Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is Michigan’s largest public education system.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti’s contract was renewed last year. Vitti took control in 2017 following years of financial hardship and state-appointed emergency managers. In the years since local control was reinstated, the district benefited from consistent management and is in a healthy financial position.
DPSCD replaced Detroit Public Schools in 2016; the former district exists only to collect taxes in order to pay off its legacy debt. Today, DPSCD has increased teacher pay, channeled funds into a needed facility upgrade plan and refocused on putting students first.
Here’s a breakdown on everything parents should know about Detroit Public Schools Community District.
1. Overview of Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Phone number: 313-240-4377
- Number of schools: 106
- Number of students: 48,476
- Pupil to teacher ratio: 23:1
- PPE (Per Pupil Expenditures): $21,836
- Quick links: School calendar, enrollment information
- Claim to fame: The state’s largest public education system focuses on preparing all students to be college and career ready. While the district has faced financial hardship in the past, current school leaders have maintained a balanced budget. The district champions a whole-child approach that merges academics, social-emotional learning, extracurricular activities and health.
2. Superintendent Vitti makes district’s response to immigration enforcement clear
Last month, President Trump rescinded Biden-era policy which prevented immigration raids at sensitive locations, such as churches and schools.
The effects of this decision are being felt in DPSCD schools. Superintendent Vitti shared that attendance is down by 5 to 10 percent, especially at schools in southwest Detroit, an area known for its immigrant communities.
Vitti clarified the Detroit district’s rules on interacting with immigration officials at a NAACP meeting at the Northwest Activities Center, reports Channel 7. The district will not give out any student information to immigration officials without a parent or guardian signature allowing the disclosure.
The district’s sanctuary district policy guidelines were implemented in 2019 and state that school personnel will not allow any immigration officials access to a school site without a request submitted to the building-site administrator and approved by the office of the superintendent and general counsel.
“The building or site administrator shall not permit third party access to the school site that would cause disruption to the learning environment,” it continues.
Vitti has stated that ICE officers will not be allowed into district buildings without a warrant.
3. High school students can earn up to $1,000 to attend class
The Detroit district’s new program “Perfect Attendance Pays” is off to a strong start.
The innovative program started last month and pays high schoolers for 10 perfect attendance days in a row. If completed, a $200 gift card is sent to the student’s email. Students can earn up to $1,000 through the spring by attending every school day.
Students who miss 18 or fewer days of school are three to five times more likely to be at and above grade-level on state assessments, says the Detroit district. Rolling out the program in the winter months was intentional–January through March is when student attendance suffers the most.
4. New school building construction for neighborhood schools
For the first time in more than 20 years, new school buildings will be added to the Detroit district.
Instead of repairing existing structures, these brand new buildings will allow district leadership to prepare classrooms exactly as needed for future programs. The six brand new neighborhood school buildings include Pershing High School, Cody High School and a school located in southwest Detroit.
Pershing High School’s new building construction includes plans for state-of-the-art classrooms, new athletic fields and collaborative outdoor space.
5. High school redesign in the planning stages
To meet the needs of an evolving high school student, the Detroit district is redesigning the high school experience. Instead of a full day spent in core classes, the district is looking to expand student horizons with relevant career and college-focused experiences.
In the 2024-25 school year, the district’s focus is engaging stakeholders to refine and finalize the program model, according to its strategic blueprint.
The plan’s goal is to allow students to spend more time off campus, have easier access to academic and emotional support and have their choice of opportunities that are relevant to their interests and future goals.
Students will choose a diploma pathway at the end of their freshman year. The four diploma choices are career-ready, honors, dual degree, or arts. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the freshman class will start their high school career using the new model.
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