DPSCD School Board - Regular Meeting - May 14, 2024

11:58AM May 15, 2024

Speakers:

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students

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Good evening. We want to go ahead I know there's a accident on 94. So people are coming in a bit later, but we want to go ahead and get started and respect the time of those who are present. So today is Tuesday, May 14. And we thank Principal ball during his entire East English village Preparatory Academy at Feeny team for hosting us for yet another board meeting. I want to call the meeting to order. Madam Secretary, can we please do a roll call

Angelique Peterson Mayberry President Misha Stallworth, Sonia Mays, Dr. Iris Taylor sharegate and yoga Latrice, McClendon Bishop, Dr. Colette Yvonne Keith Anthony mirallas.

Easy, President,

Madam Chair, you have a quorum.

Thank you so much, we will now go to the meeting norms. We respect the right of all persons to participate in this public meeting of the board and kindly request that everyone engages in behavior that supports the same in the event that any one engages in behavior that is not as important that good, we request that you refrain from that behavior. As we go into a moment of silence today. Unfortunately, our list is one to many. We have Mr. Devonte ball, who was a food service worker at Schultz Academy. We have Marcia cotton Flint, a teacher at Duke Ellington. We have retiree Cheryl Lang, communications disorder department speech pathologist. And we have two more than I would like to add superintendent Green and I say superintendent green because Mr. Green used to be a superintendent of DPS and Mr. Herman Davis, who used to be the president of the school board for Detroit public schools. So we did honor all of those fallen soldiers who have made their transition with something from the board. So during our moment of silence today, if we could remember the families of Mr. Ball, Miss cotton Flint, Miss Lane, Mr. Green, and Mr. Davis.

Thank you. We will now have our school presentations. And today we have the color guard from Debbie's or Denby, TARS. And we have the Star Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing performed by soloist from Duke Ellington if you could please rise

base Color

Oh, say can you see By the dawn's early light, What so proudly me and the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars do the bare bones because we were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in Okay move through the seal there. Oh say does that banner head away yay oh and other free and brave

live there revive Voice and Sing to lengthen Ring ring with a

birdie lad are rejoicing, right hi guys that Aries bow has the row and see see song for the darkness as seen further the President has Facing the rising sun New Day baby to victory is

Excuse me, can you come and tell us your name? You can go to the mic and tell us your name or your grade please I didn't have the information I want to make sure you get recognized and acknowledged for the amazing job that you just did.

My name is Jamar Yan Jones and I'm in eighth grade.

Mr. John's eighth grade. I'm sure we have seen the last time Mr. Jones. It's not easy to stand before a bunch of people he may not know and show his talent and his gift. So thank you keep shining over at Duke Ellington. The chair will now entertain a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Is there a support? It's been properly moved by Mr. Gates at no golf properly supported by member Mays to approve the agenda as presented. Any discussion? All those in favor of approving the motion on the floor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. Item number four approval of meeting minutes. We have 4.01 the regular board meeting minutes from April the ninth 2024 4.02 special board meeting minutes from April the 15th 2024 4.03 special board meeting closed session minutes from April the 15th 2024 4.04 academic committee meeting minutes from April the 22nd 2024 and 4.05 Finance Committee meeting meeting minutes from April the 26th 2024. The chair will entertain a motion to tie bar items 4.01 through 4.050 support. It's been properly moved and properly supported. The motion was put on the floor by member may supported by member gay dag no go to tie bar items 4.01 through 4.05. Any discussion of the motion on the floor? If not all those in favor signify by saying Aye? Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you The chair will now entertain a motion for the tie bar of items 4.1 through 4.05. Is your support. It's been properly moved by member Mays properly supported by Dr. Taylor for the tie bar of items 4.01 through 4.05. Any discussion? The motion on the floor signify all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried. Thank you public comment registration has closed. The time is 546546. Public comment. Registration has closed. So for chair remarks today I will first allow our student ambassadors to go first and it's good to see Mr. Morales with us. From Frederick Douglass as we know he was one of the three students on the board and he wanted to Make sure that people knew that when he is not here is because he has dual obligations outside of this and he just received his associate's degree degree. So I think we give him a round of applause Oh by Frederick Douglas. So I will turn it over to ECU and Mr. Morales,

greetings board members in the audience. For this month's report, we would like to top up touch up on the subject about smoking issues that many dpscd students face building issues and positive events taking place within our school districts.

Before we begin to report we would like to highlight our Detroit executive Youth Council as well as members of the dpscd face department for their success at the fourth annual C conference. This year's conference was held at Marygrove education was held that mirror over hundreds of dpscd students got the opportunity to engage in front of different educational workshops as well as chances to earn several different prizes. While enjoying entertainment from our very own dpscd students. We would like to give a special shout out to miss Buckman Miss Foxx, Miss Williams and Mr. Proctor who serve as our advisors for the D yc.

As for our board report, we would like to start off with building updates regarding CMA High School, many students from CMA have reported not seeing the building updates they were promised such as their football field and their gym. As more and more students begin to graduate out of CMA, more students are missing out on the things that they were promised. The de UIC would like to know if there is any update on the timeline regarding the building updates related to CMA High School.

At the last board meeting, we talked about the issue of smoking within dpscd community. However, we have seen many improvements within different schools such as Osborn and East Ingalls village who have cracked down more on their smoking issues by taking away from children. We'd also like to talk about the different solutions that the D YC Council has made. Some of our solutions include installing vape detectors at the different dpscd high schools, these vape detectors can detect the different chemicals that are producing vaping and alert staff the moment is detected. Not everyone has the right solutions is to create a community campaign engaging parents educating them on not only the dangers of smoking, but also going out into the community calling out different gas stations or any other vendor who supplies vape pens to minors. Lastly, we understand that vaping and smoking are against our code of conduct and they deserve punishment. However, we also believe there needs to be some type of rehabilitation alongside with this punishment to help prevent prevent repeated cases of smoking. Next, I'll pass it back to Keith.

Over the past few weeks, we have seen multiple decision day events at several different high schools as well as overall improvements within multiple senior classes. Several schools have reported on students finishing their ingenuity on time to graduate which results in an increase in the graduation class. Several other schools reported having successful decision day events where seniors were able to showcase their future institutions to their fellow peers. Along with many senior activities, several schools such as Osborne, Frederick Douglas, and Marygrove have reported on students participating in service engagement activities, such as cleaning up their communities, the Capstone showcase with several special guests, including council members and CEOs of several companies, and other earthday related activities. Would you like to enter a report letting the audience know about our most upcoming school activity, which is evening of Fine Arts, which takes place tomorrow at the Fox Theater where different ensembles from all over the districts will showcase their hard work and artistic ability in the nights of music, acting and dance. Lastly,

we'd like the audience to know that our Microsoft forum to report different concerns and highlights that you would like us to investigate from the different schools and decide the district are still open to all student leaders at the different high schools. These concerns and highlights are then shared to the student board members as well as Dr. VD. Well that this concludes our Board Report for the month of May. Are there any questions from the board?

So, Dr. Vt, you can make sure that this is reported. I know if you can give an update on CMA and the renovations. And then I know we had a conversation with Councilman Benson as it relates to the letter that we created and sent to the state as it relates to edibles and the impact of that in our school district. And so if you want to give a follow up to that as well, since the student ambassador has mentioned both of those in their reports before I report

through the through the Chair. Good afternoon. First off, just want to thank both of you. First off, I want to thank both of you for your service. It's been great. Knowing both of you and getting to know both of you. It is no matter what's going on in the district no matter what the challenge is, every time I've engaged your group on Fridays. It's always just renewing and inspirational to just The your thoughtfulness, your leadership development, not only here, but people don't see the kind of conversations we have on Fridays, when I've been able to come to those meetings, so just, I know that you have a lot on your plate. And I just appreciate you being giving up your time to do this and giving an example for younger students to do the same thing moving forward. So thank you to you and all the executive, student leaders throughout the district. And just know stay close to the district. Stay close to all of us as a superintendent, board team, any any support you need, from college, to the world of work, future employment with dpscd, whatever it is, just stay in touch. But specifically, to your points. I think hopefully, you saw that we we did release that letter to the mayor, the governor legislature, about the increased use of edibles across the city, but how it's impacting schools. It also addressed vape pen. So based on the code of conduct, if there's a vape pen incident, or an edible incident, there may be different levels of infraction, but at the minimum there isn't. There's a requirement for an education, engagement with the student around substance abuse. And so depending on if it's your first offense, if you you brought large amounts in if you're selling it, there's different degrees of discipline, if you will, but definitely always a level of engagement around substance abuse. And that happens at the school level. The follow up from the letter has been positive. From a media point of view as as far as the outreach, lot of emails back phone calls to the office, appreciating the stance and the information. I have an I have an upcoming meeting with the mayor's office and with the deputy mayor about the next steps. board chair and I met with Congressman Benson. Councilman Benson, and there's a coalition that's been formed between the faith based community, myself and possibly other superintendents. Individuals from the medical field as well, to try to lobby Lansing for changes in the legalization of marijuana law, the governor's office reached out her office does understand that there there is a need to update the law and address many of these issues. 2% of the revenue that's coming from marijuana sales is dedicated to the Detroit Health Department. And they are going to initiate a program that's happening right now in city charter schools that will go to traditional public schools at the state level, to just talk about the challenges of marijuana and the negative impact it can have on youth, most of that engagement we're already doing in our schools. So we are working with the Detroit health department to understand the details of that. Beyond that, as far as CMA the there were upgrades to the actual building. But specifically, I think you're referring to the gym and in the football field or the field. And so that work starts to spring into the summer, and we're expected to complete those upgrades to the athletic complex and compound by the fall of 2025. So not this fall, but the following fall.

