Latest: Detroit schools say 45,000 students missed classes

The state-appointed emergency manager for Detroit's public schools says a sick-out by teachers caused nearly 45,000 students to miss classes.

Disgruntled Detroit educators are protesting Gov. Rick Snyder's plans for the district, its poor finances, their low pay, dilapidated buildings and overcrowded classrooms.

Earley called the sick-out "a publicity stunt" and said "sooner or later, the families who have been so adversely affected by these sick-outs will express their displeasure and voice their disdain of these actions."

The Detroit school district has filed a lawsuit to try to stop sick-outs by teachers as thousands of students again were forced to stay home.

The protest continued for more than an hour as marchers hoped to be on hand when President Barack Obama's motorcade arrived at the Cobo Center convention hall, where the president was to tour the North American International Auto Show.

Mayor Mike Duggan is calling for teachers in the city's troubled schools to stop staging sick-outs and return to their classrooms while state legislators work on solving the district's financial crisis.

A spokeswoman for the Detroit Federation of Teachers says the timing and size of Wednesday's sick-out that has closed more than 85 buildings and forced thousands of students to remain home has to do with President Barack Obama's visit to the city.

On Tuesday night, a group advocating for change at city schools known as Detroit Teachers Strike to Win warned of closures as teachers continue a sick-out to protest school conditions, the district's financial condition and work environments.