Themselves understaffed, Detroit principals understaff classrooms even further in spite of the rules.

Detroit Public Schools emergency financial manager Robert Bobb has ordered a full audit of the district’s 5,200 teachers and how they spend their time to ensure that all are teaching students.

Teachers are supposed to teach five classes periods, but often, for whatever reason, “the principal decides he needs help,” said Falcuson.

The years-long practice violates district policy, and became worse after Bobb cut administrators to reduce the deficit. Union officials fear that it is now so widespread that it may be impossible to end.

“There would be no way of knowing (where teachers are),” Falcuson said. “It’s under the table. On paper, oftentimes, administrators have them (teachers) down as teaching five classes when they’re not.”

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