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Governor Snyder names new emergency manager for Detroit schools

Update:

Robert Bobb, the outgoing emergency manager for Detroit Public Schools, has released a statement regarding Roy S. Roberts, the man who will replace him in that position:

Roy Roberts is an exceptionally strong choice to continue the heavy lift of restructuring and reforming the interconnected finances and academics of Detroit Public Schools. His position as an icon in the African American community and in the City of Detroit will be of huge benefit to DPS and also a role model for DPS students. I am personally excited and our team is ready to engage fully on the transition to ensure a smooth changeover for parents, students and staff.

Original Story:

Governor Rick Snyder is expected to name Roy S. Roberts as the new emergency manager for the Detroit Public Schools, replacing Robert Bobb.

The Detroit News reports:

Gov. Rick Snyder today will name Roy S. Roberts, a former vice president of General Motors Corp., as the next emergency manager of the troubled Detroit Public Schools, sources close to the governor have confirmed to The Detroit News. The offer was made by Snyder this morning to Roberts, but a formal contract has yet to be signed, sources say. The governor will be introducing Roberts at a news conference at 2:30 p.m. at his office at Cadillac Place. Roberts will succeed Robert Bobb, who has served at the district's financial manager since March 2009. His contract officially ends in June, but he leaves amid controversy regarding his rigid but fast-moving approach to change the school system through a series of financial reforms and school closures. "I'm extremely excited because I can't think of anything that I can do in the state of Michigan thatcouldbe more meaningful and lasting and positively impacting the students in the Detroit schools system," Roberts said this afternoon.

Watch for more coverage of this story to come this afternoon.