August Board Meeting Highlights

During its regularly scheduled meeting Aug. 11, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Board of Education honored former Board Treasurer Dr. Iris A. Taylor, recognized graduates of the DPSCD On the Rise Academy and conducted regular business, including approving contracts, policies and other items.

Board Actions and Recognition

The Board approved a resolution honoring Taylor, who served on the Board for 10 years. The resolution recognized her 45 years of service in health care, the faith community and DPSCD. Taylor was a 1969 Central High School graduate and lifelong Detroit resident.

Taylor supported the development of Health Hubs, which provide health care services to students and their families. The Board announced its intent to name a Health Hub in her honor. Read more about Taylor’s life and service to DPSCD.

Board President LaTrice McClendon recognized 31 graduates of the DPSCD On the Rise Academy, the District’s alternative teacher training program.

The Board also approved adding third grade reading metrics as an additional growth indicator in the 2026-27 Superintendent’s Evaluation Tool.

Jeremy Vidito, chief financial officer, reported on the public approval of the DPSCD operating millage.

Superintendent Report

During his report, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti provided updates on student attendance, academic programming, staffing, finances and services for students and families.

Vitti reported that average daily attendance and family engagement rates have increased and chronic absenteeism has declined compared with the previous school year. He also reported increases in participation and completion rates for Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses over the past five years.

Vitti reported that the District is fully staffed for psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists.

Vitti also reported that DPSCD has no outstanding operating debt and is projected to pay off its capital debt by 2040.

For the 2026-27 school year, Vitti highlighted expanded wraparound services for ninth graders, additional attendance incentives for middle school students and back-to-school and town hall events planned for each District school. He also reported that the District has reached a 250-to-1 counselor-to-student ratio and will provide all classroom supplies.

The 2026-27 school year begins Aug. 24.

Public Comment and Board Business

During public comment, speakers expressed appreciation for the District’s influencer program, high school attendance incentive program and District leadership. Speakers also raised concerns about the use of District funds, school cleanliness and safety, infrastructure for students with disabilities, systemic racism, the safety of immigrant families, public comment procedures and the phase-out of schools.

The Board approved contracts for curriculum material storage, High School Redesign Plan professional support, supplemental foundational literacy instruction, virtual tutoring resources, school supplies, technology services, landscaping services, and union and nonunion staff compensation packages.

The Board also approved the 2026-27 District assessment calendar and policies considered on second reading related to the superintendent’s annual performance evaluation process, the definition of “wireless communication device,” language related to Public Act 2 of 2026, early sign-outs and competitive bidding requirements.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Mumford High School, 17525 Wyoming St., Detroit.

Board documents and livestream information are available at detroitk12.org/board-of-education.