Thank you any additional follow up from our student ambassadors? Okay, thank you. I just wanted to report out one I want to congratulate everyone who came out to the DPS Foundation, Tyrone II Winfree, senior come home event. We know that that event was started three years ago, when Tyrone Winfrey, who has since passed away as we know, came to Dr. Vidya and abour with a vision to try to get alumni to come back to Detroit and come back to dpscd. No matter what year you went to DPS or dpscd, or no matter what school you graduated from. And so this past last week, I'm losing days, but it was Saturday. Okay. This past Saturday, we were at one for high school. And for those who are in attendance, some had never been to Mumford. Not in the new building, and they were amazed at how the building looked. And what public education looks like right there on Wyoming. And so it was even transformed to where we was able to showcase local talent and local vendors. But more importantly, there were people who were a part of the fundraising efforts. And so there were three into vigils who were recognized and inducted into the Hall of Fame, Bishop Ellis, Reverend Dr. Window Anthony, and then the grant family. And I think we were all speechless when the grant family after receiving their reward, wrote a check to the foundation for $500,000. Because they simply believe in what we're doing in a district. And so that is above and beyond the support that they already give the district. And we know that the foundation operates only for dpscd. So I just want to lift them up, because we appreciate the support, and everyone who came out. Also, a lot of us had an opportunity to attend the math and the D extravaganza and math, B, B, E, B. And it's an opportunity for our young people in the world of STEM and STEAM to be recognized and highlighted for the skills that they do. And so it was amazing to see the amount of math that is infused into every single thing that we do, and have young people talk to you about math. And they were very confident about knowing the math concepts. So we got Martin Luther King for both of those events. So you know, kudos to the entire team who works with our young people at the school level, and even at the district level as it relates to STEM and STEAM. Dr. VTEs already addressed the edibles letter, I didn't want to make sure that Dr. VD and your report if you can give some information around the facility master plan, those meetings that have been taking place throughout the city, we also had our literacy loss of stakeholders meeting. So we had two online and we have one in person here at English village. And so a combination in terms of attendance, we were over 350 people who voiced their opinion and came and heard about the literacy lawsuit. And so they got an opportunity to not only hear, but share, ask questions and offer suggestions. And so it is not an action item tonight, because we want to make sure that we've had an opportunity to synthesize all of the feedback. And so that'll come back before the community on next month, please know that none of the literacy lawsuit dollars have yet been spent. I know someone reached out and asked me how much did we spend on AIS out of the literacy loss of money, and we have not spent any of the dollars yet. And we told you that we wouldn't. So we have not done that. Lastly, I'll say graduation, we're in graduation season. So we know our young people, our eighth graders are having their promotional ceremonies. And our graduates from high school 12th grade are getting ready to go to some to college, some to the armed forces, some to the world of skilled trades, entrepreneurship, whatever it is, we are super proud of all of our young people who have come through dpscd. And we only ask that they come back and give back I'm looking at two of our seniors because they have yet to have prom and all of that good stuff that will be supporting them with trying to make it to their house so we can see though dazzled up. But we do appreciate the really hard work to Dr. VTEs point about all of our seniors who go above and beyond is not just reading, writing and arithmetic for them. They've done things like have their arts displayed down at the DIA. They participated in music. They participated in STEM events, engineering events, athletic events. So they do so much more than reading, writing and arithmetic in the schoolhouse. And they make us proud, so I didn't want to say to our graduates congratulations. And lastly summer school. So please check our website so that you can find out which locations are offering summer school and register for summer school. So summer school is effective June 24, through July 26. So June 24 through July 26. And the summer school programs will mirror what we were able to do when we had the COVID dollars, because we were we were in a position to receive a grant from the bomber group. So you will see enrichment and academic support in those summer school programs. So please take advantage if your young person is not scheduled to do anything for the summer, please consider them coming into a school for summer school, please register so we can ensure that we have the proper personnel and the number of administrators in the building and teachers. But please make sure that you register for that. And then lastly, I'll say I know that through the facility master planning conversations. I did want to lift up Paul Robeson, Malcolm X specifically. And I think Miss Moore for reaching out with some concerns. So there is a FAQ Frequently Asked Question document that has been created that is being shared to make sure that We address all of the concerns that are raised and that have been raised. So I want to make sure that we know about that. And then I know during public comment typically, some of the comments are repetitive. So I want to also lift up, our investigation happened in that third call. So please know that due process is happening and if you talk to administrators and talk to teachers in that space, they will tell you that they are being interviewed, and that we are creating a plan of action to address some of the concerns that may arise up from both the administrator and the teacher space. So the investigations at Darko are happening when that investigation culminates we will report back out to the community so that you will know what the outcomes and the final result is. That will conclude the chairs report I think we can the chair will entertain a motion to accept the chairs report is there support it's been properly moved by member Mays properly supported by member gay dad no go We will now move into item number eight, which is the finance report from Mr. perdido.

Good evening board members and community. This evening we'll be reviewing the financials through March.

DEP DPS received little less than a million dollars and our 13 Mills debt millage and 1.2 million on the operating millage the 18 Mills, we were on track and we did complete the borrowing and repayment on the school loan revolving fund. So approximately $56 million, as I previously mentioned, was borrowed. And then now that it's made all the debt payments were made. Additionally, we were able to make supplemental emergency loan repayments of $7 million on the 18 mils continuing to accelerate that repayment. Revenue came in slightly higher for dpscd. This was related to the final SR drawdowns. We received those funds earlier than we initially had anticipated. increasing revenue expenditures were on track with budget forecast. And we made the transfer to the facility master plan related to the last the approved transfer by the board. So that is fully funded with the $531 million that has been allocated. And we have approximately 25 weeks of available cash on hand. That concludes my report.

Any questions for the CFO? Mr. perdido, I just want to make sure are we still on track to pay back? The mills? I know one was initially scheduled for I think 2026 and 2046. But are we still on track or has that date move?

That is so cool. Well, the operating millage was initially scheduled for repayment at 2027. Based on increased property values and collection rates. That has continued to increase it was 2026. We are now projecting 2025. For full repayment on the operating millage, the capital debt millage has also continued to increase in terms of like move forward as property values and tax collection rates continue to exceed projections started 2049 2042. We are now reviewing the latest numbers which we'll get in May. But we expect that to be even sooner. But I'll have more confirmed numbers at the end

of May. Okay, sooner than 2042 Correct.

It will be we believe sometime in the 2030s. Okay.

Any additional questions for the CFO? Thank you, Mr. dedeaux. You can file the report for auditing purposes. And we'll now move into our superintendents report. And I know our first one I see Miss Wilson coming up as we talk about core values recognize a few faces in the room as it relates to core values.

As I wait for Miss Miss Wilson to come to the DSI she'll Miss Wilson will go into greater detail but excited to recognize one of our students for his heroic efforts. And some of our students who are graduating not only with a high school diploma this spring but with an associate's degree due to our dual enrollment program, which is the model that we want to expand going into future years and all of our high schools, but started at one of our neighborhood schools Henry Ford and Miss Wilson.

Thank you Dr. BD and board chair. Tonight we are celebrating the core value of excellence which is be relentless in your pursuit of greatness. Be bold and innovate. Learn from your mistakes hold yourself and others to high standards. Detroit Public Schools can Unity districts Henry Ford a high school student, Gregory Pope, the third is being recognized tonight for his quick action and skills. 15 year old Pope heard his neighbors shouting for help. He was quick to jump into action. He was inside his Detroit home, playing video games when he heard the commotion outside. He rushed outside to find his neighbor, having a medical emergency. He helped his neighbor out of his vehicle and began performing CPR on him. Perhaps he has a calling as a first responder, but we know he's a hero for us here at dpscd. I also like to acknowledge his father who was also there, Gregory Pope the second who encouraged his son. So tonight we recognize Pope for his boldness and innovation. He had Grey's Anatomy CPR training. Congratulations, Mr. Pope.

up so I don't know if people understood, so Mr. Pope. He's been recognized by the mayor. He's been interviewed and city council, but we knew we would do our recognition. But But Mr. Pope, when I met him about a month ago and started talking to him, he told me he's never officially received CPR training. He did what he saw on Grey's Anatomy. So he saved somebody's life by watching television and he went into action. So I just wanted to lift that up

let's give it up for Mr. Pope. Thank you so much.

January, okay, he was also inducted into the Chris Pollard. Fritz Paller.

