Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and the Board of Education reported on the continued year over year growth in several attendance and academic areas as well as touted DPSCD’s improved high school graduation rate during the Regular Board of Education meeting on March 14, 2023.

Board Reports:

Following a stirring rendition of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” led by the Cass Technical High School color guard and the Cody High School women’s vocal ensemble, the Board Chair bestowed an Honorary Board Recognition to the family and bargaining unit DAEOE for the late Ruby Newbold, whose actions reflected DPSCD’s core value of Students First. She was remembered for putting students first by advocating for her support staff union members that she faithfully served and led. Ms. Newbold fought for improved working conditions for her membership for DPSCD students to benefit from an enhanced climate and culture while at school.

The Board also provided an opportunity for the two student board members to provide an updated report on behalf of the student body.

In addition, the board made a few announcements reminding the community of the Level Up to High School Expo slated for Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Renaissance High School. She also noted the achievement of three DPSCD Special Olympics teams, two from Drew Transition Center and the other from Diann Banks, that will be participating in the Special Olympics state championships for 16 and older basketball on Friday, March 17, 2023. For more district highlights, visit detroitk12.org.

Superintendent’s Report:

As part of his monthly strategic Blueprint 2023 report to the community, Dr. Vitti said average daily student attendance was eight percent higher at this point than in the 2021-22 school year. In addition, he said chronic absenteeism, a problem exacerbated by a variety of factors, continued its strong year over year downward trend this school year. Dr. Vitti also noted the ongoing year-over-year growth in mathematics and literacy. He also mentioned a recent report from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) that showed solid improvement in DPSCD’s high school graduation rate in the 2021-22 school year. DPSCD’s more than six percent increase in high school graduation rate outpaced the state average. Click here to read the news release.

Dr. Vitti and the Board also addressed the end of federal COVID relief funding and its impact on the ongoing budget development process for the 2023-24 school year. He also noted how DPSCD continues to be strategically innovative, highlighting the District’s On the Rise Academy (OTRA), a groundbreaking initiative that is a grow your own talent model that provides internal as well as external candidates with a pathway to becoming a DPSCD certified teacher. Finally, Dr. Vitti highlighted how the District is moving forward with facilities and infrastructure improvements as outlined in the Facility Master Plan. Click here to read more about the plan.