Parents pressed the Detroit Public Schools Community District board Sept. 9 about staffing shortages and student performance, as Superintendent Nikolai Vitti’s evaluation and new training deadlines also came up for review.
The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) board met Sept. 9 at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School to review enrollment, staffing and community concerns as the new school year gets underway.
Parents heard updates on student performance, superintendent evaluation and issues affecting classrooms across the city.
Superintendent’s evaluation and student performance
The board announced that Vitti received an “effective” rating for the 2024–25 school year. Trustees praised progress in graduation rates, new health hubs and high school redesign. They also pointed to areas that need more attention: student attendance, accelerated academic progress and school climate. This fall, the board plans to revise the evaluation process to measure climate and culture more directly, an issue many Detroit families have raised.
Several principals were honored for leading schools with high or improving test scores. Cass Technical and Renaissance high schools scored above the state average on the SAT, and Bates Academy was named the top-performing school in the city for literacy. Students who completed summer internships with the district’s operations team were also recognized, along with new student board ambassadors from Pershing and Cass Tech.
Enrollment and staffing updates
As of the ninth day of school, 47,955 students had attended at least one day of class, about 400 more than this time last year. Families were reminded that no child should be turned away from their neighborhood school if they bring proof of ID and address. Parents then have 30 days to submit birth certificates, immunizations and transcripts.
Vitti reported about 20 teacher vacancies, including five in special education. Other openings include counselors, social workers, custodians and cafeteria workers. Staffing levels will be adjusted later this fall as enrollment numbers settle.
Parents and staff speak out
Fourteen people spoke during public comment, with two more joining online. Parents and staff raised concerns about school climate, principal behavior and lack of training for paraprofessionals working with special education students.
One speaker described staff turnover and low morale at Hutchinson Elementary. Vitti said the school is on a “watch list” and he will visit in the coming weeks. Others warned that some special education classrooms are overcrowded. Vitti said 80% of paraprofessionals have been trained in crisis prevention and the rest will be required to attend training later this month.
Community members also called for more attention to Detroit’s career and technical education programs, which prepare students for jobs in fields like construction, HVAC and welding.
Next steps for the board
Board members pressed for faster timelines on training and clearer accountability. Trustee Iris Taylor asked for a report at the next meeting on concerns raised at Hutchinson and other schools. Other members said paraprofessional training should be mandatory by October.
Vice chair Latrice McClendon told parents the board is working on transparency and invited families to meet directly with trustees to share concerns.
The board will meet again Oct. 14 at King High School, 3200 E. Lafayette St., Detroit. Parents can also attend upcoming committee meetings on policy, finance and academics later in September.
Plan It: What parents need to know
- Next meeting: Oct. 14 at King High School, 3200 E. Lafayette St., Detroit.
- How to attend: In person at King High School; check the DPSCD website for virtual access links.
- Agendas and minutes: Available on the DPSCD Board of Education website
from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/0KZUlC9
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