August 12, 2025

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is making significant yet necessary changes to the provision of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programming for this fall. These changes are designed to better serve our students, reduce travel time, and improve academic outcomes in inclusive environments with increased peer-to-peer interaction.

Why the Change?
The National critical shortage of special education professionals paralleled with the increase of students identified with a disability, requires that DPSCD refines our approach to programs and services for students. Additionally, the need for access to the general education curriculum requires improved inclusion in schools and the community requiring the decrease of the following:

• Time spent transporting students across the city to various programs
• Frequency of school building transitions for a specific program
• Disruptions to academic learning

To address this, the District is realigning ESE programs to ensure students can attend schools closer to their home. This fall 1,034 students will receive placements at schools within or near their neighborhoods.

What to Expect

• Staff Reassignments: Increased building-level support and services in a singular location by certified ESE Professionals dedicated to these sites
• Hiring in Progress: The District has added additional positions at these schools and is actively hiring to fill the few remaining openings.
• Ongoing Family Support: The ESE team will continue to host parent listening sessions to answer questions and hear concerns through August 2025.  Please visit Exceptional Student Education for more information.

“We are confident that once the changes settle and families and students are used to their new schools, ESE parent complaints will reduce, ESE compliance measures will improve, and student achievement and attendance will increase” says Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD Superintendent.

Stay Connected
Families are encouraged to visit detroitk12.org/ese for updates and attend upcoming parent engagement sessions. Families can also connect with staff at Back-to-School Expos happening throughout August at all DPSCD schools.

ESE Orientation Dates at Inclusion Sites

We look forward to welcoming all students, staff, and families on the first day of school: Monday, August 25.

For more information, contact your school directly or visit detroitk12.org/ese.