Detroit voters will decide two separate public school board races on the upcoming Nov. 3 ballot, choosing from dozens of candidates vying for five seats. These consequential races will determine a new board majority and the district’s direction for years ahead. While influential slates, political action committees, and prominent union groups have begun sharing their candidate endorsements, no clear consensus has emerged among these selections.
The importance of the endorsement process and the qualities Detroiters should prioritize in their selections have been emphasized by current and former Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD) board members, the head of a civic nonprofit, and the chairman of a grassroots slate. These insights aim to help voters sift through the 34 candidates and make informed decisions about who will serve on the board.
A primary focus for voters in the DPSCD board races, according to Sheila Cockrel, CEO of CitizenDetroit, should be understanding the distinct roles of a board member versus the school system’s administration. Cockrel highlighted a "profound difference between the governance role and the administrative role," explaining that board members primarily provide policy for the district. The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) clarifies that board members are responsible for creating district policies, overseeing the superintendent’s performance, and approving the annual operating budget. The board also makes decisions regarding district facilities, technology, and contracts, including collective bargaining agreements. However, individual board members do not manage day-to-day operations and possess no power outside of official school board meetings.
Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a former state lawmaker, DPSCD teacher, and board member, stated it is crucial for board hopefuls to grasp the current state of education and the extensive responsibilities of being part of the seven-member board. She cautioned against candidates who believe they can "magically make some things happen" as a single member, stressing the need for financial acumen, pedagogical understanding, and procurement knowledge. Voters, she advised, should seek candidates with clear missions, proven track records, and strong bridge-building abilities, evaluating their "skill set – other than popularity –" in policy, budgeting, and advancing beneficial agendas for schoolchildren. LaTrice McClendon, DPSCD’s outgoing Board President, echoed these sentiments, urging voters to find candidates who understand the governance role. She suggested asking candidates how they would interpret a budget, hold the superintendent accountable, and collaborate with colleagues, while also being wary of those who promise things a board member cannot directly control. The best board members, McClendon stated, are prepared, independent, and focused on student outcomes over the long term.
Regarding endorsements, Gay-Dagnogo acknowledged that candidates generally prefer to receive them, but noted that "endorsements alone don’t win races," especially in a crowded and divided field. She observed that many voters rely on such guidance, particularly those outside political "inner loops." However, she stressed the importance of voters conducting their own research, as endorsing groups rarely back identical candidates. Gay-Dagnogo also pointed out a reduced impact of endorsements in the current election, citing few endorsement mailers and the high volume of absentee ballots, which means organizations relying on poll day voters will see their influence "down significantly."
Kandia Milton, Chairman of The Black Slate, described his organization as the city’s oldest slate, founded on the principle that the school system must be responsive to Detroit’s children. Milton underscored two key considerations for voters when evaluating endorsements: the credibility of the screening organization and trust in its process. He affirmed that voters generally trust The Black Slate due to its history. Milton emphasized that the school board election is a crucial yet often underestimated "downballot issue" that determines the future of leaders, policy, and education. For the Nov. 3 election, The Black Slate has endorsed LaMar D. Lemmons, Cidney Calloway, Jameel Montgomery Smith, and C. Allan Hubbard.
Milton detailed The Black Slate’s rigorous endorsement process. Candidates seeking consideration must request an interview from the Slate’s committee. This committee, diverse in age and professional background, comprises individuals with a strong interest in the future of Detroit’s children. After a candidate’s request, the Slate requires submission of materials, conducts an independent evaluation, and then proceeds with an interview. The selection is made through a "one member, one vote" process, rather than a supermajority. For the current races, 12 candidates were interviewed by the Slate. Milton explained that while endorsement rationales vary, The Black Slate maintains a broad focus on ensuring policy remains central to DPSCD’s future. He stated their endorsed candidates embody "diversity of thought" that brings critical thinking, checks and balances, and policy to the conversation, rather than being singularly focused on issues such as superintendent turnover. While the likelihood of a superintendent change was not a factor in their decisions, Milton did suggest that a rigorous evaluation of performance and outcomes is essential for anyone, such as Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, who has held the role for an extended period. The unpaid volunteer slate, Milton concluded, aims to provide "a slate you can trust" for voters.
