DPSCD REGULAR BOARD MEETING

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Here’s the information on how to join the meeting virtually or in person, and how to participate in public comment: https://www.detroitk12.org/boardmeeting

Tonight’s agenda can be found here on BoardDocs https://go.boarddocs.com/mi/detroit/Board.nsf/Public

While waiting for the meeting to start, here is a recent article about the ways DPSCD is trying to combat high rates of absenteeism: https://www.chalkbeat.org/detroit/2023/8/31/23853030/chronic-absenteeism-detroit-school-attendance-dpscd-brightmoor/

At 5:35pm waiting for the live stream to start.

Meeting is getting started right now - Bishop Corletta J. Vaughn welcomes everyone, sounds like she is losing her voice! This is the first time I’ve seen them zoom in on the board members, this will make it easier to know who is talking

Roll call, there is a quorum - members present: Bishop Corletta Vaugh, LaTrice McClendon, Dr. Ida Carol Simmons-Short, Dr. Iris Taylor, Angelique Peterson-Mayberry, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo

https://www.detroitk12.org/Page/15200

Next up is an in person student presentation - The Color Guards from Cass Technical High School, “Star Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by soloist Damari Adams from Mason Academy.

The board provided some backup vocals for Damari - and now the board is singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” together.

Very impressed by the pipes on Sherry Gay-Dagnogo!

Moving on - Gay-Dagnogo is making a motion to amend the agenda to include a closed session, to make a better determination on a a proposed termination.

Jenice Mitchell Ford notes that a closed session needs to be requested by the employee. Gay-Dagnogo says he requested it during a Zoom meeting.

Ford corrects her request for motion, should be a ‘request to rescind.’

She corrects this language, the board votes in favor of this motion to go into a closed session (Item 11 on the agenda).

➡️Item 4.01-4.01 - approval of meeting minutes

Board member Ford recuses herself from the financial committee meeting minutes because she has a long standing relationship with one of the vendors.

➡️Chair Remarks

• March is reading month, volunteers will be reading with students
• Parent teacher conferences coming up
• Winter break is 3/24 – 3/28, school reopens 3/31
• Upcoming committee meetings can be found on the calendar www.dehttps://www.detroitk12.org/Page/2#calendar1/20250311/month

➡️ Student Report

Naomi Babatunde and Mi’Kah West give a presentation, recognizing Women’s History Month. They request clear guidance on the option of early dismissal, for students who have earned credits and can graduate early, posing questions to the board directly.

Vitti responds to their questions about early dismissal - there is some hesitancy that it will decrease the number of participation in AP classes. For those students interested in early dismissal, he recommends bringing a parent or guardian to talk 1:1 with their principal about their request.

Vitti continues that determination of early dismissal will likely come down to individual case by case analysis of the student and their situation.

➡️Finance report with CFO Jeremy Vidito
Report is very high level and brief.

LaTrice McClendon asks Superintendent Vitti about scenario planning for federal budget cuts.

Vitti responds that cuts are coming, what they’re hearing is 25% but it is not certain.

They may be asking the state for a loan from their surplus budget. They are internally reviewing what some scenarios would look like.

There is also a threat of a federal shutdown.

Peterson-Mayberry suggests creating one pagers for the website for parents.

Vitti says they are putting together an advocacy letter to explain what is happening. He says the state government is our greatest chance to fill the gap between what’s happening federally.

Simmons-Short recommends putting a Q and A on the website to answer common questions.

This information should be up on the website by Spring Break, according to Vitti.

Gay-Dagnogo asks for a timeline for an evening meeting to dig into finance questions. Vitti says right before or after break.

Corletta Vaughn makes an announcement for those parked illegally - the police are coming to tow your cars.

➡️ Superintendent’s Report

Recognition of District Core Values, honoring the Cass Tech chess team for their recent success in winning the State Chess Championship.

How many of them are the police?

Another state chess championship victory is celebrated, for Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy!

Next up they are recognizing four students for winning as Gold Key Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Next recognition is for a freshman at Cass Tech for winning at a state wrestling championship - first ever individual champion from Cass Tech to earn an individual state title - Cyrus Woodberry

Now they are honoring several individuals for excellence in becoming Michigan Certified Educators - which included over completing 200+ hours of training

Here’s another one of the Michigan Certified Educators

Last recognition of the night is for schools with top five percentage of graduates and five most improved - district graduation rate is 78.1% - it has increased over 10% in the last two years. The schools recognized tonight have rates that exceed the state average.

Top five highest graduation rates at DPSCD:

99.5% Renaissance, 99% Detroit School of Arts, 98.9% Cass Tech, 98.6% Marygrove, 95.2% Detroit International Academy for Young Women

Here are the schools in DPSCD with the most improved gradation rates:
Detroit Lions Academy, Cody High School, Detroit International Academy for Young Women, Central High School, Pershing High School

Now Vitti goes over metrics. Chronic absenteeism is down 6% at the high schools - the perfect attendance incentive seems to be helping

Now Vitti moves into a presentation about the Homelessness Office. This is driven at the federal level, with the district tasked to identify students experiencing homelessness and provide resources. However there is no federal funding for this.

