Public commenters press board on building repairs, pre-K rollout and protections for immigrant families

Dozens of public commenters at the Oct. 14 Detroit Public Schools Community District meeting urged the board and administration to address school building conditions, pre-K implementation issues and supports for immigrant students.

Mark Davis, a former teacher, said parents and staff see basic building needs unaddressed at schools such as Noble Middle School and urged the district to prioritize essential repairs over athletic projects. "Where are our priorities? Is it in football and in track, or is it in educating the students?" Davis asked.

Several speakers—including district teachers and union representatives—asked the district to expand communications and provide biweekly "Know Your Rights" information for immigrant families amid fears about ICE enforcement; teachers described confusion and fear resulting from a recent robocall that some parents misinterpreted. Educators and community groups urged the district to provide clearer bilingual messaging and practical guidance for families and staff.

Pre-K teachers raised operational concerns about the switch to a five‑day pre-K schedule: late notice to staff about the change, inadequate prep time for pre-K teachers, inconsistent implementation of noon-hour aides and paraeducator roles, and licensing gaps as classrooms expand. Staff representatives asked for equitable prep schedules and more district support and said many pre-K classrooms are understaffed.

Other public comments asked the board to preserve Catherine C. Blackwell’s name in the district when her school closes and asked for community-driven plans for vacant buildings; community groups described contaminated empty schools, requests for demolition or sale and offers to partner on redevelopment.

Superintendent Vidi responded in public comment, acknowledging Noble needs significant renovation (cited at $27 million), saying the district has limited capital and that demo work is expensive — roughly $35 million to address half the vacant sites the district owns — and pledged to pursue follow-up with community groups and legal counsel on feasible renaming actions and immigration‑related supports.

Next steps: district staff said they will follow up with public speakers on building and pre-K issues and will explore concrete Know-Your-Rights resources and community partnerships to support students and families.