During a recent government meeting, educators and community members voiced their concerns regarding the treatment of staff and students within the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). Local 345 representative, Miss Galloway, passionately addressed the board, highlighting the struggles faced by ESE paraprofessionals who feel undervalued and overworked. She emphasized the need for better support and compensation, particularly in light of a colleague's distressing situation, where a long-serving staff member was placed in a detention center without clear justification after requesting assistance in managing a classroom of students with autism.

Galloway called for systemic changes to ensure that ESE professionals receive the necessary training and support, akin to the coaching provided for principals. She urged the board to recognize the critical role these staff members play in the educational environment and to take action to improve their working conditions and compensation.

Following Galloway, Emma Holland Bolton, a fourth-grade teacher at Thirkell Elementary, criticized the board for allowing a former principal, Stephanie Gaines, to return despite a history of serious violations, including pulling students from class for custodial duties. Bolton argued that such actions have robbed students of valuable instructional time, amounting to hundreds of hours lost over the years. She questioned the board's commitment to the welfare of Detroit's children, suggesting that the standards applied to school leaders should be consistent across the board, regardless of the school.

Both speakers underscored a growing frustration among educators regarding administrative accountability and the urgent need for reforms that prioritize the educational experience of students. The meeting highlighted a critical moment for DPSCD as it faces mounting pressure from staff and community members to address these systemic issues in the upcoming 2024 and 2025 school years.