What does the Homeless Office do? 2 full time individuals, 2 contracted staff, here are their primary functions and a list of ways to get support, which can also be found here: https://www.detroitk12.org/Page/17002

Here are metrics on the number of homeless and unaccompanied youth in DPSCD who have been identified.

Vitti recognizes the flooding crisis in Southwest Detroit - initially there were 12 families identified part of DPSCD (although learned later not all were DPSCD), they engaged with all of them to problem solve with the city to provide transportation from hotels to schools.

Question from McClendon - are there spanish language support resources for them, are the affected students required to wear uniforms, and is there laundry support, are we attending other city meetings so we are in the loop?

Vitti - yes to bilingual support

Vitti cont - he isn’t aware of regular meetings related to the flooding crisis, there were previously. If there are gaps for resources, DPSCD and the city are filling in the gaps.

McClendon asks who they can contact and receive a response in 24 hours

Vitti - reach out to the principal or assistance principal of their child’s school, or their guidance counselor.

McClendon - some students may not qualify for the Homeless Office resources, but are displaced, what do they do?

Vitti - there should always be a conversation at the school to explore the options.

McClendon - we need to make sure we’re working with the local schools and principals and be in contact with the families to see what they need.

Vitti - for anyone struggling, you can email a board member or me directly - nikolai.vitti@detroitk12.org

Gay-Dagnogo asks if the district’s staffing has increased to meet these demands.

Vitti reiterates that 4 people are in this office, 2 full time staff.

Gay-Dagnogo remarks that this is a monumental task for four people.

There are 85 full time attendance agents AKA truancy officers, one at every school.

Gay-Dagnogo wants to know if they are interfacing with the homelessness department and liaisons.

Attendance agents are connected to a different branch but do attend some of the same meetings.

Gay-Dagnogo, we need to make sure everyone is briefed on how to handle situations so they aren’t making life worse for homeless students.

Is there a hotline people can call if they notice children experiencing homelessness? Yes: (313) 748-6000 for DPSCD Public Safety

Gay-Dagnogo, we need to make this information more visible on social media. Are we recruiting volunteers who want to support students experiencing homeless?

Vitti, there are opportunities, need to streamline how to cast the net for volunteers

Peterson-Mayberry, what is the biggest hurdle for the Homeless Office? Can we think about a different name because of the stigma? It would make it easier for students to report themselves.

Vitti, we can research that, through the policy committee.

Vitti cont, The biggest hurdle is the stigma in talking about their experiences. It’s our job to continue to talk about what’s available, that there are resources to help.

Vaughn - in terms of funding, how much is this tied into the DPSCD Foundation and its investors?

Vitti - indirectly has been a support, the pantry, health hubs. We haven’t named homelessness as a priority with the Foundation.

Vaughn - when can that conversation happen?

Vitti - we need to reexamine our priorities with them.

They are now honoring Michelle Parker, one of the liaisons with The Pantry.

The Pantry, open to everyone in DPSCD - uniforms, clothing, food, household items. Open every day.

4701 McKinley St
Detroit MI 48208

The board votes to approve the Superintendent’s report.

Vaughn mentions that PBS is present at the meeting to improve the live stream experience - it is greatly improved from my perspective!! Can’t say how helpful it is to see closer angles of the board with their nametags visible.

🚨Public Comment

1. Socialist Equality Party - a chilling attack on free speech that we all must oppose. He recounts the incident of the kidnapping of pro-Palestinian protester Mahmoud Khalil https://www.npr.org/2025/03/10/nx-s1-5323166/arrest-green-card-palestinian-protest

1. cont - he speaks passionately about the destruction of public education happening at the federal level - stop the budget cuts, encourages people to attend an online meeting this Saturday

1. A very young student recounts an experience of physical abuse experienced at school. Her grandmother says she has been reaching out to Vitti and not getting a satisfying response. Bullying is not being addressed.

The three minutes have been over for the previous commenter for a minute now, the mic was turned off but she’s still addressing the board. A board member makes sure that they got the name of the student and grandmother’s name. Board member Bryant is assigned to that school.

1. From Davis Aerospace, wants to know about the progress from moving the school back to the airport. Is transportation available to get students from the school to the airport when the construction is complete? Has the curriculum been defined?

1. Regional director for Aflak Insurance - board removed number of benefits like Aflak, they started relationship with Detroit Federation of Teachers a few years ago. They are running into resistance from the school because they’re not on the approved vendors list. How do they get that approval?

1. Someone else from Aflak - they serve a lot of other school districts, these benefits pay people cash directly in a time of medical need. Would like to be considered as part of the benefits package for DPSCD staff.

1. Another Aflak representative - wants to service DSPCD employees. Wants to have a closed session with the board to talk about opportunities.

