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Reverend David Murray

DETROIT — Almost nine months after six children were removed from his care for allegations of abuse and neglect, Detroit Public Schools board member Reverend David Murray has failed to persuade authorities he is fit to have them back.

Wayne County Circuit Judge Mark T. Slavens, who had made the youths temporary wards pending investigation of the claims, issued a ruling last week that cited Murray’s failure to comply with required parenting classes in signing orders that essentially severed hopes of reuniting with the children he adopted.

Murray believes he will persuade Slavens to give him joint custody of his biological 2-year-old daughter at another hearing set for Feb. 25.

“I would love to have them all back, but if it is in their best interests to move on, then I’m all for that,” said Murray, who hasn’t been charged with any criminal wrongdoing.

“No matter where the kids go from here on, I believe I set the stage for them to be successful. The foundations I set for them will sustain them.”

A resolution to remove Murray from the school board introduced last summer by fellow board member Marie Thornton after the abuse allegations surfaced was shot down by school district lawyers, who advised Murray’s status can’t be challenged unless he is convicted of a criminal charge. The complaints so far have remained a Family Court matter, and criminal charges aren’t being investigated, said Maria Miller, spokeswoman for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Thornton said Thursday that she remains troubled by Murray’s circumstances because she believes school board members “should lead by example.” Thornton herself is awaiting trial on misdemeanor assault and battery and disorderly conduct charges stemming from an alleged altercation with the Rev. Loyce Lester following a September school board meeting.

The children were removed on March 20, 2008, from what was described by state Children’s Protective Services workers as a filthy and foul-smelling home that had broken windows and holes in its roof and floors. The electricity had been shut off.

Authorities had responded to complaints from Tanisha Murray that her husband psychologically abused her and the children. She said he withheld food from the family. She also has told the court that she suffers from bi-polar disorder and fears her husband.

Slavens last week authorized two of Murray’s adopted sons, ages 13 and 16, to be placed for adoption by other families. Another adopted 16-year-old son is a presumed runaway who has been missing for more than nine months.

Murray’s 17-year-old biological son is being held in a residential delinquency program and has indicated he doesn’t want to live with his father.

Tanisha Murray’s 14-year-old son has been placed in the custody of his biological father. Her 2-year-old daughter with Murray has been placed in her custody, but only under the condition that Tanisha Murray live with her own parents and that they provide supervision of their granddaughter “at all times,” according to Slavens’ order.

Murray told The News he now visits his daughter twice a week. He said he enjoys a good relationship with his in-laws, but he declined to say whether he and his wife have separated.

In June, Slavens ordered individual treatment programs for all members of the family with a goal of reunification. The plans included psychological assessments and therapy for the children, and parenting classes for the adults. Some repairs were made to the home.

“The mother has shown progress. Mr. Murray has failed to progress in his plan,” said Matt Frendaway, spokesman for the Michigan Attorney General’s office, which has represented the children in Family Court proceedings overseen by Slavens.

“It’s not that I didn’t make progress. They failed to make progress in scheduling my class,” Murray said. “The classes have been going very well and that was brought out in court. I do believe there will be more progress to report at the next meeting.”

State child welfare payments to the Murrays of $4,000 a month were halted after the children were removed. As a school board member, Murray is paid $30 per meeting, including committee assignments that could total more than $200 per month.

Murray, who legally added Reverend as his first name, is pastor of the First Holy Temple Church of God in Christ in Detroit. He was first elected to the Detroit school board in 1998. Murray has told The News that his home was in disrepair, but, “the other stuff was unfounded.” “These children were sent to me with specialized needs,” Murray said.

“Some are emotionally and developmentally impaired. I should be commended for bringing something, anything to these children who are among the hardest to handle.”

Murray said the circumstances surrounding the court’s rulings on his fitness as a parent do not affect his ability to serve as a school board member.

Virginia Cantrell, president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, said that her concern about Murray’s ability to serve on the school board would be elevated if he faced criminal charges.

“In his work with the school board, he has contributed and he has brought good ideas and has spoken up for the schools and its students,” Cantrell said. “I haven’t always agreed with Reverend Murray, but when he makes a decision he does seem to have the children of the schools in mind.”

Detroit Public Schools Board President Carla Scott said she has urged school district leaders to be patient and let the voters make the decision. Both Murray and Thornton stand for re-election next year.

“I have no complaints about his actions and decisions as a board member, but the voters ultimately should make the determination, ,” Scott said. “That’s how it should be.”

Cited From:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081205/METRO01/812050394/1410/METRO01