CRC Does a Deep Dive Into DPS' Debt

State taxpayers and school districts will have to pay to help get Detroit Public Schools’ out of debt one way or another, that’s according to a non-partisan research group that released a report on DPS’ mounting debt.

Craig Thiel, with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, says if DPS becomes insolvent then taxpayers and school districts will be on the hook to cover the district’s debt.

The alternative is a plan floated by the governor to spend over $700 million to get DPS out of debt – which would also hit school districts in the pocket book.

According to the report, DPS’ debt currently sits at $3.5 billion.

That includes operating debt and unfunded pension and healthcare liabilities.

The district says it could run out of money as soon as April.