DETROIT, Mich. — Five of the seven seats on the Detroit Public Schools Community District board are on the Nov. 3 ballot, putting most of the panel that oversees the city’s public schools before voters at once.
The ballot lists 31 candidates for four full four-year terms, plus three candidates for a partial term ending in 2028. Some candidates have since dropped out but will still appear on the ballot. Voters can pick up to four candidates for the full terms and one for the partial term.
The partial term is for the seat formerly held by Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, who left last year to become ombudsman for the city of Detroit. Board Vice President Bishop Corletta Vaughn, who has served since 2019, is not seeking another term.
The board can hire or fire a superintendent, approves the annual operating budget and develops the district’s four-year strategic plan. Members do not manage day-to-day operations, which fall to the superintendent.
The members elected in November will help shape the next strategic plan and face decisions on school buildings, school safety, chronic absenteeism and what happens when funding from Detroit’s literacy lawsuit runs out. Board members receive a $250 stipend per meeting.
