During the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting on Feb. 11, the Board and Superintendent listened to student member reports, honored several schools for their high performances, celebrated employees in the Office of School Nutrition who have dedicated 35 or more years of service and discussed District level business relating to attendance, academic progress, homelessness and looming federal budget conversations regarding the U.S. Department of Education and public education funding cuts.

During his report, Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti expressed concerns regarding the announcement of cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, reductions in public education funding, and the lack of details surrounding unlawful executive orders administered by the new administration.

He also reviewed the District’s data indicators reflecting academic progress. While all federal funding has already been allocated for this fiscal year, Dr. Vitti expressed concerns regarding federal public education funding being withheld or delayed without many details. Approximately 32% of the District’s budget is federally funded.

In addition, Dr. Vitti reported U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have not attempted to enter school buildings. ICE agents are prohibited from entering DPSCD property without a judicial warrant. Guidance was issued to all schools and families and staff regarding the District’s response to immigration activities.

The Board also engaged in a rich discussion regarding the high school Perfect Attendance Pays program. Dr. Vitti reported a 5% increase in high school average daily attendance compared to last year at the same time.

Additionally, due to recent events regarding the loss of a school-aged child who was reported as homeless, the Board asked several questions about the District’s homeless program and population. The District is committed to continuing to support students who identify as homeless. The Family and Community Engagement site has more information for our families to reference.

School Board Honors Staff with 35+ Years of Service, Schools with High English Language Learning Growth

The following schools demonstrated the highest SY 23-24 English Language Learning (ELL) growth on WIDA, the state’s test to monitor ELL progress:

• Cass Tech
• Davison
• Gardner
• Maybury
• Mark Twain

The following schools had the most improved in ELL WIDA scores from the SY 23-24 school years:

• Crockett Midtown
• Greenfield Union
• Mark Twain
• Maybury
• Western

The Board recognized the following staff members from the Office of School Nutrition for serving the District for 35 years of service or more:

• Gladorise Bailey
• Darrell Baldwin
• Taneia Brazil
• Dorothy Brown
• Valerie Buford
• Mack Collins
• Karl Cooper
• Gloria Gary
• Melissa Ann Hughes
• Patricia Morris
• Ana Safford
• Alan Speed
• Fannie Walker
• Shalynda Williams

The Board also honored Marvin Hartfield for his dedication and service as DPSCD’s Warehouse Manager.

The March Board meeting is on March 11, 2025, at King High School at 5:30 PM.