DPSCD REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Detroit Public Schools Community District
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
5:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. EDT
Remote
View the meeting online: https://www.detroitk12.org/boardmeeting
Agendas and more can be found at DPSCD BoardDocs: https://www.boarddocs.com/mi/detroit/Board.nsf/Public
Check the source website for additional information
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team
Board members spent more than two hours in closed session prior to hearing public comment. Several commenters appeared to have left by the time they were called on. The district will not pursue an investigation into the principal at Thirkell Elementary-Middle School.
The school board amended their agenda to go into closed session prior to hearing public comment. Board members spent more than two hours in closed session. Those attending to give comments could be heard verbally protesting.
@media_outlier @metrotimes @michigan_public
@PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit
04:23 PM Mar 19, 2024 CDT
We are all the way to item 6 with Chair remarks.
-over 50 employees created packages with a book called Spark and chair is giving shout outs.
-Donation from Detroit Piston's Cunningham to create Care Closets.
-DPSCD student Arthur Mcghee was accepted to Julliard today and she shouts congratulations to him.
-All bathroom concerns with being locked have been addressed.
-Dr. Seuss Day and Book Drive were hosted successfully.
-Some students went to Lansing to advocate during March is Reading Month.
DPS received $17.7M in 13 mil receipts, current 13 mill tax receipt reserves are $75.1M. DPS received $17.4M in 18 mill receipts, supplemental payments of $2.8M were made in January.
-Recognition to Chair Peterson-Mayberry for her 15 years of service and she was recognized by United Way for her community contributions.
Reenrollment rate is about 70%, daily attendance is about 83%, chronic absence rate is 63%, and 54% of students are showing one year of growth in literacy.
-Currently have two paraprofessional vacancies.
-Current upward trend in literacy that if continued, could surpass state averages.
Dr. Vitti answered the pay rate was raised, full benefits are offered, and a pathway to retirement is present.
Dr. Vitti responded that they needed to normalize post pandemic first, and now that they are heading there, part of the high school reform plan will include more focus on grade 9 to set students up for success.
Responses included students stating that would be helpful, and some concerns were raised about making it required versus just more available. One of the board members talked about FAFSA parties that other districts have.
There are 31 folks signed up in person, and an unknown amount of virtual comments.
Talking about a move to new building but hasn't been allotted time to pack her room up and she should use her prep. Students pulled for ELA but no bonuses for science people. Raises also needed for teachers.
"The way this went down, not ideal" speaking of the session and vote. Asking for legitimate proposal and bargaining. Culture is deplorable and turnover is so high. Structural issues need addressing.
General Ed teachers are stepping up to support the shortage of paras, social workers, etc. Not getting paid enough but will continue to work hard
Audiologist for DPSCD speaking behalf of not being included in the ESE bonus. She is 1 of 7 on staff.
Supporting Noble petition. Give students an opportunity to keep the skills they learn through the summer.
Also DFT, 30 years in the district, and she has never worked with admin that causes such fear.
Reporting principal Gaines at Thirkell for abuse had no impact. Staff is afraid of speaking up. Staff are asked everyday for duties outside job descriptions.
The next 3 folks were no longer present.
Asking the board to change the library seat to 5 years and some months rather than 6 years for better succession.
23 and 25 are no longer present.
Needs folks to show up in Lansing to represents our students. And says we need to show them how to act so students know what to do when they get to our seats.
Speaking in regard to the $15k bonus, "Stop. The. Division." Everyone should be treated fairly and equitably.
-Malcom X staff will be assisted in moving items, just not personal items.
-extra microscopes available in the warehouse.
-teacher's salary have increased 20-21% since 2017 not including bonuses.
-Noble was not identified for summer school because it only has partial air conditioning.
-Dr. Vitti plans to send letter to city council asking to increase drug awareness of edibles.
-no record of CMA heat but will look into after comment.
-science workbooks are available in color digitally.
(Ms. Moore and others from the audience are shouting)
-all sexual harassment allegations were investigated.
-children's museum ramp should be in place by summer.
-graduation rates are audited by State of Michigan, currently 74%.
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Attachments
Agency Information
Detroit Public Schools Community District
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is Michigan’s largest public education system. It is governed by a locally-elected, seven-member board. The District’s mission is to provide every student with a beneficial and rightful educational experience, preparing students to be career and college ready, and qualified to compete in the global market. The District has 106 schools and educates 50,000 children.
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