Side note: the improvements in the live stream also let us see the public commenters, which is huge for listening to their stories

1. Fourth grade teacher at Thirkell Elementary. Their attempts to form a PTA were met with bullying and pushback from administration. Asking Dr. Vitti to intervene on their behalf.

1. Graduate of Cass Tech ‘93, teacher in DPSCD. Part of Moms Demand Action. Thanks the board for passing the Gun Safety resolution tonight. This resolution is necessary now more than ever.

1. Thanks Vaughn, Gay-Dagnogo, and Bryant for coming to visit Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy. Is wondering when they will get their washer/drier. Their bathrooms are flooding, there is raw sewage. How long does it take for an issue like this to get fixed?

1. Cont. Principal was put on administrative leave, the parents were not informed, she should not have to be the one to tell them.

Requests that she is addressed correctly in email, as “Mama” which is custom in African centered schools.

1. Heard that summer school was successful, but Vitti said it wasn’t, needs clarity.

Lack of interest, involvement, promoting for Let’s Read from the district.

You gave awards to three schools that don’t have enough students to sustain themselves.

Samson Weber needs emergency roof patching.

1. Mother of student, brings him to meetings, having public comment until 10pm at night contributes to chronic absenteeism.

Our principal has been missing since January and we need to know why (Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy). Had to find out he was on admin. leave because they called the news.

11 cont. Says if the principal isn’t reinstated she will be pulling her son out of DPSCD and encouraging other parents to do the same.

1. President of Detroit Federation of Teachers. Fighting against the defunding and elimination of the Department of Education. This is the biggest fight of our lives. Our representatives work for us, they should hear from all of us. In favor of Aflak as approved vendor.

1. Aren’t you getting the information that schools are about to close? Our Detroit Public Schools are on the chopping block. Racism is all over the place, this district is one of the main ones they are trying to get rid of.

1. cont “This fool Trump is going to take away the public school system because he hates black people.” Get yourselves together, they don’t want black children to come up to par with their children.

She is now over her time and mic has been cut off.

1. Community member, graduate of DPSCD. Reading comprehension rates are appalling. We are performing worse today than 10 years ago. The numbers tell a staggering story. “Our people perish for a lack of knowledge.” We didn’t elect a superintendent, we elected a school board.

1. Now moving to the online public commenters.

DPSCD alum from Malcolm X Academy - supports the principal who is on admin. leave. Parents want answers, be transparent. Let’s preserve African centered education in Detroit.

1. cont

Calling the White House isn’t the answer to defend public education, call your community, your neighbors, your teachers. We need more walkouts in schools. We need to defeat Trump.

1. Granddaughter attended kindergarten bootcamp last summer, it was great. It was well organized, she loved all of the trips - Belle Isle, the Zoo, Hands On Museum, the transportation. Just wanted to call and say thanks.

1. President of Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance. Thrilled about new school being built for Cody High School. Thanks board for their dedication and support.

1. Raised in SW Detroit, 30 days from the flooding incident, students are missing school due to lack of transportation. Is not getting responses from Vitti.

There are daily virtual calls at 3pm to problem solve the ongoing issues related to the water main break. Bilingual immigrant communities need help. She will follow up with him over email.

This concludes public comments. Now Vitti will address questions.

• Will follow up with grandmother whose granddaughter was harmed.

• 8/2026 students will mvoe to airport for aerospace program.

• Re: Aflak - RFP in May, companies can compete, need to gain 10% of employees interested

• Re: no robocall for the administrative leave of principal of Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy - needed to protect due process of employee. He will return in about 2 weeks.

• Will follow up about Summer School about enrollment and daily attendance.

• Schools with low enrollment, will be discussed in the future

• Sampson Weber is being repaired currently, will be done by the end of the year. Original intent was that the school would need to be closed, but there was community pushback, so there are a lot of repairs to be made.

• Re: Online commenter about flooding, let him know the names of the families who don’t have transportation, he will work with them and do problem solving. They can do robo call/text in Spanish about uniforms/ washer driers.

• There is a better metric for evaluating reading than the one provided by one of the commenters. “I would suggest saying kids can’t read because they don’t get a certain score on a state assessment.”

Gay-Dagnogo, acknowledges the late hour, we need better transparency on the procurement process, Re: The Aflak conversation.

➡️Closed session, begins at 8:47pm

Motion to come out of closed session, approved at 10:05pm.

The board approves the Resolution Supporting Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage.

Board approves all of these resolutions in the consent agenda in one vote:

A couple minutes ago they voted to remove item 12.01 - they have added 12.02 to the agenda in its place and are now discussing these changes.

It is about a person seeking employee that has a felony, needs the board approval. This has been approved.

Announcements:

April 1 event at Book Cadillac, all parents welcome to attend.

Motion to adjourn, passes at 10:10pm

Meeting adjourned at 10:10pm. This concludes the DPSCD Regular Board Meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for 4/8/25. For more meeting coverage, check out https://documenters.org.