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Parents, students and teachers urge board to keep schools virtual and demand reinstatements and grievance remedies
Summary
Sixteen public commenters told the board to keep schools virtual for the remainder of the school year, called for reinstatement of disciplined teachers, demanded resolution and payment in a JROTC grievance, and pressed for improved mental‑health supports, student input and better communications.
During a lengthy public‑comment session, 16 speakers addressed the Detroit Public Schools Community District board, delivering sharply divided messages but with two dominant themes: many speakers urged the board to keep schools virtual while others—principally parents of medically fragile children or special‑needs advocates—said in‑person support is essential for some students.
Teachers, union organizers and student groups repeatedly asked the board to reinstate or reverse disciplinary actions taken against staff who advocated for stronger safety measures or who organized around improved virtual learning. Multiple speakers named LC Bolger (referred to in comments) and Nicole Stuckey, asking the board to rescind disciplinary actions, reinstate employees and make them whole for lost wages. Several speakers also demanded the district settle a grievance and pay back wages the JROTC instructors are owed.
Student and youth advocates asked the board to cancel standardized testing for the year and to commit to keeping instruction online for the remainder of the school year to reduce health risk and provide consistency. Parents and community members asked the district to expand mental‑health services beyond hotline numbers, improve outreach for families without reliable internet, and provide more student input into policies such as camera requirements during virtual classes.
The board heard also some praise: a few commenters thanked the board and superintendent for recent compensation changes for teachers and for district supports. The speaker roster included classroom teachers, union representatives, youth organizers and parents. The board did not take immediate action on public‑comment requests during the meeting but recorded them for follow‑up.
