Vulnerable populations
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.
The $22.9 billion budget also provides increased funding for students from low-income homes and English language learners.
Students who receive services from DPSCD’s 10 Health Hubs had better daily attendance than those who didn’t in 2024-25, according to the district. Navigators are the central piece that make the coordinated health plan model work.
In its second year, DPSCD’s financial attendance incentive reached more than 12,000 high schoolers. More students at neighborhood high schools were able to get the payout compared to last year.
DPSCD says it has improved special education evaluation waits in recent years. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said this week the district must aim for 100% compliance and improve parent communication.
DPSCD recently approved a one-year contract with the charter school that operates in the juvenile detention facility. It is intended to serve as a transitionary period, officials say.
After-school programs can reduce chronic absenteeism and improve academic performance, among other benefits. A new survey found about 1 in 5 parents in southeast Michigan enroll their kids.
The Detroit district’s school board held a work session on chronic absenteeism this week, floating their ideas to help kids get to school despite the city’s barriers.
The Department of Justice is investigating whether parents can take their kids out of classes with “gender ideology” lessons.
The current collective bargaining agreement is set to end June 30. Negotiations will likely start in the coming weeks.
As immigration enforcement hits close to home in their communities, Cass Tech students demand change.
Pershing High School was Sheffield’s first stop after her public swearing-in ceremony on Friday.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says the law punishes districts for system inequities that contribute to chronic absenteeism.
Most of the money went to hire literacy academic interventionists for students struggling to learn to read.
The board voted to add $9 million to an existing contract to meet staffing needs for psychologists and speech-language pathologists.
As the demographics of the district change, some educators say there are not enough resources to meet the needs of newcomers.
Educators said they feel unprepared to face immigration enforcement and want more training.
Davis Aerospace students say the bikes have helped address some systemic barriers in getting to school.
The charter will be designed to support kids experiencing homelessness and those with interactions with the justice system.
The new state requirements come as the Trump administration is pulling back federal support for such students.