So Mr. Pope was one of 14 dpscd Students athletes who were in they were inducted into the Fritz Pollard Jr. Academy. Fritz Pollard was the first NFL black coach, and the second NFL player so he is one of a total of 15 students across the United States who was inducted into that Academy as well.

All right, let's give it up. Okay, Dr. BD Our next recipient. The core value, again is excellence be relentless in their pursuit of greatness. Be bold and innovate, learn from your mistakes, hold yourself and others to high standards. So during the pandemic, Detroit Public Schools community district partner with Lawrence Tech University to offer the only Early Middle College in Detroit. Through this program, students graduate with a high school diploma an Associate Degree from Lawrence Tech University in just five years. The Henry Ford high school early Middle College focuses on the Information Technology sciences and introduces students to careers in programming, development, web design, and other fields that are in the top 10 highest paid and fastest growing areas of industry. I've met all the students to make sure I know who got the money. You can also earn certificates and career and technical education credits. These students that we are about to announce, they all have the Blue Devil scholarship, as well as federal and state money. They do not have to pay back and over $90,000 from LTU, each from their alumni donors. We are dpscd Proud of Henry for high school students and Cohort One so this is the first cohort of the early Middle College who received their associate degrees last Saturday, and then they'll go on to complete their bachelor's degree and principal mokdad is especially proud and he said that they are the torch bearers, making it easier for other students. So thank you, principal mark that and he will be accepting the award for Queen Howard. And then I'll have the other students come up. Evan Jenkins, come Maya McKinney and Taylor Wilson.

Let's give our associate degree holders a big round of applause Congratulations.

All right, three

yes

all right. As I indicated, the dual enrollment program is something that we've dramatically expanded throughout the district. Not all students are moving to gain an associate's degree before the high the end of high school, but all of our schools now are offering college classes at the high school level. And that usually starts in the junior senior year. So in the next couple of months, we'll be presenting to the board a high school redesign plan, which will change the high school schedule, to focus in ninth grade to making sure that our ninth graders are better supported academically, to improve attendance, reduce chronic absenteeism, and make sure that students are on on pace to make sure they gain the right amount of credits after ninth grade. Because the data is clear nationally, that if you finish ninth grade, where you should be with credits, you're much more likely to graduate in four years. The importance of that is also making sure that students can take elective classes as they go into 10th 11th to 12th grade, if they're behind in credits, and it limits their schedule. For electives, which are obviously the areas that often students are more interested in. It also limits opportunities, such as dual enrollment, obtaining an associate's degree through dual enrollment, and even career academies and career technical education. So really excited about that initiative and the work that we're doing there. But you're going to see more dpscd graduates in the years to come gaining their associates. By the time they graduate from high school, and definitely more students gaining college credit during their high school years, and more students attending career tech classes, not only through Randolph and bright Hall, but more importantly, probably through Wayne County Community College, and Lawrence Tech in particular. Those infrastructures are obviously built for Career Ready education. And so we've come to the point to realize that because we're still not equally and definitely not equitable, equitably funded, it's really hard to stretch our dollars to offer, the kind of career progression that students are ready to take on in high school is solely by junior and senior year. So instead of trying to replicate in an institution, it's better to partner with an institution that's offering that already. So that's that really excited about the next phase of major reform in the district, especially when it comes to our high schools. And we'll be talking more about that. Tonight, I'm going to review our metrics very quickly, because most of these now are outdated and there'll be refreshed over the summer when the end of year, state assessments come in, and then all the metric data winds down for the end of the fiscal year and the academic year. So right now enrollment stands at 40,176. That's higher than it was at the end of the year last year and higher than the year before. Our our re enrollment levels fall to fall about 70%. That's what it was before the pandemic. Average Daily Attendance with about two and a half weeks of school left is 83%, which is about two percentage points higher than it was last year. Right now chronic absenteeism is at 65%. That's slightly below where we ended last year, about 1%. one percentage point lower. Right now 68% of teachers have excellent or moderate attendance. All of our surveys are completed with our staff and our students. And so we'll have that over the summer or early fall. This is the academic data related to the mid year. This is stagnant data after the mid year, not going to review all of this, I would just say that our students have basically completed state testing. Wrapping up PSAT are also wrapping up PSAT PSAT testing, really just doing makeup testing right now, nearly 95% of our students have tested, which is the federal and state requirements. As we announced a couple of months ago, we saw an increase in our graduation rate at 74%. That's about a 10 percentage point increase over the last two years. And very similar to the conversation recognition today, about 60% of our juniors and seniors were enrolled in career college courses. That to a significant improvement from last year were only 50% were and we've now exceeded pre pandemic levels, with college and career enrollment. 55% are passing those classes, which is also an improvement from last year and improvement compared to where we were before the pandemic. Right now. We have 59 teacher vacancies, 29 support staff vacancies, we obviously are in the middle of negotiating with DFT. for next year's contract, we should all expect an increase in salaries once again for our teachers. We are trying to be as aggressive as we can to continue to increase teacher salaries for all teachers, whether they're beginning teachers, mid year teachers or veteran teachers, those that have been in dpscd for quite some time, and those that just came. We have two assistant principal vacancies, three counselor vacancies, five academic interventionist vacancies, eight security guards to pre K pair of vacancies for ESC pair vacancies, 38, cafeteria worker vacancies, 21 custodian vacancies, our breakfast participation rate is about 62%, which is an improvement from last year. As I've mentioned in previous board updates, that improvement is linked to better staffing cafeterias. At this time last year, we had well over 100 vacancies, we're down to 38, which is still too many, but definitely an improvement. And because we're staffing better, we're offering more meals and preparing more meals which students are more likely to eat. And so the launch participation rate is 84%, which is a 10 percentage point improvement from last year are days to process invoices overall. And looking at operations specifically, those are the two numbers has improved from last year. I invoices past due at time of payment. Overall, you can see an increase there that's overall district wide. in problem solving through this issue, it appears that we have improved efficiency with providing with vendors giving us bills through our automated system, which is an improvement from latter days when there would be a delay and how vendors would ask for payment. So that's faster, but now we have to get faster on paying. So they're asking for money faster, which is improving on their end, but we have to pay faster. So that's something we're going to have to improve moving forward. So in some ways, this data is apples and oranges. Because the systems have improved this year, with an automated pay request to pay. Now we just have to pay faster, you can see that our paycheck errors have dramatically decreased. We're only at point 01 errors for every $10,000 of payments. And then the length for an RFP has increased and problem solving to this issue. It's because we are negotiating much more with vendors on contracts. So there is consistent request for higher costs. And we are always trying to negotiate that cost down to save money for the district. And that's leading to more negotiation with the finance team and our legal team. And so that's why you see an increase in the number of days just as far as other updates is to build a little bit more off of what the board chair had indicated. We ran four engagement sessions, two online, a separate parent engagement session and an in person session we had about 500 stakeholders participate in those sessions. This Friday at the Finance Committee meeting the board will receive the recommended adoption of next year's budget. But with that is the recommendations on how to use a literacy Lawsuit Funding. Again, the funding can only be used for literacy. We can't supplements the plant so things that we're funding now we can now fund through those dollars. And if it is literacy based if it's not named in a in a in a settlement, then it has to be supported by research, evidence based research that meets the same standard As the secondary Elementary Education Act, which drives how title one funding is used, we've now had two board retreats, ran the recommendations of the literacy lawsuit, funding through two academic committees and to finance committee meetings. So we'll go through the Finance Committee meeting on Friday academic committee meeting the following Monday, and then to the board full board in June. I just also want to let everyone know that next month, I'll be presenting a more detailed plan on how we continue to improve climate and culture throughout the district with a focus on leadership development. I will also give a more detailed update on the FMP which is the fifth facility master plan. At a high level, the major projects moving forward, what are the timelines? What projects have already been completed? challenges that we're currently facing, and opportunities moving forward? That concludes my presentation. Board Chair, I don't know if you are board members have additional questions. Thank

you, Dr. Bd. Do we have any questions or comments for the superintendent based on his report? If not the chair entertain a motion to accept the superintendents report as presented. Is there support. It's been properly moved by Dr. Taylor properly supported by member gay dag Naugle. All those in favor of accepting the superintendents report signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried Thank you. We'll now move to public comment. Members of the public are welcome to address the board during public comment. Individuals wishing to address the board must register in person or raise their hands online prior to the chair announcing the close of public comment registration today that was at 546. For those in person, the Chair will call the names of individuals to address the board in order to receive please remain seated until your name is called. For those who are joining us virtually in participating with virtual public comment that will be facilitated through a zoom webinar. The link and phone number for which can be accessed at Detroit K 12 backslash board meetings. Individuals wishing to address the Board may do so by choosing one of the two options. One option is through your computer you can select the Raise Your Hand option on the screen, or through your telephone you can press star nine and that raises your hand on your telephone. The meeting administrator will select the individuals in order received. You will remain muted until it is your time to speak. All comments will be limited to three minutes. The superintendent will reply to questions and or concerns raised today that do not violate ethical or legal standards, confidentiality, privacy of others or require additional information to respond. If you would like a direct response to your question and or concern, please form an email to the secretary of the board Vanja more at Vanja dot more at Detroit K twelve.org.

