Residents ask Detroit school board what happens to millage funds if schools close

Residents used the public-comment portion of a special Detroit Public Schools Community District board meeting to press trustees for clearer information on a proposed millage and on what would happen to taxpayers’ funds if schools later close.

At the start of public comment, the chair opened the floor to speakers and one attendee asked what would happen to taxpayer millage dollars if a millage passed and a school was later shut: “If we vote for this millage and the school is closed down, what happens to taxpayers’ money?” The transcript does not record a name for that commenter; the chair had called for that person to speak during public comment. The commenter asked whether funds would be returned to taxpayers or retained and requested the board “tell me.”

Aliyah Moore, who identified herself on the record, urged the board to be “truthful and transparent” about planned school closures and the reasons some schools are being phased out. Moore told trustees she opposed the millage as presented and questioned spending related to outreach: “Right now, it is a no for me. But if you all are going to spend a $1,500,000 to try to convince Detroiters, it should be an honest conversation about where we currently are.”

Moore encouraged the board to provide factual explanations about closures and to redirect community energy toward reviewing curriculum, safety and supports for sustaining schools. She also noted protests by community members over the closures were understandable but said public engagement would be more productive if residents were given complete information.

The public comments took place before the board moved into a closed session to consider a written legal opinion. The meeting record shows the chair closed registration for public comment and allowed a limited number of public remarks before the board voted to convene in closed session under the Michigan Open Meetings Act.