He has to work to reduce the class size in urban elementary schools so all of the kids will learn to read. That will result in less truancy and misbehavior in the secondary schools, and higher graduation rates. To offset the ongoing teacher shortage in Detroit, it will also require the recruitment of thousands of battle-proven retired teachers and administrators, which includes paying them full salaries while enabling them to continue to collect their pensions. It will also demand that Lansing actively support the Detroit schools' new leadership in their impending initiatives in the areas of building construction, curricular innovation and corporate sponsorships. Watkins should see to it that a state takeover of a local district is never again necessary.
Education is the key to advancement for Detroit's vast underprivileged population.
When those kids make it to the privileged class, all Michigan will soar.