We will now move into public comment. We have two microphones so if we could have Jerry white and Yolanda King get one mic and Daria or Daria Please pronounce the your correct pronunciation when you get to the mic Samuel and Duan McGrady, to the other mic, please. So Jerry white and Yolanda King at one mic, and Miss Samuel and Dhawan McGrady, to the other mic, please.

My name is Jerry White, and I'm the Socialist Equality party's candidate for US Vice President I wanted to raise two urgent issues that parents and educators and students should know about. First of all, I stand in complete solidarity with every educator who's fighting against budget cuts and layoffs across the state of Michigan and across the US and in fact, the world I've spoken at meetings in Ann Arbor. In Wayne Westland in Flint where teachers are facing huge attacks. The superintendent indicated that he's about to go into a closed session to discuss the negotiation for a new contract next year. But what neither school officials or D or Detroit Federation teachers officials are acknowledging is that every school district is facing a so called fiscal cliff. And after the huge attacks on para pros last year, there are even deeper attacks coming this coming year. The state of Michigan estimates that some 5000 teachers will lose their jobs because of the expiration of the federal COVID fund. thing by the Biden administration. At the same time, while they say there's no money for education, the US government Democrats and Republicans alike found $95 billion more last month to give to the State of Israel to carry out a genocide in Gaza to arm Ukraine and prepare an even bigger war. We're saying that it's time to wage a fight to defend the right to education. I want to bring to your attention. The fact that 50,000 University of California educators are voting right now for strike action to protect their own students from arrest and the attack on their free speech rights. They have been arrested for protesting the genocide in Gaza. The defensive jobs will not be carried out through backroom deals with the DFT and the AF T, which are aligned with Biden in the pro war Democrats. Only the initiative of rank and file educators uniting across the country in the world, we will defend the right to public education and to reestablish the priority that human needs must take priority over corporate profit and war. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. White, we have Yolanda King.

Good evening board and community. So Dr. Vitti mentioned negotiations with the Detroit Federation of Teachers. And we all know that negotiations are discussion aimed at reaching an agreement. It's unfortunate that it doesn't provide a timeframe on when that agreement needs to be made. Dr. Vt has been gifted with having his contract extended two years ahead of the expiration. However, your one employee has continuously continuously gone beyond our contract end date. And we have to wait with bated breath and frustration to find out what our fate will be in the fall. It's extremely frustrating that every time we are in negotiations, we go beyond the June 30 date, which is quickly approaching. No calendar, no contract, no opportunity to plan for our family vacations or just for life in general. Knowing that you have a solidify contract and not have to spend your summer constantly checking in for updates to end so to end a stressful school year only to go into a stressful summer waiting to be gifted with our own contract. What a gift it would be to be able to plan for our family's upcoming year. Setting a family budget planning a vacation. We want what your one employee has a contract. A fair timely negotiated contract. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss King. So if we have Miss Samuel and and Duan McGrady to one mic and we have Aaron Panetta and Karla Mitchell to the other mic, please. Miss Samuel how you pronounce your first name?

Derya Derya? Yes.

Okay. Thank you.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the board. I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Darius Samuel. I've been a nurse for 24 years. I'm a mom of six. So I'll be speaking to you this evening from our perspective of parent and from a long standing medical professional. I'm here this evening on behalf of the neighborhood and our vision nonprofit organization to propose the implementation of the groundbreaking Break Free vape free futures curriculum. I was here the previous month and I was here the month before that, and I did hear the concerns of your student ambassadors. Our curriculum is a comprehensive program designed to empower our students with the knowledge and the skills necessary to resist and to quit vaping addressing not only the immediate health risks, but the potential long term consequences that extend to academic performance and also mental health. The primary aim of our curriculum is to empower our students with the tools and the information that are necessary to make informed decisions regarding vaping. by delving into the excessive health risks associated with vaping, we aspire to create an environment that fosters better decision making and improved academic performance and enhance overall wellbeing. We will explore some of the health risks associated with vaping such as respiratory illnesses, heart disease, cancer and even death. Sometimes, the knowledge will empower our students to make choices that prioritize their long term well being vaping has been associated with health issues that can lead to increase absenteeism, decreased academic performance mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Vaping impact extends beyond physical health, affecting mental and emotional well being as well. We would like to open the dialogue dialogue and provide support mechanisms for students to address the concerns associated with vaping. The Break Free vape free futures curriculum is designed as a comprehensive six week program, offering a holistic approach to understanding and combating vaping within our school community. The potential long term consequences of vaping such as cancer and increase teen suicide rates necessitate an urgent and a comprehensive response as a black own and a community focused nonprofit organization located in Detroit. We believe that this program aligns with the collective mission to create a positive and a supportive learning environment for our youth. We kindly seek your support and your approval for the implementation of this transformative program. Together we can make a significant impact on the lives of our students and contribute to a healthier and a brighter future for our community.

Thank you, thank you, Miss Samuel. We have Duan McGrady.

Good evening school board members, Dr. Beatty and the community. My name is Diwan Grady and I am representing the Early Childhood committee for Detroit Federation of Teachers. Let me start by saying a public display of disrespect deserves a public apology. At last month's board meeting, I expressed the concern that our early childhood teachers were not getting paid for service rendered for enrollment. While I am not apologizing, because yes, there was a glitch in the system, which resulted in some of our early childhood teachers not getting paid. I am apologizing to Amanda Mattia and Miss Tanya Frank. The DFT early childhood committee has been working with Miss Mattia and Miss Franks for over two years now. Over the past two years, I've been able to take all of the concerns of the early childhood teachers to miss Mattia and Miss Frakes. And the issues have been resolved. With both parties being satisfied. And retrospect, I should have taken that same issue to miss Mattia and Miss Frank's before making my public comment. Furthermore, I am happy to announce that this issue concerning the early childhood teachers pay and enrollment has been resolved. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McGrady. If we have Aaron Panetta and Tracy are new to the mic and to the other mic Jamel Randall and President Wilson Lumpkins.

Good evening. My name is Aaron Penita. And I'm here as a concerned Detroit resident business owner in the city. I'm a worker owner at 27 flutter books in southwest Detroit, and most proudly, someone who was raised in a family of public school educators and administrators. In fact, six of my seven grandparents that come from a blended family were public school teachers or administrators. When my colleague and friends who teach at Circle elementary school told me about the conditions students and staff faced under the leadership of the school and this administration, I was appalled. Keeping bathrooms locked from student use, not allowing elementary school students to have a regular recess. Just before this meeting, one of my contacts at Circle updated me that there is a 22% suspension rate at Circle. Essentially one in four students under the age of 13 is suspended. That's the highest rate in their cohort. It seems a clear and logical line to me between a lack of appropriate breaks and the behavioral outbursts that are behind suspensions. This is illustrative of a punitive environment instead of a preventative and rehabilitative rehabilitative one. I attended public schools from elementary through high school in Brighton, Michigan, and I'm a graduate of Brighton high located just a 45 minute drive outside of Detroit. I credit my education in an environment that was nurturing and safe is the foundation of my career success, including more than a 10 year career in the US Air Force, serving as an officer in the armed forces and having the skills and acumen to open a community focused business without a strong educational foundation to build on. I would not have the successes I have today. By failing to meet the basic needs of the students of circle we are perpetuating a dangerous trend of school prioritizing obedience and compliance instead of learning and critical thinking, we are failing our most valuable citizens or youth. Despite following this issue over the past few months connecting with the press for updates, who I see a few reporters here tonight, thank you. And attending last month's school board meeting, I have yet to hear of a satisfactory response to address these problems at third goal. Instead, during last month's school board meeting, Superintendent Betty spent a significant portion of the meeting attempting to explain an unnecessarily complex and convoluted complaint process. To illustrate how simple this could be. I would like to ask a few questions of the board that could be answered with a easy yes or no answer. One. Has anyone on this stage in higher administration or anyone with a supervisory position over elementary school principals made even a single unannounced visit to circle to verify students have regular access to recess in line with dpscd guidelines as part of the ongoing investigation. Similarly, has anyone made even a single unannounced visit to circle to verify students have access to bathroom facilities throughout the school day as part of the ongoing investigation? And lastly, I would like to know if they've interviewed any staff members.

Thank you. So we will answer yes to those questions when we get to the responses. We will now have Tracy our new and Jamel Randall. And then President Lumpkins to the other mic along with Mr. Hollin Bolton.

