The Skillman Foundation

On November 3, Detroit voters will make an important decision about the future of public education in the city.

Five of the seven seats on the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Board of Education are up for election, meaning voters will choose a new majority of the board responsible for governing Michigan’s largest public school district.

The decisions DPSCD board members make will shape everything from how district resources are spent to the policies and priorities that guide Detroit’s public schools.

But what exactly does a school board do, and why does this election matter for Detroit’s students, families, and schools?

We’ve pulled together a few helpful resources to explain the school board’s role, explore the issues facing the district, and help Detroiters get to know the candidates.

What does the school board actually do?

School board members help set the direction of public education, but their responsibilities differ from those of the superintendent, principals, and teachers.

School board members are responsible for:

• Setting district policy: Establishing policies that guide how the district operates and serves students.
• Approving budgets and major contracts: Deciding how district resources are allocated.
• Hiring and evaluating the superintendent: Setting expectations for district leadership and holding the superintendent accountable for results.
• Ensuring public accountability: Representing the school community and providing opportunities for public input.

What don’t school board members do?

School board members don’t manage individual schools, hire or supervise teachers and principals, or make day-to-day classroom decisions. Those responsibilities belong to the superintendent and district administration.

Importantly, no single board member can act alone. Most decisions require at least four votes from the seven-member board, making collaboration essential.

Important decisions are ahead

The next board will help guide DPSCD through significant decisions about student achievement, chronic absenteeism, school facilities, enrollment, and district finances.

As voters learn about the candidates, a few questions are worth considering:

• How would candidates prioritize district resources to improve student learning?
• How would they measure whether district investments are working?
• How would they ensure students, families and educators have a meaningful voice in board decisions?
• How would they work with fellow board members to address challenges and move the district forward?

Understanding how candidates would use the board’s authority is just as important as understanding their priorities.

An informed community strengthens public education

At The Skillman Foundation, we believe that students, families, and educators should have a meaningful voice in shaping public education.

School boards are one important place where community priorities and public policy meet.

This election offers Detroiters an opportunity to learn about the candidates, understand the decisions they will make, and help shape the future of the city’s public schools.

Learn more about the candidates and the issues

Independent reporting from BridgeDetroit and Chalkbeat Detroit offers voters a closer look at the candidates, their positions, and the decisions facing the next board.

BridgeDetroit: What Detroit students want from the next school board: Hear directly from students about their priorities for the next board.

Chalkbeat Detroit: This November’s Detroit school board election may drastically change the district’s direction. Here’s how.: An overview of the election and what’s at stake.

BridgeDetroit: What does the Detroit school board control? A guide for voters.: A closer look at the board’s authority and responsibilities.

BridgeDetroit: Interactive: Pick your Detroit school board candidates: An interactive resource to learn about the candidates.

Michigan Chronicle: Detroit’s children are on the ballots. Let’s show up for them.: Detroit philanthropic leaders underscore the importance of the election and encourage Detroiters to participate in the election and stay engaged afterward. 

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The Skillman Foundation provides funding support to BridgeDetroit and Chalkbeat Detroit. Both news organizations maintain full editorial independence over their reporting.