Steven Rhodes Named DPS Transition Manager

Liz Gullett

Mar 04, 2016

On Monday, Governor Rick Snyder announced the appointment of retired Judge Steven Rhodes as the transition manager of Detroit Public Schools (DPS). He will oversee the district’s finances and operations, and will work to name an interim superintendent to oversee academics. While serving on the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Sixth District, Mr. Rhodes oversaw the Detroit bankruptcy case in 2013, which was the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Previously he served as a law clerk for District Judge John Feikens, as an assistant U.S. attorney, and as a U.S. magistrate. Additionally, he taught at the University of Michigan Law School for ten years. “Judge Rhodes is a natural fit to serve in this position. Due to his active role in the Detroit bankruptcy, he is well versed in the city and the budgetary issues it faces,” said Matt Sowash of MLC.

DPS has approximately $515 million in operating debt, and is spending approximately $1,100 per student on debt service annually. Both the House and the Senate have legislative packages aimed at improving the situation in Detroit and both proposals are working their way through the legislative process.

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