Good evening, Superintendent Vdn school board. I was here back in March requesting that we have something for our students that need that bridge or stepping stone. I'm an early intervention specialist for three, four and five year olds that are autistic. So therefore my classroom is a preschool classroom for children with autism, ages 345. And I had requested that we have an E S. E kindergarten as a stepping stone for students that might not quite be ready to go into a Gen Gen Ed kindergarten just yet. Along with our ESC preschool classrooms where they would have children that could matriculate into that. That's a big priority. For me, it was a conversation starter in our critical issues in ESC. And that was brought up last month. So thank you, I appreciate it is still just a conversation. Those are very important. My classroom is an initial school experience for children. Okay, I told you the three four and five eminent Gen Ed building. My issue is that I had for for the majority of the school year nine students, and generally it should be seven. Okay, I have the two ESC, classroom paraprofessionals that I need, which is wonderful. But with nine and this being an initial school experience, it was a very difficult year to be able to do all of the things that I would like to do. And it just so happened on Earth Day, three students were out. So I had six, I was actually able to do an Earth Day project with them and send something home. There's usually not enough time and I know you're thinking other little children. I do need a paraprofessional to work with me while my other pair of professionals with the other five students Correct. Okay. So just saying I'm not able to do those really great initial experiences to send things homes to parents, etc. Okay. I'm also the LEED Special Ed teacher for my building where I'm at, in addition to being that preschool teacher, I get a half hour for lunch Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, I get no preps until Friday, okay, which is fine. And my lunch is shorter, which is fine. But my my problem is, is that I do need you to recognize that our children have to be able to have to have the room to do what they need to do. I'm in a very small classroom, and nine was just too many. In addition to that, I would like to say that I would like to see less paperwork coming at me asking for that one time Medicaid form. We all know money's important right to run our district. Parents have to sign that one time Medicaid form at the initial IEP. So why isn't it being put up? And why are children checked before they're placed? Do we have that in place because that is how we get paid for social work services and everything else? Which I was short, no speech and language all year or OT.

Thank you, Miss Arnie. Thank you. Appreciate that. Thank you for your comment your questions and we will address those. No problem is Vice President Lumpkins here okay, While President Lumpkins is making her way mo Bolden, Emma Holland Bolton and the Mitzi Davis and so the other mic if we can get Queen Michelle mama more and Miss Alia more

good evening Dr. Obedient to the honorable school board members. I am luckier Wilson Lumpkins, president of Detroit Federation of Teachers in the Detroit Federation of Teachers extends a welcome to you Dr. Vitti, superintendent of dpscd to attend the collective bargaining sessions of the DFT. While we have finally reached an agreement on summer school, even that was not without contention, confusion and frustration. While we strive to make this an attractive district to students, parents and potential employees, we also come to the collective bargaining table in honesty, transparency, respect, and professionalism. We extend good faith in all of our many issues and concerns. The district however, continues to not keep up with the pace of proposals, refusing to counter proposals and introduces nonsensical proposals only to withdraw them after weeks of discussion because the position or program is non existent. There is much we need to negotiate. And we should be way beyond these textbook stalling tactics, because we know one another. The DFT is constantly working well above our weight class. And it is time to district who has all of the resources at their disposal began to function in a manner that respects the collective bargaining process. Waiting on information and proposals on Ghost issues simply prolongs an already arduous process. Again, this is an open invitation to you personally Dr. VD to attend the collective bargaining sessions of the DFT we believe your presence will help facilitate the decision making process and thus expedite the bargaining process along the way so that we can have a contract that we two are proud of that our community to can be proud of. Thank you.

Thank you President Lumpkin Wilson Lumpkins we have Mr. Holland Bolton

My name is Emma Helen Bolton I teach at Circle Elementary and I'd like to state officially for the record that I have the most amazing students. My students in turn have the most incredible parents and it hurts my heart how many of them feel each year that they have to leave their goal in order to find a school where they feel welcome? Welcome to volunteer welcome chaperone Welcome to bring in cupcakes for their child's birthday a critical social belonging activity that is banned at circle. That's right kids are not allowed to have their birthday recognize at our school and this year, I watched parents be made to wait outside our building to pass out cookies to their child on his birthday. Something that those of us at Circle have learned since the majority of staff signed a letter of no confidence in our school leader and since our Union Committee collected over 32 testimonials of abuse and retaliation that her hands is that unfortunately this is commonplace in the district. Teachers from schools all over the city have reached out to us and shared the same conditions and an identical response from BD when these conditions are brought to light VDS responses right out of the abuser enabler playbook. Don't believe victims ignore the pattern of behavior demonstrated by strikingly similar testimony from staff on all levels over the course style work environment and a pattern of child endangerment to the realm of conflict and leave it at that conflict, however, is not keeping a district embroiled in lawsuits and hemorrhaging students. It's a climate and culture of fear and abuse that permeates the district from the top down. Instead of protecting students, parents, staff and community when they bring wrongdoing to the fore. The district attacks us instead of protecting their most vulnerable constituents, board members and VD collude as the most powerful people in the district to protect other powerful people. This is modeled for our principle by Dr. Vidya himself despite egregious defenses like releasing students to a noncustodial parent who then kidnapped them for three weeks, or they're okay. Or inviting a registered sex offender onto our campus during school hours or expressing displeasure with a teacher by having our school engineer build a wall in the middle of our classroom. It's still up it's not up to code. Despite this pattern of abuse and endangerment vidi has come to the circle and said within earshot of staff that he likes how printed ballgames runs her school and she has a place in central office if she wants it. games as well known to be one of these favorites, and he has made no secret of the fact that despite any allegations she is safe. In the same way that Dr. Vidya has been told loud and clear that no matter how many of his school leaders are reported for creating and maintaining a hostile work environment, he is safe. And we know this because the board went ahead and extended his contract two years before it was even up. Board members need to remember that their allegiance is to the students, parents, staff and community members of this district and hold Vt to account. We need a way to evaluate school leaders that doesn't open us up to retaliation. And that's taken seriously. VD brings to mind this a charlatan of the sort you might see in a production of The Music Man. Only at the end of his tenure, no one is going to miraculously know the minuet in G

Thank you. We have Mitzi Davis and Queen Michelle, Ms. Davis and Queen Michelle.

Good evening. I am Mitzi Davis, the DFT Bureau representative at Thirkettle Elementary School. I would like to just say that presently I am disappointed in the school board and Dr. VT. My question is Isn't the school board's supposed to be for to schools to staff and students? I don't think that we are being supported in the way that we should be. Next, I am sympathetic to my administrator. And to the administrators who have been given positions without adequate training, some are being used as guinea pigs, and others are being scolded by Dr. Vidi at the principal's meeting, and then they come back to the buildings and they dump on a staff. In other words, poop is running downhill. We have been surveyed to death. Didn't you read the statements we gave you in the initial complaint? We've had a team building workshop. Okay. But what is being done concerning all of the stuff that we've done? It's all good. However, is anybody focusing on what we initially came to you for? The 20 signatures of no confidence and 35 witness statements? Is nothing being done about the administrator. Did you survey her? Did you ask her what support she needs from Dr. Vitti? Think about this. When a first year teacher comes to our building, they're given support training a mentor and professional development. Because we want them to be their best, Shouldn't a first year administrators get the same, especially one that has limited be limited sources or experience being an AP, shame on everybody on this stage for causing the situation in our building, and other buildings with the same situation? always tell my students is the quality of your work, not always the quantity. Stop throwing all of these administrators into these buildings that are not ready. Give us good trained and qualified administrators. And watch how well the buildings run. Oh, and for my last 30 seconds. We are getting in some type of support now to 30 Elementary thank you for that. But we have a huge park that's an extra building. And there's some type of confusion as to whether that is DPS property or city property. So our students are not being able to use that. So if somebody could let us know if we can use that property because right now all of our 500 plus students are using a very tiny place gate that is for the size of preschoolers. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Davis. Kwame Michelle.

Hi, good evening board. My name is Kwame Michelle, I'm a native Detroiter, graduate of Persian high forever adult girl. I obtained my BA from Marygrove College in education and my MA in the same from University of Detroit. I start University of Detroit Mercy I started off teaching for the Archdiocese of Detroit, J Zoo. I then moved into public education teaching at Hosmer elementary on the east side now tore down and Werner on the west. I moved into the administration, being the first elementary Academy director at the largest charter school to open in the history of Detroit, Detroit Edison public school academy. I was also the first principal and startup principal for warrendale Academy. I left Detroit in 2002. I returned in 2021 and I founded a nonprofit organization called Fula history and genealogy society. In America, my organization stands on four pillars, the first being to raise awareness about generational trauma. The second in the reason why I'm standing here today is to create, publish and promote educational materials for the upliftment and enhancement of sense of self. For generation alpha, generation alpha are those individuals born between 2010 and 2020, for the oldest turning 13. This year, the timing is perfect. I've created a curriculum, specifically for seventh, eighth and ninth graders. It's called 52 insights for Jin alpha, a conscious curriculum. This curriculum was designed by a teacher for teachers to empower them to empower their students to become conscious creators, thinkers, and creators, Thinkers Doers, and I also am I'm sorry, I've got tripped up I had it all, you know, memorize, right. So congratulations to the ninth graders at MIT the school at Marygrove. For they have been selected one of three schools selected to participate in the invite to pilot. So as I step away, there's one or two things I would hope to happen. Before I leave here today, one that I am officially able to present the 45 Present 45 minute presentation about generation alpha in my curriculum, or to put me in direct contact with a person or persons who will view this presentation, and we can move into next steps. I want it in the schools in the fall. Thank you.

Thank you, Queen Michelle. We have mother more and Miss Alia more to one mic and I thought I saw Elena Harada walk out. Okay, she had to leave. Okay, Judy, lo for love floor Calhoun. And Michael Calhoun to the next mic, please.

