State pays legal fees for Detroit Public Schools

DETROIT (AP) — The state Department of Treasury says it will pay more than $300,000 in legal fees to sue two Detroit Public Schools teachers for what the district alleges was their roles in instigating massive teacher sickouts.

The Detroit News reports a Treasury Department spokesman said in an email that the agency understands the school district’s financial situation and has been assisting the district in many areas.

State lawmakers approved a $617 million rescue plan last month to pay off $467 million in district debt and establish a new, debt-free Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Nicole Conaway and Steve Conn are accused in the lawsuit of encouraging sick-outs that closed dozens of schools earlier this year.