“Over the last few years we’ve seen the district climb out of a pretty deep hole,” he said. Greg Handel, vice president of education and talent at the Detroit Regional Chamber, said the incumbents have played a key role in what he views as one of the most promising stretches in the recent history of the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Reforms spearheaded by Superintendent Nikolai Vitti could be derailed if the incumbents are replaced by candidates who oppose his efforts.ĭonors Chalkbeat spoke with say the district is the healthiest it’s been in decades, noting that the health of the school district is essential not only for the futures of city children, but for the city’s economy and tax base. The high levels of political spending, including by some of the most powerful names in Detroit business and politics, underscores the importance of this election. Some of the challengers said it’s difficult to compete with campaigns that are able to spend money on billboards and citywide mailers.
Most of the 14 candidates for three at-large seats on the seven-member board did not report any political fundraising or spending. She says she has raised $11,000 to support her campaign and has also tapped funds she raised as a state representative.Īnother three candidates reported raising a total of less than $5,000. At least one challenger, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, missed the deadline for reporting contributions and faces a late filing fee. An influx of political donations to incumbents in the Detroit school board race underscores the high stakes of the election and a belief among the city’s business and political leaders that the district is on the right track.ĭonors poured more than $214,000 into the race by the pre-election filing deadline, on pace to outstrip total contributions in the pivotal - and much larger - 2016 race, the first after years of state control.Īlmost all of the reported contributions went to the three incumbents: board President Iris Taylor, Treasurer Sonya Mays, and Secretary Misha Stallworth.