During the November Board meeting, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti announced an update of its signature strategic plan, Blueprint 2020. The new two-year strategic plan, Blueprint 2023, keeping the same priority pillars as 2020, will include updates and recommendations based on extensive discussions through engagement sessions with leadership, staff, families, students, and the community. The updates will be reflective of what students need due to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Dr. Vitti said while developing the new plan, this school year’s priorities will revolve around growing enrollment; improving attendance; enhancing climate and culture; achieving at least one year of academic growth and proficiency in mathematics and literacy for all students and boosting college and career readiness, reflective of the District’s five bedrock priorities, Outstanding Achievement, Transformative Culture, Whole Child Commitment, Exceptional Talent, and Responsible Stewardship.  

These five priorities tie directly to DPSCD’s mission of educating and empowering every student, in every community, every day, to build a stronger Detroit. The final plan will be presented to the board for approval in December.  

In addition to updating the strategic plan, Dr. Vitti said he will provide a draft 20-year Facility Master Plan to the School Board in January. That plan will recommend an investment of approximately $700 million dollars of one-time COVID Relief Funding for a few new school buildings, major school building renovations, and projects related to upgraded roofs and HVAC systems.  

Also, as part of the Superintendent’s monthly report, Dr. Vitti said the rate for COVID-19 testing parent consent continues to steadily rise. He also spotlighted the first vaccination clinic held in partnership with the Detroit Health Department specifically for youth ages 5-11, Saturday, November 13, at King High School and Randolph Career Tech Center, based upon last week’s announcement of the Pfizer vaccine now available to that age group. Please visit the homepage of the District website, www.detroitk12.org for details.   

Dr. Vitti also noted security officers are fully staffed, a wave of recent hires is undergoing training and will be placed throughout DPSCD. In addition, he called attention to several upcoming support staff hiring fairs. We are looking for individuals who are ready to put students first. Join the next hiring fair Thursday, November 18, 2021. Click this link for more information and opportunities.