Detroit district has to give back $16 million it didn't use

The deficit-ridden Detroit Public Schools failed to spend more than $36 million in federal aid for low-income children last school year and will have to return $16.3 million, according to the Michigan Department of Education. The unspent funds are from grants earmarked for programs for children who are failing or at risk of failing. The money could have gone to professional development, increasing parental involvement or paying salaries for teachers, social workers or other staff who work on targeted programs. While the money went unspent, at least 83 teachers and 32 social workers were laid off this school year.