Paul Ryan pays visit to Cornerstone School in Detroit

By Robin Schwartz
FOX 2 News Reporter

DETROIT -- Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan took part in a roundtable discussion at the Cornerstone School on Nevada in Detroit Monday.

He was delayed by more than an hour on his way to Michigan from an earlier stop in Ohio.  As a result, there was confusion around 3:00 p.m. when the school day ended and students had to exit onto the lawn because of security.

Ryan's supporters say he came to learn how the inner city Christian school is getting results.  Parents pay about $4,000 a year in tuition.  He was given a tour by Clark Durant, the school's founder, who unsuccessfully sought to be a Republican challenger for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's seat.

The private school has been in Detroit since 1991.  About 550 students are enrolled in pre-K through high school.  According to their website, 95 percent graduate high school and 91 percent go on to college.

However some parents, who also support the school, did not support Ryan's visit.  Two women kept their children home in protest.

"I think that it's really nothing more than a photo opportunity for them and, quite frankly, a political ploy," said Obama supporter Stephanie Baskin.

"I think that the whole stunt, if you will, is designed to pull in those African-American voters that may be undecided," said Obama supporter Chrystal Richardson.

Ryan was also to appear at a private event in Pontiac and a rally at Oakland University.