Here’s what DPSCD candidates will prioritize if elected

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Chronic absenteeism is a widespread problem in the Detroit school district, but it was high on the list of priorities for only a handful of candidates running for one of three seats in Tuesday’s election.

Instead, issues related to academic excellence, community engagement and transparency were the most common priorities candidates said they would consider if elected to the board.

Meanwhile, some of the candidates’ priorities were issues not shared by others, such as one candidate advocating for mandatory swim lessons for district students and another saying restoring COVID protocols was a top issue. A third candidate advocated for Superintendent Nikolai Vitti to be fired.

Most candidates answered a question in Chalkbeat’s voter guide about which three issues would be their top priorities if they finished in the top three votes. Interestingly, many of these seem to align with the district’s existing priorities of improving academic achievement, reducing chronic absenteeism, and improving community connections.

Sixteen of the 22 candidates whose names will appear on the ballot responded to a questionnaire sent out in September. Their responses, as well as biographical information, are included in the voter guide. Although 22 names will appear on the ballot, one of them, Jason Malone, said he will not run due to injury. Several candidates have not responded to Chalkbeat messages and do not appear to be actively campaigning.

The election is pivotal for the Detroit Public School District. Only one incumbent, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, is vying to retain her seat. Sonya Mays and Misha Stallworth West, whose terms are also expiring, chose not to seek re-election. Two new members joining the board could challenge Vitti’s vision for redistricting. He currently has strong support from the board and is working closely with the board to develop a strategic plan for the district.

Here’s a closer look at what the candidates had to say about their priorities.

Chronic absenteeism is important for some, but not for all

Four candidates – Toson Knight, Ida Short, Ken Snapp and Boyd White – named chronic absenteeism as a priority.

The county has had high absenteeism rates for years, and the rate has risen sharply during the pandemic. There have been improvements over the past two years, but nearly 66% of students are still considered chronically absent. This means they missed 18 or more days of the school year.

Student absences have a huge impact on the district’s efforts to improve academic performance. Although students have improved their performance on the state M-STEP exam over the past few years, overall achievement remains well below state averages. Vitti consistently shares data showing that students who attend school regularly do much better on standardized tests.

Knight and White said they will work to remove barriers to regular class attendance, such as transportation, safety, poor facilities and uninteresting classroom activities. Knight, the founder of the Caught Up mentoring program who is currently Wayne County’s director of prevention and diversion, said he will work with community organizations. Attorney White said he would involve the city government in this effort.

Snapp, a business owner and special education manager, said he would advocate for stronger support systems for students and their families, expanded attendance monitoring and partnerships with community organizations.

Improving academic performance and curriculum is a top priority

Christopher Johnson, president of the Bagley Community Council, said he will improve academic programs, curriculum development and instructional strategies “to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.”

Gay-Dagnogo said that “literacy is critical, and as a former educator, I am committed to ensuring that we invest even more in preschool and after-school programs with integrity.”

Meeting the needs of students with disabilities and English language learners has been a priority for Sherisse Butler, executive director of City Year Detroit.

Meanwhile, some candidates were concerned about some specific curriculum issues. Jennifer Nixon, an employee at Delta Dental in Michigan, wants to see the curriculum adjusted to make financial literacy a requirement for graduates. Victor Gibson, a former DPSCD teacher, wants to advocate for a more culturally inclusive curriculum.

Community Engagement, Student and Family Engagement, and Transparency

A number of priorities can be summarized as improved communication with various stakeholders as well as greater transparency.

Aliyah Moore, a self-employed parent, and Monique Bryant, a parent who runs a nonprofit, want more financial transparency.

White and Tabrian Joe, a mail carrier, want the board to lobby state legislators to reform the way schools are funded across Michigan and, in particular, “put more resources into our schools,” Joe said.

Other issues that concern some candidates

Here are the priorities for some candidates:

• Nicole Conaway, a longtime district teacher who was fired earlier this year for refusing to teach in person, was the only candidate pushing for Vitti to be fired. She also wants to convince the board not to rubber-stamp the superintendent’s proposals.
• Jeremiah Steen, executive director of the Steen Foundation, will work to make it easier and cheaper for nonprofits to run after-school programs in area schools.
• Benjamin Royal, a former DPSCD teacher, said his priorities include implementing the desegregation plan as well as developing policies that protect the free speech rights of staff and students.
• And Richard Clement, a computer systems expert, wants to see the county’s aviation programs expanded to include pilots and firefighters and is pushing for student swim lessons.

Laurie Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can contact her at [email protected].