Detroit Public Schools Community District
Five four-year seats are open on the Detroit school board in the Nov. 3 election.
With five open seats on the seven-member board, there is potential for the governing body’s new majority to change the district’s strategies and policies. Would change help or put DPSCD’s progress at risk?
The Detroit school district is using its facility master plan to significantly improve its buildings, including adding air conditioning to many of them.
A Chalkbeat analysis found the percentages of DPSCD students at or above proficiency in math surpassed the combined average scores of suburban and city charter schools in nearly every grade on the M-STEP.
Districts struggle to meet the needs of English learners with higher proficiency levels, advocates say. There is still no dedicated funding for students expanding their English language comprehension.
The funding will allow GOAL Line Detroit to serve around 1,000 more students. The nonprofit also provides transportation from city schools to the programs.
Researchers say DPSCD’s long-term improvement over the years across all grades and subjects suggests systemic changes are paying off. However, the district’s proficiency rates remain behind statewide averages.
The school board president also said she wants the district to invest more in girls’ sports.
A new DPSCD policy requires parent meetings when students have three or more unexcused early releases from school. After six, parents will be asked to sign an attendance contract.
Michigan students began school Monday with new cell phone restrictions as one of the big new rules.
Mayor Mary Sheffield announced 50 to 100 city employees will monitor routes to school for safety after hearing students’ concerns. There will also be a pilot ride share program for 150 DPSCD high schoolers.
The DPSCD board must fill the seat within 30 days, as required by state law. If the deadline is missed, Wayne RESA’s board must make an appointment.
A number of organizations have back-to-school giveaways planned throughout August, offering families free supplies, food, and activities as summer winds down.
DPSCD held two meetings this week to respond to questions raised after a content creator posted a series of videos critical of the district.
There was little opposition to the DPSCD millage, with an overwhelming majority voting yes on the measure that will generate revenue that helps pay for staff salaries and classroom programs.
DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti addressed concerns about contracted services and school conditions during a virtual community meeting Monday. There will be another meeting Wednesday night at Renaissance High School.
Iris Taylor was a member of the first school board elected for the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
With five open seats and 35 candidates, the November election has the potential to change the direction of the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
A political consultant said paperwork issues and unpaid fees that invalidate candidacies are common in Michigan elections.
The DPSCD board approved a two-year contract with members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers without any public discussion