District management
Officials struggle to reassure the public that planned staff reductions will help stabilize the district’s finances.
They could get it when Democrats take over the state Legislature in January
Researchers say it will take years to catch up; individualized instruction accelerates gains
Join Chalkbeat and WDET as we hear from the candidates vying to oversee Detroit public schools.
The first Wednesday in October is a crucial day for school districts to maximize state funding, but this year it coincides with the holiest day of the Jewish year.
Democrats want to strengthen transparency rules
School board members noted the challenges of leading the district through the pandemic in upholding their “effective” rating of Vitti.
More than 60% of Michigan’s teaching workforce is over the age of 40, and the pipeline of new candidates is running low.
During her tenure as Detroit deputy superintendent, Iranetta Wright oversaw the daily operations of the district’s 107 schools, including managing principals, counseling services, discipline, public safety, and athletics.
Michigan’s pupil accounting rules allow six school closures per year known as “forgiven days.” They’re most often used for snow, but with staff shortages, COVID-outbreaks, and threats of school violence, districts are draining their pool of forgiven days.
Vaccines and testing reduce the spread of COVID, which is disrupting student learning and families’ lives.
Some districts have asked for community priorities and promised to keep the public informed about spending. Other districts have put in less effort.
Johannesburg-Lewiston schools shut for a week due to pandemic issues. Such closures jeopardize state funding.
Debate pits education advocates who want flexible school calendars against tourism leaders who want to ensure families can book vacations through Labor Day.
Three weeks into the school year, Detroit Public Schools Community District officials are still fielding complaints from parents about its new virtual school.
After a school year in which few security guards were needed, the Detroit school district is looking to boost pay and host job fairs to recruit more applicants.
Detroit Superintendent Nikolai Vitti won high marks for his pandemic outreach and protocols, and for helping to improve literacy instruction.
Concerns about rising COVID-19 rates has Detroit district leaders considering a pause in-person instruction for one week.
The tight timeline has forced districts to scramble to offer more face-to-face instruction, in some cases reigniting contentious public debates about the safety of opening classrooms during COVID.