DETROIT, Mich. — In an effort to save the district $75 million, Detroit Public Schools will privatize its maintenance operations, eliminating 823 budgeted positions. Building repair, maintenance, engineering, custodial and grounds services will be provided by Sodexo School Services.
Employees affected by the outsourcing will be terminated on Feb. 21, The Detroit News reports. Sodexo is allowing those employees to apply for open positions at other facilities it serves in the region.
For the state to consider the financial emergency over, the district must eliminate a $327 million deficit and balance its budget. Last year, the district privatized student transportation and school security patrols.
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