Snyder Appoints Parker as Successor-Emergency Manager for Highland Park Schools
May 10, 2012
Ecorse EM Succeeds Jack Martin, Detroit's New CFO
Gov. Rick Snyder today appointed Joyce Parker as successor-emergency manager for Highland Park Schools, effective Monday, May 21, 2012. Parker will replace Jack Martin, who is resigning to become chief financial officer for the city of Detroit, a position required under the Financial Stability Agreement signed by the city and state last month. Parker will also continue her current role as emergency manager, though on a part-time basis, for the city of Ecorse, a post she has held since October of 2009.
Parker is president of The Municipal Group, L.L.C., based in Ann Arbor. The Municipal Group provides organizational assessments, recruitment and training, community and economic development, personnel, and interim staff services to cities, townships, and counties nationwide. Parker has also served as city manager in several local units of government across Michigan and Illinois.
“Joyce Parker has an outstanding track record of making tough financial decisions in Ecorse and working collaboratively with local officials, citizens and stakeholders to return the long-troubled city to solid financial footing,” Snyder said. “I know Joyce will take appropriate steps to ensure we continue the critical work of educating students of Highland Park Schools.”
In Ecorse, Parker has addressed the city’s financial emergency by reducing city expenditures by more than $3 million annually, generating additional revenue, and restructuring municipal services, including police, fire, public works, trash collection, and water and sewer repairs. The city’s most recent audit report showed a positive general fund balance for the first time since June of 2005 and the current year budget is balanced despite reductions in revenue. Parker plans to name a new city administrator who will work closely with her in continuing the city’s financial rebound, and assist with the future transition back to local control.
Jack Martin was appointed emergency manager for Highland Park Schools in February 2012, after an independent, 10-member review team unanimously found that a financial emergency existed within the district. Martin was reappointed by the governor on March 2, 2012, following a legal challenge to his initial appointment. Martin, a certified public accountant, is founder and chairman of Martin, Arrington, Desai & Meyers, P.C., and was chief financial officer for the U.S. Department of Education from January 2002 through December 2005.
“Jack Martin has worked diligently, in a short period of time, to stabilize a very dire financial crisis within HPS and work with students, parents and school employees,” Snyder said. “As chief financial officer for the city of Detroit, he will face a difficult task, but I am confident that Jack is more than well-suited to fill such a critical position given his notable background, experience and track record. We thank him for his important service to HPS and look forward to his work in Detroit.”
Martin will work closely with Parker to ensure a smooth transition at Highland Park Schools.
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