Judge draws lines over power in Detroit schools

DETROIT (AP) -- A judge says the Detroit school board has authority over academic policies, at least for the next five weeks before a new emergency manager law kicks in. The decision Wednesday by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Annette Berry means the board and emergency financial manager Roy Roberts must talk more and work together on some key issues. Berry appeared sympathetic to the board and Roberts, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder. The power struggle began last year when an emergency manager law was suspended for months and ultimately repealed by voters. Roberts has remained on the job under an old manager law. But a new law starts in late March, restoring much of his previous authority in the struggling school district. Published: Fri, Feb 22, 2013