Detroit School Superintendent Calloway asked to cut her personal security budget
Two armed police officers currently escort Detroit Public School (DPS) Superintendent Connie Calloway all around the city and state.
These officers receive about $95,000 a year combined in base pay, according to the Detroit Free Press. During two summer months when school was not in session, these officers also earned a total $13,803 for 400 hours of overtime.
The DPS superintendent's security unit is the most extensive in the country and exceeds that of school leaders in districts four to eleven larger such as Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.
Calloway has been asked to cut her budget, especially the money used for personal security. This request was made by DPS Board members Annie Carter and Marie Thornton, who are part of a group that has recently been questioning Calloway’s competence.
The feeling by these board members and others is that Calloway should take cuts, too, since teachers, social workers and support staff are currently being laid off due to cutbacks and declining enrollment. Unless DPS can get their budget under control, the state of Michigan may appoint an emergency manager to take over their finances.
District spokesperson Steve Wasko told the press that the security is necessary for the superintendent. The district admitted that Calloway, who took over last year, has not had any threats.
According to
the Free Press article, Calloway’s contract states that she will have access to "a district vehicle and licensed security" for business-related purposes. At least three previous leaders have also received this protection.
DPS used to provide 24-hour detail for their chief. However, this was cut after the end of the state takeover in 2005 state takeover.
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