Okay, thank you very much. I just like to tell the board, almost all of you are here today. And we're pretty much on time, only one absent, I need to let you know we're taking attendance because three positions will be open. And the telephone is ringing off the hook. And we're not pretty we're not pretty satisfied with the way you've been acting. Give yourself a raise your budget? What is it $250 A meeting? And do you get anything taken away from you when you're late. And then Dr. VD, you got another raise and board is just doing wonderful with their raises and making sure that they take our taxpayers money. So I wanted to make sure that the community that is here today know just what is happening with the public schools? Did you all know that were their bosses? Did you know it's our money? Did you know it's our students? Well, if you didn't, I'm here to tell you today. I've been involved for 61 years. I have four children, and all of them are excellent in what they do. And they're well known all over the United States. And I'm not going to stand here and brag about it. I have a law degree, and a whole lot of other things that are happening to me in my life, this time in my life. But I'm ready for an election. I'm ready to see our children having someone up there that really cares about them. That knows pretty much as much as I do. You will never catch up because I I've been doing this for over 61 years. But I look at you and I follow you and I say they don't know a damn thing. It's very difficult for me to sit here as a parent of four children and also tutoring the children over at Barton school where my children attended. And coming to all these different meetings. I'm here to tell you now it's time for a change. We cannot have people coming and support supposed to be supporting our children, when they're given the superintendent raises in the middle of two semesters, given their selves raises to under $50 a meeting and then some of you are late. You don't show up on time. And you don't seem to know what you're talking about. It's hard for me to sit here and do all the research I do with all the people across the United States did keep the vote no take over coalition are members of so many organizations. shins, nationwide, people come to us for getting examples of how a school system should run. And yet and still, I have to watch you all not knowing about nothing, but getting raises for 250. So I just gave you a warning Your time is up the three people that are running, we already got a bunch of folks that want those positions. It's time for change. And I'm gonna be leading that change.

Thank you, mother more Alia more missiles. Okay.

Good evening board. The positive tonight, and I could have said it last month is that I am grateful for the donors for our summer school. Unlike our superintendent, and this board, they don't see the importance of summer school. Thank God someone did and they're supplying the funding. I'm hoping and praying that you all did right by noble and letting them run their program. These are our kids, our schools and our money. You all are just disgusting. The fact that the President can email me at two in the morning to tell me on May the seventh that you're gonna get back with me in 48 hours. And then you do the O shifter like Iris Taylor did the following month, email me at 330. Right before I'm about to come in here, the same thing I was did last the month before you all are disgusting. And I'm saying this truthfully, this is no different than emergency management. You all you want us to do is to say the good things and highlight the good things and be aspect respect and just follow everything. But yet you are killing Paul Robeson, Malcolm X and you don't even care. The fact that you're taking our pre K sending it to a school that already has three so you're gonna have five pre K's at one school, and everybody's insuring us. But yet and still you emailed me prior to me coming here still with conflicting information from your only employee. He's telling us last month only the ESC kindergarteners pre K's can get on the bus. Now you're telling me that is going to be a shuttle. You all are so inconsistent. But I give you this, your core values. Describe what we have now. Because if you look at your core values, not one word says transparency. And that is what's your stand by because you're not providing it. You're allowing this man to walk and confidence just like em. And all you're worrying about getting accolades behind your name. You need to be focusing on this curriculum. Because why you are begging for coats, shoes, umbrellas, you're not even looking at the curriculum, Miss corretta bond because this curriculum is killing us softly while you're sitting up here hyping up graduation rates to make it look what good, Utah my week. We've been around all this time. Y'all need to come together with the city. Y'all don't need no more money money for what? That's the whole money game. It's the Money Gram. Now we're going over the CMA, the old one, and then you learn about that. It was said that the dangle pre K license was in process to try to get done alive.

Thank you Miss Morrow I'll address you at the end. Go ahead, Mr. Jude. Oh, so where is Judy here? I'm

missing the floor speaking for her. Oh, you speak for Joey. Okay. What's your name? David, the floor? All of you. Well, okay, so

one second. One second. Michael Calhoun was before is Michael count for both of them. You speaking for God.

That sounds good.

Yes, yes.

What is right is right. I came here because their lives being predicated perfectly on my name. I came here I had to retire from your district, because somebody threatened to put me out when I saw a man just put his hands on a kid's shoulder just like I did. And that's corporal punishment. That's corporal punishment. That's ridiculous. And I'm telling you, My mother raised me to be a good man. God knows for a fact I know for a fact that when put my hand over his kid, you're losing a good teacher. And as simple as that. I don't have to be. I came down to do the right thing. Siblings. You know, I see all of you and know it's a lot. I told you that. That is Cindy that took that job on assignment over a conference, call it like it is. But you got to quicken people over there. You've got people that are jealous, and wonderful, you pull people down this Dawnbreaker simple that that you're not going to stop me from being who I am. That got me all the way. My mother is raised to be honest, man, my mother's raised me to do the right things. Simple as that. And I'm sick and tired of talking about the Abelson Hill kid that I had a third grade carry out. mistake that I did. I would have never done the setup. I know. Nothing that I do. Is taught me to build one to get back up. And that's what I did. I'm not to blame it on him for the setups, but you're part of it. So I deployed it. And it is happening your bill. You got students like I said again, that when appears to sit there, and funnily enough, I was staring at a Pantone a gorgeous thing I put my hands on. I need to make it as simple as that. You gotta wake up people, you want something better. You got to stop blaming these people, make them do the job. Simpler. Make them do the job 102 weeks ago, he used to read that, but they don't understand what they're reading. That's the problem. Because the challenge is, you live in a cage. That's a dog. You walk in the neighborhood and you got to be something's wrong. Something's wrong and someone will likely get away from them. So when you think about that, I will be calling me to be consulted for whatever because simple facts

Thank you Mr. Low floor. We have JL Nawaz and Albert GUI. Ju I'm sorry, the three minutes was up I'm sorry. Just so we can respect the other others who signed up and are waiting to speak as well. But thank you so much. Jael Nawaz and Albert Gu is

no names names were names were called names were called and you said that you were speaking and they weren't speaking

that's what you said that's why I called them first and that's that's what us okay

okay, so you're speaking for Judy and Michael. Okay, so we're gonna give you two more minutes. So can we get the two more minutes because he's speaking for a group of people please okay go to two minutes

I'm sorry Mr. The floor Give me one second Can you guys can you all okay, okay, go ahead Mr. The floor okay

I got I'm sick and tired. I'm tired. recant that take my take on as Oh, these are just no props is not gonna hurt me. Because you cannot stop and my mother always say read read the guide to complete daily walks. Oh, we all the time was always simple as that. So I thank you constituents. I thank you Board member. I thank you Superintendent for allowing me to raise my voice

Thank you Mr. The floor. We have JL Nawaz and Albert goy Gu is are they here? Okay, what about a Kia our last in person is a Kia Yashi is a Kia here okay. And then we have to online

Hello everyone. My name is Akia Yashi. I am a two year standing district executive youth council representative for Crockett Midtown and I am a DPS student for the full all four years of my high school years. First, I want to voice an anonymous concern that will send my way regarding my school. It reads our current school, our current principals leadership has not met the community's expectations and is visibly clear in our declining enrollment and the general morale of the school. His leadership style, which many view as lack, is lack, lackluster, ineffective and increasingly problematic has contributed to a perception of our School of not being a place where students want to go. This is concerning not only for current students like myself, and staff, but for futures for the future of our school as well. I believe that for the betterment of our school community, it's time for the district to consider a change in leadership. We need someone who could revitalize our school and restore confidence in his direction and potential. Along with this as a part of the student body and a leader myself. I can say for a fact that the climate and culture was incredibly more positive and the administration, staff and students last year, there were issues that were resolved this year concerning that same thing, but the concerns just send an email sent out for that concern or remained ignored by Dr. Reidy our principal and administrators aren't transparent nor accessible for their students. The fact is, the leadership at the school is bad. So my question to you Dr. Vd is what can be done to help the culture of our school at crack and midtown. Oh, I'll read you a little part of the email that was sent to Dr. BD as there was no response to this. A principal should be a leader, but they should also have empathy as well as integrity, which he is lacking. Staff and students should feel comfortable in their environment and not struggle with the thoughts. Give me one second. With the thoughts of leaving the school, we can't afford to lose any more good staff members as we already have at CMHS. Because as students leaves, so do this as staff leaves, so did the students because now they are losing teachers who truly care. I do know that students parents into my understanding, staff have been reaching out to central office. So where's the support, it is lacking across the board. We need help. And before it gets worse, hopefully this email will help address these matters and start to work. The issues at Crockett, the academic environment for the staff and student are important. We all want to remain and maintain a safe and inclusive, inclusive atmosphere for all. So please come out and speak to the staff and students or do we as a community need to show up at district board meetings? Do we need to contact the media protests or get a revolution to be finally heard? There's only so much that can be placed in this email, but it is an urgent matter. We literally had a teacher quit today and students are very upset because he had a great impact. And he's here with us today. Staff are literally tired of being disrespected, feeling bullied and unappreciated by Dr. livelite, the principal at our school, something needs to change very soon and we need your help.

