Detroit board approves plan to cut deficit

Saying the district's chief financial officer did not warn of mounting financial problems, the Detroit school board ousted her as its treasurer before approving a plan to eliminate a $408 million deficit over two years that includes teacher layoffs, staff cuts and possible school closings. The state-mandated deficit elimination plan mirrored cuts board members approved in June, and included laying off 818 teachers, eliminating 900 noninstructional and administrative positions and cutting 142 central office vacancies over two years. The measure passed, but some board members still were concerned about the legality of carrying a multi-year deficit.