Education

Tuesday, June 13, 2023
5:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. EDT

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1500 Scotten Detroit, MI 48209 (Directions)

Western International High School

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Reporting

Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team

Note-taking by Devyn McNaughton

Live reporting by Ashley Williams

Board approves a contentious 2023-2024 budget that includes staffing cuts.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 3/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit ‼️ IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage tonight is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 6/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The budget meeting has been adjourned, and the board will go into the regular board meeting at this time.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 8/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit The meeting is opened with a student performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” https://t.co/WqXoeG19hv

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 10/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Next up is the student representative’s report. First, they congratulate students and teachers for completing another school year.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 11/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Recognize 20+ students who completed the African American studies AP class - thank the teachers of this course.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 12/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit Questions for @Dr_Vitti:
- Wants an update on progress and support teachers are getting who have absorbed other roles
- Update on budget, and the status of state funding

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 13/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti Response from Vitti - focus right now is to balance next year’s budget. After tonight, his focus will shift to working with the governor on equitable funding. @GovWhitmer trying to invite businesses back to Michigan, which will have impact on K-12.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 14/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer Vitti wanted to make sure our “house was in order without COVID funding going into next year” - feels more comfortable advocating harder for that funding now that those boxes can be checked.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 15/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer Recognizes that some schools are hurting more than others due to personnel reductions - will be focusing on those smaller schools.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 17/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Also wants to recognize athletes and STEAM students - says there is so much more opportunity to honor students and their achievements.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 18/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Encourages parents to take advantage of summer activities and camps to keep their children engaged this summer.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 19/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork The board recognizes and thanks the student ambassadors for their contributions and their representation of the student voice this year. https://t.co/Nub8dyrjZr

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 24/71
Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 26/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork 100s of students applied for scholarship money totaling $10,000. Tried to look at need and experiences/ambitions, in addition to achievement. 2 students were selected for scholarships from the Green Garner Superintendent Scholarships.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 29/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Vitti thanks the staff and parents for concluding the year successfully - “back to the new normal post pandemic.”

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 30/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork End of year data is still being calculated, but expect to see a lot of improvement. Will be meeting with principals once data is collected to review what can be improved for the upcoming school year.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 32/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #1: Says there are 60,000 children in Detroit are that should be going to school, but they don’t have a place to live. Says that we aren’t doing a good job - wants them to hire more people to go into the community and find them.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 33/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #2: Frustrated by the budget conversation earlier, saying that while people are being shifted around, they are still taking pay cuts or losing benefits. Don’t appreciate that emergency management keeps being brought, and being used as an excuse. Calls it “manipulative.”

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 34/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #3: How are we building buildings with “one time funding” but have reoccurring costs. Criticizes Sonya Mays for not knowing the school system that she oversees, as well as Angelique Peterson-Mayberry for not meeting with her, despite her repeated requests.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 35/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #4: Says that budget conversations go so quickly, and it doesn’t give anyone a chance to process. Says she doesn’t know where the money is going but it’s “not going our educators.”

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 36/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #5: Students need guidance in order to access higher education - cutting the college transition educators/advisors because figuring it out yourself is not the answer, “it’s scary and daunting.”

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 37/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #6: Says that if the public is confused, it is the fault of the board who is making it deliberately confusing. Says she though, is not confused, and that they are giving support staff “a really bad deal.” Even though the pandemic is over, the effects are not.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 38/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #7: Asks to look up William Henry Spencer, and learn about his contributions to the state of GA. Says her family’s influence in education is widespread. Encourages them to ban the Star Spangled Banner.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 39/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Note - speakers are speaking after their allotted time, but I cannot hear because the microphones are shut off.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 40/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #8: Proud Detroiter, and Civics and Economic teacher. Says he picks up on the mistruths about the budget. Says we had $60M, now $35M, so “we must be comfortable spending.” Says we are talking about a public school district, not a corporation.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 41/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #8 cont.: It is the right of children to get a education, and it is not fair for children who are born in this city to get an underfunded education, just because they are born in this city.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 42/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #9: 30 year veteran of DPSCD. The budget is where you put your priorities, it shows how you value our children. “This mess has to stop.”

