LANSING — State Representative Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) praised the news that Detroit Public Schools (DPS) Emergency Manager Darnell Earley has decided to step down from his post effective Feb. 29. He has served as the EM for the financially-troubled district since January 2015, but has made no positive impact in his role.

“I cannot say much on the positive side in terms of Darnell Earley’s tenure, both in the city of Flint and with DPS, but I applaud his decision to step down from his current position and offer some hope for the future of Detroit’s schoolchildren,” Rep. Neeley said. “In his year as emergency manager at DPS, buildings continue to crumble and students are still forced to wear coats in classrooms due to a lack of heat. Wherever Mr. Earley goes, he leaves third-world conditions in his wake.”

Rep. Neeley is also calling on Earley to appear before Congress tomorrow to testify on the Flint water crisis. Before he became emergency manager at DPS, he served in the same position for the city of Flint, overseeing the switch from Detroit’s water supply to the Flint River. Since the switch, lead levels have risen exponentially in Flint’s residents, causing serious health concerns now and into the future.

A hearing in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to take place tomorrow, but Earley has refused the call for him to appear.

“The decision is questionable at best, considering the FBI is beginning their investigation into the crisis. I am confident they will not leave any stone unturned, and will question all parties involved to produce a full report. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said about those we elect at the highest levels of government and their hand-picked wrecking ball. Once again, a complete lack of transparency is failing the people of Flint, and Mr. Earley remains isolated and safe.”