Here’s what DPSCD candidates would prioritize if elected

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Chronic absenteeism is a pervasive problem in the Detroit school district, but it made it to the top of the priority list for only a few of the candidates running for one of the three seats in Tuesday’s election.

Instead, issues related to academic performance, community engagement, and transparency were the most common priorities candidates would address if elected to the board.

Meanwhile, some of the candidates’ priorities were issues that were not shared by others, such as one candidate advocating for mandatory swimming lessons for students in the district and another who said reinstating COVID protocols was a top issue. A third candidate pleaded for the dismissal of Inspector Nikolai Vitti.

Most candidates answered a question in Chalkbeat’s Voter’s Guide about which three issues would be their highest priorities if they were among the top three voters. Interestingly, many of them seem aligned with the district’s existing priorities of improving academic performance, 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’s guide. Although 22 names will appear on the ballot, one of them, Jason Malone, said he was not running due to injury. A handful of candidates did not respond to Chalkbeat’s messages and do not appear to be campaigning strongly.

The elections are critical for the Detroit Community School District. Only one incumbent, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, is running to retain her seat. Sonya Mays and Misha Stallworth West, whose terms are also ending, have opted not to run for re-election. Two new members joining the board could challenge Vitti’s vision to transform the district. He currently has strong support from the board and has worked closely with them 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 important to some, but not all

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

The district has struggled with high absenteeism rates for years, and the rates have increased during the pandemic. There have been improvements in the last two years, but almost 66% of students are still considered chronically absent. This means they have missed 18 or more days of the school year.

Student absences have a tremendous impact on the district’s efforts to improve school outcomes. Although students have improved on the state M-STEP exam in recent years, overall performance remains well below state averages. Vitti has consistently shared data showing that students who attend school regularly perform much better on standardized tests.

Knight and White said they will work to remove barriers to regular attendance, such as transportation, safety, poor facilities and unengaging classroom experiences. Knight, the founder of the Caught Up mentoring program who is currently the division director of prevention and diversion for Wayne County, said he will work with community organizations. White, an attorney, said he would include city government in those efforts.

Snapp, a business owner and special education case manager, said he will advocate for stronger support systems for students and families, advanced attendance tracking and partnering with community organizations.

Improving academic performance and curriculum is a top issue

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

Gay-Dagnogo said “literacy is critical, and as a former educator, I am committed to making sure we make even greater investments in early childhood and after-school programs with fidelity.”

Addressing the needs of students with disabilities and English language learners was top of mind for Sherisse Butler, executive director of City Year Detroit.

Meanwhile, some specific curriculum issues were on the minds of some candidates. Jennifer Nixon, an employee of Delta Dental in Michigan, wants to see the curriculum adapted to require financial literacy as a graduation requirement. Victor Gibson, a retired DPSCD educator, wants to advocate for a more culturally relevant curriculum.

Community involvement, student and family involvement, and transparency

A number of priorities could be summed up in better communication with various stakeholders as well as greater transparency.

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

White and Tabrian Joe, a mail carrier, want the board to lobby state lawmakers to reform how Michigan schools are funded and specifically to “put more resources into our schools,” Joe said.

Other issues at the forefront of some candidates’ minds

Here are the priorities for some candidates:

• Nicole Conaway, a longtime district teacher who was fired earlier this year for refusing to teach staff, was the only candidate to push for Vitti’s firing. She also wants to advocate for the board not to “rubbish” the superintendent’s proposals.
• Jeremiah Steen, executive director of the Steen Foundation, will push to make it easier and less expensive for nonprofits to offer after-school programs in district schools.
• Benjamin Royal, a former DPSCD teacher, said his priorities include implementing a desegregation plan as well as creating policies that protect the free speech rights of staff and students.
• And Richard Clement, a computer systems expert, wants to see the district’s aviation programs expanded for pilots and firefighters and would require swimming lessons for students.

Lori Higgins is the Chalkbeat Detroit Bureau Chief. You can reach her at [email protected].