Thanks. Thank you. Thank you young Akia Yashi Thank you. And I'm sorry, who's that? Who's that? The mic?

That's allergy.

Oh, okay. Yes, you were called. Okay. Go ahead.

Yes, my name is allergy. And I want to speak about two things, the building administration and the lack of promotion in the district, against people from other ethnic groups. The Firstly I want to say this, I allergy it will not be said that I will see things happen over years and years and this care of anything and not speak about it. What am I talking about? What I'm talking about this one, you're building administration is extremely ethnic, a client? What do I mean? The principal, check your record, check your data, some places will have been hiring assistant principal from the same ad from the same ethnic group as a person who for years and years and years and years. How do you send a message to a teacher who is teaching your student with these three telling them the word is like equal opportunity and in the meantime, by your behavior you show to the teacher that he cannot reach some step in his life. Why some Nigerian are kind of scared to talk to bring about Mr. Because they have an accent I'm speaking French accent they don't like it that their business. He said your business you don't like my accent. That's your business. I'm paying taxes I'm a citizen. So if the district even if the rationale for EB is possible, or We're from the same ethnic group, that the assistant principal for years and years a year demeaning people then let off to the state. Then they talk to the governor. She had to create some state on school in Michigan so the rest of us who are from other countries can be based on school can be respected. It's as simple as that. Detroit Public School is extremely ethnic. I'm ready to face the board and you close a closed door meeting and give some names. How fair is the second thing checked with data? Check whether over the past 10 years of the past like six years, seven years, checking those who are being chosen as a master teachers. Most of them they have the same ethical principle. As a master degree mathematic. I've been teaching for 35 years I taught in the in the Africa I taught in in Europe. What is so ex West? What is what is so extraordinary in the UK? I don't I don't know. I'm not about myself. But other people at least. We can repress the ways from here as somebody from from from Mexico or somebody from from the Middle East. When you walk in a school, you feel welcome. But same people every time, every time every time for what

Mr. Guy what school? What school?

It's not about my school. Now, what I'm talking about is based on a past data, Amber mother High School.

Okay. Okay, thank you. Miss Drake. I will turn it over to you. I think there's one person online. Clarissa

G, please go ahead with your public comment.

Okay, I think you can all hear me. My name is Clarissa Grimes. I wanted to introduce myself. I have been living in Detroit since 2018. My grandpa, my grandma, my dad, all lived and worked in Detroit. And I moved back after I graduated law school, and I've been living here and working as an attorney ever since. First, I just want to say I think it's wild that someone has to say in their comments that their positive review is that you attended a board meeting. But anyway, I'm not here to talk about that, as much as I'm here to talk about the way that I'm hearing that the school board has failed to sufficiently respond to the intimidation, discrimination and abuse that's been happening at circle. And I know you mentioned at the beginning, Madam President, that they're taking these allegations under investigation. But honestly, from the things I'm hearing, I'm not really convinced that you're all going to take this seriously and actually do anything about it. And that makes me kind of angry, as somebody who lives in a city like, I don't have kids in Detroit public schools. But like, these issues are even starting to reach me. And I know that my husband and I want to have start having kids soon. And I want them to go to Detroit public schools. But honestly, after like the way that I'm seeing you respond to these serious allegations that your educators are bringing you about a school leader after circle. I don't know if I can really trust DPS with my child's education. And like the outrageous behavior of principal Gaines is bad enough, I'm sure. I hope you are already aware of all of the details of these allegations. Some of them have been said tonight. But the worst thing is that when people are bringing these issues to attention they're being retaliated against. And they're not experiencing the support from the board that they need. I know you think that we're doing something, we're doing something, but it just isn't enough. It's not actually making a change. And so I just wanted to let you all know that we're watching you, and we're watching what you do. And not just people like enclosed in the circle school system, but the wider community at large. There have been folks who have been attending the school board meetings and giving each of you grades about how you as individuals are responding in these board meetings. So far, I can say that a President Peterson Mayberry has received 40% of an F grade 22% d 22 and 23% C, and some comments like she seems really fake. She's here for all the positive stuff. But one acknowledge that there's negative stuff that needs to be addressed. And I could go on especially to Dr. BD, who got 100% F grade. And somebody who's wondering how these elected officials are spending their days, like what did they even do? That was the comment left for him. So my questions for you are is Do you feel good about how you're handling this situation? And what if you could do more? And how long are teachers and students not going to just wait for an answer from this investigation, but an actual resolution for these issues? Thank you very much.

Thank you, Miss Grimes. Are we all set? Straight? All set? Okay, so Dr. VD couple of comments, but there are some questions embedded in public comment tonight.

Thank you, as always let me know if I missed something And as superintendent i I am aware of concerns that that had been raised at Crockett. I did receive emails I do, I do know that staff, not only the Assistant Superintendent schools for Crockett but also the family community engagement team went to Crockett and worked with select staff and students about concerns that were raised. It was my understanding that there was resolution to those issues. I do know that we are worried about enrollment at Crockett, and there will be some upcoming conversations with the school board about those concerns. You did mention that I think the Speaker directly emailed me about the principal at Crockett, I take great pride in responding to all my emails. So if you didn't receive a direct response from me, please resend it to me and I will respond but to answer your question Yes, I am aware we did problem solve and we are equally concerned about the enrollment at Crockett in the future of Crockett. Just to clarify dpscd is not facing a financial cliff. We made hard decisions last year, essentially a year in advance knowing we would not have COVID funding beyond this year. We also managed the loss of enrollment due to the pandemic, increasing inflation costs and a commitment to increase all employee salaries going into this school year. So to clarify dpscd is not facing a financial cliff. And we are not cutting staff going into this year for budget reasons. The speaker name point of view kindergarten concerns, suggestions on how to improve special education services to those students a lot of great points. We look forward to working with you about those suggestions. ESP ESC staff is in the audience and listening, they will reach out to you about your suggestions to continue to work with you. More than willing to come to the next or future DFT bargaining session. I don't want to go into detail about where we are and the gap that exists. Because I want to be true to the collective bargaining process. I just want to say that we are committed to receiving counter proposals, and then re and then viewing counter proposals and working off actual proposals. But we have been doing this now for eight years, we've created quite a few agreements and hundreds of Mo use. And I'm committed to doing what we have been doing for the past eight years, and certainly willing and desiring to have her in agreement before the school year starts. Just to clarify previous comments that were made ESC students, ESC pre K students have not ESC pre K students have only received bus services in dpscd. My point was that we were expanding that service only to those pre K students that are non ESC to buffoon from the old Paul Roberson, Malcolm X and neighborhood stops in order to provide extra service to those pre K students who are not going to the old CMA building. Just want to clarify a couple points regarding circle. Yes, senior administrators and board members have visited circle to look at.

Can we just please hear from Dr. VD out of respect for those in the room thank you to address

to address issues with recess, bathroom use, and there have been interviews with employees that have separated from Thorkil. There's an exit survey that's taken. And then based on the comments in the exit survey, there are his follow up from HR with those individuals. At this point, as I mentioned at the last board meeting, there has been by memory to faculty meetings about concerns raised about the circle leadership, there was a survey completed in partnership with DFT, about how staff felt about leadership and the climate and culture at Circle. There were next steps committed to at that faculty meeting. And there is an ongoing investigation regarding concerns that were raised in the letter and concerns that were raised and interviews with staff at the school. I believe that we will complete that investigation regarding the principal by the end of this week. So just want to be clear, we are investigating. We do believe in due process and it does take time to interview people and to check facts but that is not being hit under the rug or ignored. Regarding the rubric, it's unfortunate that I have 100% F I think we always commit to knowing How were graded. So I'd be interested to receive the rubric. We always tell our teachers, you shouldn't give grades to students that they don't know how they're going to be graded. So would love to see the rubric, please email it to me. So I can understand why I received an F for the school board meetings. For member. Thank

you. So I just will address a couple of things. I know the question came up about do board members visit schools or in particular circle. And so I think I've seen many of you. I know Miss McClendon was that circle too. So if I could get if I could, just because you got your three minutes if I could just respond to you, please. So I know Miss McClendon has been over several of us have been over, even before you all start coming to board meetings, we were coming over to the school going into your classrooms. And I must say that not one teacher pulled us aside to say that there were any challenges sent Miss Emma mentioned something about recess. That was the only the only comment that was given to board members when we were visiting the school before people start coming to the board meeting. So I just wanted out of out of pure respect and honesty, I think we should be factual about the comments that are made. Because I think it's important for people to know that the board members aren't only responsive, only going to schools, when people come to a board meeting, but we visit schools all the time. And if we need to start reporting on schools that we go to, then I guess we could do that. But you could call the district admin. And she can't give you that information, because that has never been requested before. The other thing that I will lift up to is my apologies to miss Moore for emailing her at three in the morning. I'm not sure that she I didn't know, two in the morning, whatever in the morning, it was apologies. But that was the time of the day that my workday had ended. And I got into my dpscd emails. So I wanted to also respond once I had did my investigation and got the information. Apologies, your email kept bouncing back to me for some reason. So I asked Vanja to send your email today. So that's why you got the response. But it was written days ago. So I just want to say that too. And so the last comment that came up about do, I'm trying to think discrimination, I just want to say to the community, that we are a policy and a financial board for governing oversight. That's the board's role. So a lot of the operations that people bring to board meetings, please don't assume that we automatically know about these things. Because when we visit schools, oftentimes it is not shared. So when you visit, when you come to a board meeting and you make comments, then follow up them begins to happen other than when you reach out to board members, by email, calling us we've met with a lot of a lot of you either one on one or as a group. So just know that please don't make the assumption that we know about things and things aren't happening. I think there is an opportunity for us to share more about our process in terms of what we're doing. And I think we will do that. So thank you for that feedback. Really appreciate you all today. Any more comments from Go ahead, Dr. B.

