Competitive Race for Detroit School Board Seat Attracts 14 Candidates

Candidates seeking to fill the vacant Detroit school board seat gather for discussions.

News Summary

Detroit is experiencing a heated competition for an open school board seat, with 14 candidates vying for the position left vacant by the resignation of Angelique Peterson-Mayberry. The candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including parents, educators, and community leaders, all aiming to tackle crucial issues such as absenteeism and early literacy in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). The public vote for the new member is set for July 28, emphasizing community engagement in the selection process for the future of DPSCD.

Detroit is witnessing a competitive race for an open seat on its school board with 14 candidates vying for the position left vacant following the resignation of school board member Angelique Peterson-Mayberry. The candidates are aiming to address pressing issues facing the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), including chronic absenteeism, the urgency to enhance early literacy instruction, and the implications of potential federal funding cuts.

Among the candidates are a diverse group, including district parents, educators, religious leaders, and an attorney, each bringing unique perspectives and backgrounds to the table. However, during various interviews, a noticeable discrepancy was evident in how well candidates understood the challenges the district faces. Some demonstrated a strong grasp of the issues, while others seemed less informed.

Three candidates, who were initially part of the running, opted to withdraw their applications before the interviews. One candidate expressed concern regarding the use of ChatGPT in preparing her application materials as a reason for her withdrawal.

The successful candidate will join the board to serve until the term concludes in 2026 and will be pivotal in shaping the future direction and policies of DPSCD.

Candidate Highlights

Several candidates have notable experiences relevant to the issues plaguing the district. For instance, Pageant Atterberry owns a child care academy and possesses previous board experience with the Urban League, signaling her commitment to early childhood education. Kenya Avant is currently the senior director of performance management for DPSCD and has also been a school council member and policy analyst, positioning her well to identify areas needing immediate attention.

Sonja Beasley-Hall brings a wealth of experience in youth development and professional training in education, while The Rev. Steven Bland Jr. is actively engaged in youth outreach as a community activist and pastor. Whitney Clarke stands out as a child advocate and is concurrently pursuing a council seat in District 5, bringing additional perspective on governance issues.

Also running are Jonathan Demers, who has a background in law and education, Debra Duren, a real estate agent, Bonzetta “Bonnie” D. Ferrell, an assistant operations manager, Bessie Harris, a retired educator, Aliya Moore, a current education advocate, and Ashley Pearson, a social services coordinator. Other notable candidates include youth advocate Jeremiah Steen and the retired pastor and community leader Rev. Curtis C. Williams.

Application Process and Public Engagement

Each candidate has submitted a letter of intent, a resume, and responses to a set of survey questions, although currently, only the survey responses are publicly accessible. The district is in the process of handling an open records request filed for the complete application materials. This transparency is essential for voters and stakeholders interested in evaluating the qualifications and intentions of the candidates.

Community engagement will play a significant role in this selection process, as the board prepares to conduct a public vote to fill the vacant seat. This important meeting is scheduled for July 28 at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School. This event provides a platform for community members to engage with the candidates and understand their visions for improving education within the district.

The outcome of this election is crucial for the future of DPSCD, as the newly appointed board member will be responsible for addressing significant educational challenges and advocating for the needs of students and families in Detroit.