will expand into Detroit in the years ahead.
While not committing directly to your suggested next steps,
I do promise to continue to argue for the importance of improving the quality
and outcomes of public primary and secondary education for students living in
the Detroit area, as well as across the state, and partnering with community
leaders to achieve these necessary educational outcomes.
Thank you for your important advocacy.
Sincerely,
Mark S. Schlissel
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