Detroit Public Schools Board Reviews Contracts, Facilities Work in July Meeting

Brian Bateman — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:39:04 +0000

The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Board of Education discussed contracts, facilities work, and several 2026–27 student and operational items during its regularly scheduled July meeting—highlights posted July 17, 2026. For parents and staff, the biggest “watch what’s next” items include staff bargaining terms, the 2026–27 Student Code of Conduct, and a Facilities Master Plan contract amendment the Board did not approve.

Funding update: Michigan’s 2026–27 budget

Board discussion included Michigan’s adopted 2026–27 budget, which DPSCD leadership said will increase district funding by about $14.7 million, according to Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Vidito. That budget backdrop is part of the context for the Board’s contract and operational decisions for 2026–27.

Staff pay and bargaining agreements approved

The Board approved collective bargaining agreements for district staff, including salary increases and retention and longevity bonuses. The DFT agreement also includes:

Increases in substitute teacher pay for select weekdays and additional professional development
Bonuses tied to Exceptional Student Education (ESE), attendance agents aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism, and CTE staff whose students earn a CTE credential
Backpay for employees who take FMLA for parental leave and return to work after their leave

Student-facing approvals: conduct, course catalog, and evaluations

Families typically notice these items early in the school year. The Board approved the:

2026–27 Student Code of Conduct
2026–27 Course Catalog
Teacher and staff evaluation systems

The Board also approved the District’s 2026–27 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) membership.

Turning Point Academy relocation

For students and families connected to Turning Point Academy, the Board approved a move to the McKinley building for the 2026–27 school year.

Facilities master plan: key amendment was NOT approved

One of the most consequential July items didn’t clear the Board. DPSCD’s Board did not approve a Facilities Master Plan (FMP) contract amendment that would have moved $1.7 million in appropriations from DLR Group/Wightman to Ghafari/Moody Nolan for FMP work.

District staff said the amendment was requested because DLR Group/Wightman had not met project deadlines and expectations—meaning the Board’s “no” could affect how and when certain facilities tasks proceed next.

Other 2026–27 contracts approved (plus new screening equipment)

Beyond facilities, the Board approved contracts and operational items including:

Student mental and behavioral health support
Reading intervention support
Construction and facilities improvements
City Year programming
Facilities asset management
A benefits administrator
New weapons screening equipment

“First read” policies: not final adoption yet

The Board also approved several items for first read—initial consideration only, not final adoption. Those include policies regarding:

Personal communication devices
Student attendance
New school construction
Emergency operations plan
Selection of the superintendent

During public comments, commenters expressed concern for students with disabilities, students’ screen time, district finances, school building conditions, and staff turnover.

What to watch next

Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m.: DPSCD’s next regular Board meeting is scheduled at Mumford High School, 17525 Wyoming St., Detroit.
July 27: Michigan’s Detroit Financial Review Commission (FRC) meeting resources are posted on the Michigan Treasury site for that date, including agenda and meeting-minutes links.

Teacher Contracts | Interactive News