DETROIT—The Detroit Public Schools’ (DPS) request to stop the reinstatement of 226 fired security guards so the district could make way for a private security firm was denied by a judge today.
DPS fired security personnel on July 30, claiming that the guards had chronic absenteeism, reports Detroit News. The district signed a contract with Securitas Security Services for $6.5 million to handle campus patrols. Officials believe the firm will not only improve safety, but save the district $5.5 million annually.
However, last week Judge Robert Ziolkowski ordered the district to rehire the terminated guards, who are represented by Teamsters Local 214. District officials said they plan to take their case to a higher court to guarantee that Securitas is in place when the new school semester begins.
The reinstated security team plans to arrive to work tomorrow; however, if the district turns them away or locks them out, they plan to file contempt charges.
