Chalkbeat Detroit
Coverage of Chalkbeat Detroit in the Nexus archive.
- What Detroiters should know about the proposed school operating millage on the Aug. 4 ballot
Detroit voters will decide on a proposed school operating millage on Aug. 4. Rejecting it could cost Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) over $100 million next year.
- Here’s what you need to know before you vote on DPSCD’s tax proposal
Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is seeking an 18-mill operating millage for 20 years to fund general operating expenses, including classroom programming and staff salaries. The millage will not affect primary homeowners, only commercial, rental, and vacation properties. This follows the expiration of DPS's debt-paying millage in September and the state's decision to eliminate DPSCD's operating revenue starting July 3.
- What Detroiters should know about the proposed school operating millage on the Aug. 4 ballot
Detroit voters are considering a proposed 18-mill operating millage on August 4 to fund the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) after state-provided revenue ends. The millage would generate $18 per $1,000 of taxable value for 20 years, affecting commercial, rental, and vacation properties but not primary homeowners. The shift follows DPS's 2016 restructuring, which transferred school operations to DPSCD while DPS remains to settle debt.
- Detroit school district releases 2026-27 calendar
The Detroit Public Schools Community District released its 2026-27 school calendar, starting Aug. 24 with 175 student days and 5 staff professional development days. The calendar excludes Eid al-Fitr on March 10, despite past community requests, and includes key breaks and count days for state funding.
- How should Michigan’s next governor improve education? We want to hear from you.
Education is a critical issue in Michigan's gubernatorial race, with the winner set to shape policies affecting 1.3 million public school students. Chalkbeat Detroit and the Detroit Free Press are collaborating to cover education issues and seeking resident input through a survey. Low proficiency rates in reading and math, compared to national averages, highlight challenges in Michigan's schools.
- Nearly 84% of Detroit District High Schoolers Were Paid for Attendance This Year
Nearly 84% of Detroit district high schoolers received $100 Visa gift cards for perfect attendance in five-day cycles from January 5 to March 20, with 12,800 students earning up to $1,000 total. Chronic absenteeism for high schoolers dropped by 10 percentage points to 54% by April 2025 compared to 64% in 2023-24, attributed to the attendance incentive program.
- Are you a Detroit parent looking for a new school? Read these tips on how to make the best choice.
Detroit parents face challenges choosing schools due to closures and a lack of centralized information. The article highlights resources like Chalkbeat Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) to help navigate options, including charter schools and neighborhood assignments.