December 9, 2024
The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education swore in an incumbent and two new board members at Mumford High School on December 4. Their terms will officially begin in January 2025.
Incumbent Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a former lawmaker and District teacher, will serve a second term. Also sworn in were parent and nonprofit director, Monique Bryant, and college educator/professor and former board member, Ida Simmons Short.
Gay-Dagnogo joined the board in 2020. She noted December 4 would also have been her late sister’s 68 birthday, Julena Gay. Julena passed from COVID-19 in 2020 and was instrumental in her sister’s election campaign.
“This is about commemorating my sister, but in commemorating her, it’s about honoring the other sisters,” Gay-Dagnogo said. “And I’m so glad I have two more sisters that are joining us on this board.”
Reverend James Dodson swore in Short, noting her ability to build positive relationships with others in her roles as a community advocate and Wayne County Community College professor.
“This is not just a personal achievement; it’s a milestone for our community, and a testament to Professor Short’s dedication, vision, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of our children,” Dodson said. “Professor Short has been someone who leads with integrity and passion, whether through her work with the college, her involvement in local organizations, or simply as a person we all admire, it’s clear that she has always been driven by a deep sense of responsibility to others. It’s no surprise that her passion for education and community service has led her to this next step.”
Bryant, a Cass Technical graduate, first became involved in a leadership role with DPSCD as a Parent Teacher Association president at Frederick Douglass. During her swearing in, Judge Cynthia Stephens said Bryant’s youthful age will bring a fresh perspective to the board.
“These next four years require strong, young people, invested elders, committed middle persons, and allies to save our children, said Judge Stephens.”
Gay-Dagnogo praised the other 19 candidates who ran for school board but were not elected and said the board is aiming to create a task force to capture former candidates’ input for the board.
The three board members noted several issues that will be a priority for their terms, including reducing chronic absenteeism, improving culture and climate, improving exceptional student education, improving student literacy rates, ensuring equitable state and federal funding, and continuing to provide the best education and life opportunities for Detroit students.
Sonya Mays and Misha Stallworth, who are founding DPSCD Board members will be exiting the Board in December. During the December Board meeting a formal recognition ceremony will be designed to thank them for their years of service. The three board members join current members LaTrice McClendon, Dr. Bishop Corletta J. Vaughn, Dr. Iris Taylor, and the current Board President Angelique Peterson-Mayberry.
All are invited to attend the next regularly scheduled public board meeting on December 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at King High School. The public can also attend meetings virtually or view board agendas, minutes, and member information on the District’s website.
