July 2026 Board of Education Meeting Highlights

During its regularly scheduled July meeting, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Board of Education recognized a District adult graduate, reviewed staff wage increases and collective bargaining agreements, discussed a Facilities Master Plan (FMP) contract amendment, and conducted its regular business by reviewing reports, contracts and policies.

Board recognition and budget discussion

The Board recognized Davonta Hence for earning his high school diploma through the DPSCD Adult Education High School Completion Program.

The Michigan legislature adopted its 2026-27 budget, which will increase District funding by about $14.7 million, said Jeremy Vidito, DPSCD Chief Financial Officer.

Board approves staff pay increases

The Board approved Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) and Detroit Association of Educational Office Employees bargaining agreements that include salary increases and retention and longevity bonuses. The DFT agreement also includes increases in substitute teacher pay for select weekdays and professional development, and bonuses for Exceptional Student Education (ESE), attendance agents who reduce chronic absenteeism and Career Technical Education (CTE) staff whose students earn a CTE credential.

The DFT agreement also adds backpay for employees who take FMLA for parental leave and return to work after their leave. Wage increases and bonuses are designed to attract and retain exceptional staff, which Vitti said contributes to increased student achievement, lower chronic absenteeism and increased graduation rates.

Vitti said that, for the first time in the District’s history, veteran teachers’ salaries have exceeded $100,000. Beginning teachers’ salaries are $57,400 for the 2026-27 school year, a 64% increase from the 2016-17 school year, Vitti said.

Superintendent’s report

Vitti said enrollment at the end of the 2025-26 school year was 48,049. Vitti attributed the slight decrease to a new policy prohibiting transfers until the end of a quarter or semester, with exceptions for families experiencing homelessness or other hardships.

The Board voiced its concern about the new policy for its impact on students experiencing poverty and homelessness. Vitti acknowledged the Board’s concerns and said the policy is being enforced to prevent disruptions to students’ education and school culture.

Average daily attendance, family engagement, chronic absenteeism and students who feel loved, challenged and prepared slightly improved over last year, Vitti said.

Contract and policy approvals

The Board did not approve a contract amendment that would have moved $1.7 million in appropriations from DLR Group/Wightman to Ghafari/Moody Nolan for Facilities Master Plan work. District staff said the amendment was requested because DLR Group/Wightman had not met project deadlines and expectations.

The Board also approved the District's 2026-27 Michigan High School Athletic Association membership, the 2026-27 Student Code of Conduct, the 2026-27 Course Catalog, teacher and staff evaluation systems, and the relocation of Turning Point Academy to the McKinley building for the 2026-27 school year.

The Board also approved contracts for student mental and behavioral health support, reading intervention support, construction and facilities improvements, City Year programming, facilities asset management, a benefits administrator and new weapons screening equipment.

The Board approved for first read policies regarding personal communication devices, student attendance, new school construction, emergency operations plan and selection of the superintendent.

During public comments, commenters expressed concern for students with disabilities, students’ screen time, District finances, school building conditions and staff turnover. A commenter requested permission to install a historical marker for the 100th anniversary of Central High School.

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on August 11 at Mumford High School, 17525 Wyoming St., Detroit.

View meeting documents or watch Board meetings live on the Board of Education page .