Detroit
Jocelyn Benson, Michigan secretary of state, will take the reins from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whose second term is expiring.
The incoming board will face crucial decisions on school closures, district spending, and chronic absenteeism in Michigan’s largest school district.
Under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the state has provided regular funding increases for schools. But some argue it hasn’t kept up with inflation.
About 27% of Michigan’s K-12 students last school year were chronically absent.
Eleven candidates for the DPSCD board in the Nov. 3 election raised more than $108,000, recently filed campaign statements show. The money was used by some for out-of-state travel, tailoring, meals, and more, according to the reports.
Dr. Jameel Smith pulled in more than $75,500, but overall fundraising across 34 candidates lagged behind previous election cycles with fewer candidates.
The new federal tax credit reimburses taxpayers for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, which then distribute money to families for a range of educational expenses.
Michigan mandated science of reading training for all K-5 public school educators in the state in an effort to improve student literacy.
Detroit officials are proposing $251 million in projects, including expanded air conditioning and long-sought building upgrades. The plan could bring school libraries back by fall 2027.
Michigan education officials have looked toward other states, such as Massachusetts and New Jersey for inspiration on improving literacy.
A Chalkbeat and BridgeDetroit analysis of the 34 names that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot found several convictions. Some candidates say their work with youth is informed by their interactions with the criminal justice system.
Candidates for Michigan’s State Board of Education are vying for two seats that include eight-year terms.
Students say they want to see the next DPSCD board focus on building conditions, transportation, and arts funding.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has until Jan. 1 to opt Michigan into the program in order for the state to participate in 2027.
Chalkbeat asked candidates vying for five Detroit school board seats what the district should do about its small, costly schools.
Chalkbeat asked school board candidates to reflect on the district’s challenges and successes 10 years later.
Nearly half of Michigan students face economic disadvantages. Why don’t Michigan gubernatorial candidates specifically mention addressing poverty in their education plans?
All five BAMN candidates for the DPSCD school board want to oust Superintendent Nikolai Vitti. They all want to stop the district from closing small schools.
Michigan law allows parents of children with poor attendance to lose public benefits and face court penalties. Researchers question whether such penalties improve attendance.
DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said students who were close to reaching grade level in reading didn’t get the individualized support they needed. The focus was on those who were very far behind, according to a district report.