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 43/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #11: Speaks of a hole that exists in the building she teaches at. The elements are coming in, the rodents are coming in, and there is a towel up there that keeps falling. Says the hole has been there for 5 years.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 44/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #12: Part of Stop the Violence Detroit - issue with Cooley High School. Why has it been 13 years since something has been done with that school? Says there is drug use and gambling happening behind that building.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 45/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #13: Concern about professional development and lack thereof. PD days “don’t really develop you professionally.” LPN should not be working in the districts without RN - lack of continuity of care.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 46/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #14 - “Build it and they will come.” Says that parents want their children to go to quality schools. “Why does it take so long to put shovels in the ground?” Why haven’t the 5 schools that were promised been started?

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 47/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #15 - Says the problems that we had before Vitti came, we are still facing. Need help - safe schools, good teachers, need social service to address “mental issues.”

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 48/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #16 - Please don’t cut the budget or jobs. The staff that are being cut are essential, and our students need them. Want them to reinstatement summer enrichment programs. “Let’s take advantage of pro-family democrats” in top offices.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 49/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #17 - Recognizes educators who completed this year. Says we should focus on retention, not retirement, prior to recruitment. “We need the people we have, we need more than the people we have.” Says education is not a business, it’s a service - keep the care in education.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 51/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #18 - Does DPS own Marygrove campus? Where does the maintenance budget for Miller high school come from? Why would the state allow DPS to contract with private corporations?

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 52/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #19 - Asks the board to keep staff in their positions. “Tonight you will vote on a budget that will make our break our community.” Says she is worried that when students return to school in the fall, families will vote “with their feet” and make the decision to leave.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 53/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #20 - Thank you for mentioning adult education at the beginning of the meeting. Many adult learners are parents of students in the district - deserve recognition for the way they are improving their households.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 54/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork #21 - For summer school, is there a cost? Hearing that there is. Already know our children are behind, but before COVID we had summer school, so why not now?

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 56/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Says we are not equitably funded to provide all of the programs/resources our children deserve. Try to do their best with the funding they have - at some point have to make decisions based on the metrics that matter the most. “Try to make hard decisions to do the best we can.”

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 58/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Asks that those who spoke up tonight will redirect their energy toward the governor and legislature for equitable funding. Calls it a travesty.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 59/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Do have “attendance agents,” but do not operate as a traditional truancy officer. Says there is an opportunity for volunteer roles in this area.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 61/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Says a 10% salary increase would be great, but they don’t have a way to fund it without cutting more roles. At some point, money will run out, and then at that point cuts would need to happen anyway.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 62/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork At scale, summer school doesn’t have a big enough impact on student acheivement. K-7 summer school will be funded in future summers if additional funding is secured.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 63/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Core requirement courses are free to students in the summer, but courses beyond that are the responsibility of the student/family to cover the cost.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 64/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Lease Mary Grove, do not own. Don’t own the old Miller high school. Vast majority of Cass students are city residents.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 65/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Understand the concerns about the cell towers, but the city Health Dept. doesn’t have the authority over this. Will work at the federal level to get a study around this. See the latest statement on this here: https://www.detroitk12.org/Page/17887

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 69/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork We have moved to the Announcements section - Community meeting schedule for this Thursday at 5:30 at Crockett. WSU Alumni will host Juneteenth events this week - you can view those events here: https://today.wayne.edu/news/2023/06/01/wsu-announces-weeklong-2023-juneteenth-celebration-53521

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 70/71

@Detroitk12 @DetDocumenters @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit @Dr_Vitti @GovWhitmer @detroitatwork Follow up from Vitti:
- 1800 students in DPSCD are facing home insecurity.
- Area with hole in roof not being used or occupied by students this summer.

Ashley Williams @williams_ashsue 71/71

Attachments

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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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