The Detroit school board on Tuesday elected Corletta Vaughn as its new president. She says the board is looking to improve virtual meetings.
The $70 million will provide a one-time infusion of funding for the district that could be used for a number of efforts, including facilities and mental health support.
The Detroit school district is hoping its new incentive program will motivate students to attend school daily and improve its 66% chronic absenteeism rate.
The Detroit Public Schools Community District is moving ahead to potentially hold a millage election but is hoping a judge will rule the district can use operating revenue for non-operating debt.
Research on attendance incentives is mixed, and some experts worry that such efforts don’t address the family circumstances that lead many students to miss school.
One issue we’re watching: a lawsuit the Detroit school district filed against the state over a dispute about millage revenue.
The Detroit school district wants to use revenue from an 18-mill operating millage to pay off its remaining debt.
Kelley Cusmano teaches student leadership and English language arts at Rochester High School.
The election for the Detroit school board could determine the direction the district heads in the future.
The millage is important for Detroit because revenue from the millage goes toward paying off debt.