DETROIT – Most of Detroit's public schools closed for the day on Wednesday due to teacher absences, as disgruntled educators stepped up efforts to protest the governor's plans for the district, its ramshackle finances and dilapidated buildings.
Detroit Public Schools said 85 of its 97 schools were shut.
All staff must still report, or take a leave day.
View the complete list of school closings here.
On Tuesday night, a group advocating for change at city schools known as Detroit Teachers Strike to Win warned of closures and said protests were planned Wednesday.
Also on Tuesday night, Gov. Rick Snyder again pushed state lawmakers to pass bills to overhaul the school district by splitting it in two, spending more than $700 million over a decade, warning of a potential bankruptcy. Already, the district is run by an emergency manager appointed by the Republican governor.
Teacher and activist Steve Conn said in a statement that Snyder is "attacking public education in Detroit."
The closings also come the same day that President Barack Obama plans to visit Detroit with a tour of the North American International Auto Show to highlight progress in the city and the auto industry. A rally and picket at noon by teachers is planned outside downtown's Cobo Center, where the tour will take place.
The district said it has no choice but to close schools when teachers don't report to work. It said those who don't call in sick still were required to report to their buildings Wednesday.
Detroit has about 46,000 students. More than 60 schools were closed Jan. 11 because of an absence of teachers. Other sick-outs affecting a smaller number of schools have taken place. In response, city officials have started inspecting schools for possible code and safety violations.
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