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Dozens of Detroit schools close due to teacher protest

DETROIT (AP) – Dozens of Detroit schools are closed because teachers are absent, a protest that began last week over pay and general turmoil in the district.

The district posted the schools on its Facebook page Monday.

Former union president Steve Conn calls it a “continuation of the rolling strikes.” School officials warned families Sunday that “ongoing sick-outs” by teachers could keep kids at home.

Many teachers in Detroit are dissatisfied with their pay and the district’s poor finances. Gov. Rick Snyder wants to pay off the debt and spin off a new district, but he lacks support so far in the Legislature.

Detroit schools are run by an emergency manager Darnell Earley. He acknowledges the concerns of teachers but calls the sick days “misguided.”