To clarify the there was a question about the land next to thermal Yes. dpscd does own that land, there's an agreement with the city to upkeep that land. So there obviously needs to be more conversation about how to best use the land or how to better use the land. But to clarify we do owner, thank

you. Any, any more comments from board members? If not, we'll move into the Oh, go ahead. Member gatech No, go go. Hey, come to the mic, please.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair. I have to say, Wow, the the ongoing attacks, is just like, amazing to me. I understand the frustration. As a former teacher, just the whole issue of having that the number of people that did sign the vote of no confidence. I think we have to revisit the process for how long an investigation can go on. Because because we've had, I think now threes board meetings or is this the second? This is this? I think it's it's almost a third or so to have a three month process going on and on and on. And I think fair is fair. And when it comes up to having a staff member that we look at, and that we go into the process of terminating, I don't think we give this long and lengthy piece period that exists for evaluating a staff member that would seem like we're somehow protecting. I did go to the school as well. And I have talked to staff as well. And I think we got to find a way to really look at, you know, I mean, I'm inclined to tell the staff, if we're not able to give you the results that you need, then go to the civil rights and file a complaint officially, with your name. Because that's the process. I know, we're working on an in house process to address issues from last year, the letter that went around about a number of leaders in our district, and I think it is, I think the metaphor that was used with the crap rolling downhill. I think in some instances, there are people that continue to in the in our culture from if they're getting mistreated, then they mistreat somebody else, and then they mistreat somebody else. And I know training has to take place, but we got to have a process in place to address an issue like this. When you have that many people that have sign a vote of no confidence. Something's going on, and we got to do better than three months.

Thank you any more comments from the board? If not, we will move to item number 11 which is closed session, we do have a number of things that we need to discuss around personnel actions for closed session. So the chair entertain a member you have some Oh, the chair entertain a motion to go into closed session pursuant to MCL one 5.268 C of the Michigan Open Meeting act to discuss strategy connected with the negotiations of a collective bargaining agreement is their support. It's been properly moved by member Mays properly supported by member Vaughn madam secretary can we have a roll call please?

Bishop Dr. Colette Yvonne Latrice. McClendon Yes, Sherry gay Danielle go. Dr. Iris Taylor. Sonia Mays, Angelique Peterson may bear Yes Madam Chair. You have a quorum for closed session thank you.

Extra

Okay, I gotcha. Okay. We have four people, but I know. The chair will now entertain a motion to come out of closed session.

Is there support? It's been properly move by Dr. Taylor properly supported by member McClendon to come out of closed session. Madam Secretary, can we do a roll call? Yeah. All those in favor of coming out of closed session signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carry. So we'll now go into item 12.01 administrative terminations.

Madam Chair, I'd like to make a recommendation to modify.

So the administrative terminations are all for job abandonment. So the chair will entertain a motion to accept the superintendent's recommendation for job abandonment under administrative terminations. 12.01. Is there a support? It's been properly moved by member McClendon properly supported by Dr. Taylor. All those in favor of approving the motion on the floor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. terminations for cause 12.02.

Madam Chair, I'd like to make a change to one of my original recommendations like to change employee MF recommendation for termination to 30 days suspension without pay.

So the superintendent is making a revision to the recommendation for employee m s to go from termination to 30 days suspension without pay is there support the chair will entertain a motion for 12.02 with the recommendation with the edit it recommendation

May I make a motion to table that until we have the rest of the board back at the table

so yeah, remember remember Gades Agnolo.

So item 12.0 to the superintendent has made any revision to his recommendation for employee m s to go from termination to 30 day suspension without pay. Is there a chair will entertain a motion to approve the superintendent's revised recommendation Is there support? It's been you put it on the floor because we're properly moved by member Gades Agnolo, properly supported by member McClendon to accept the superintendent's revised recommendation for termination with the change for employee. Ms. Is there any discussion? All those in favor of approving the motion on the floor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? No. Thank you motion carry we have Can we do a roll call?

Latrice. McClendon Yes. Sherry They share again Iago that I was Tyler. Sonia. Mais Angelique Peterson, Mayberry. Yes. Madam Chair, you have a

thank you. For yes as the motion carries item 12.03 suspension for cars. So the chair will entertain a motion to accept the superintendents recommendations for suspension for cause. Is there support? It's been properly moved by Dr. Taylor properly supported by member Gades agno. Go to accept the superintendent's recommendation for item 12.03 suspension for cause any discussion and motion on the floor. All those in favor of the motion on the floor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? No. Thank you. Can we do a roll call please. Latrice McClendon

she arrogating yoga that I was Taylor. So you Mays Angelique Peterson Mayberry. Yes, Madam Chair. Yeah. For Yes.

Thank you. Motion carry will now go into item 13.01. These are administrative action items. The two that are outside of consent. We have the approval of Wayne resa annual budget 13.01. The chair entertain a motion to approve item 13.01. Is there a support? It's been properly moved by member Mays properly supported by Dr. Taylor. To approve the wind Risa annual budget. All those in favor of the motion on the floor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you item 13.02 approval of non renewals the chair will entertain a motion to accept the approval of non renewals. Is there support? It's been properly moved by member Mays properly supported by Dr. Taylor. For item 13.02. Any discussion on motion on the floor? All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? Wonderful. Can we do a roll call please?

The truth McClendon sherry. Gading Yogo. Dr. Iris Taylor. So you made Angelique Peterson maybe Yes, Madam Chair. You have four Yes,

thank you. Motion carries. Item number 14 is consent agenda. So we know what the consent agenda items 14.01 through 14 point 22 have gone through academic and finance committees where there have been more discussions. The chair will entertain a motion to approve consent agenda items, which would include 14 points or a one through 14 point 22. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Is there a support? It's been properly moved by member Mays properly supported by member gay dag no go to approve the consent agenda items inclusive of 14.01 through 14 point 22 any discussion of motion on the floor? If not all those in favor signify by saying Aye? Any opposed? Motion carried Thank you. We are now at our policies. These are second reads and I know there has been some information share with the policy committee around the policies but we have 15.01 telecommuting for professional staff 15.0 to emergency removal suspension and exclusion of non disabled students 15.03 community use of schools 15.0 for approval on student transfer 15.05 Student Technology acceptable use and Safe T 15.06 Information Security and 15.07 public safety is there a desire to tie bar items 15.01 through 15.07 Second reads they will require action item on them tonight

is there a support it's been properly moved and supported to time bar items 15.01 through 15.07. Any discussion motion on the floor. Second, all those in favor signify by saying Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried the chair now entertain a motion for the tie bar A 15.01 through 15.07. Is there a support or it's been properly moved by Dr. Taylor and properly supported by member Mays for Are the tie bar 15.01 through 15.07. Any discussion and motion on the floor? If not all those in favor signify by saying Aye? Any opposed? Motion carried. Thank you. We will now move into announcements. Do we have any announcements from the board as it relates to upcoming activities or events. So we do want to wish everybody a Happy belated Mother's Day all the mothers, whether biological neighborhood moms school mom, or just a mother figure in your community, we wish you a Happy belated Mother's Day. A couple of announcements tomorrow at the Fox Theater at 6pm. That evening, a fine arts will take place so please join us as our students showcase their talent in the world of Performing Arts. The City Airport Open House is Friday the 17th this Friday from 8:30am to 12:30pm. City open house at the airport, PTA and PTSA Founders Day is Saturday, May 18, from 11am to 1pm. Facilities vendor fair is Tuesday, May 21, at 9am at Randolph so if you know anyone who is interested in becoming a vendor in the school district, please share that information with them. Also on Tuesday the STEM Awards is happening at King High School at 5:30pm. So come out and support our young people in the world of STEM school is closed on May the 27th and observation of Memorial Day. Parent listening session is Tuesday May the 28th at 5pm. The last day of school for students is June the seventh much earlier than previous years. So June the seventh is the last day of school for students. And our next board meeting is June the 11th. I know Mr. Morales got out of here before we can wish him a happy birthday on May 19th. And I will be celebrating the big five oh on May 31 this year so thank you so much everybody for being here. And if there's nothing else to chair, entertain a motion to adjourn. Is there a support? Without objection? Thank you so much, everyone. Have a good rest of your evening.