Two former board presidents, a few former educators, four incumbents, parents and a recent graduate are among the 18 candidates running for four open seats on the Detroit school board in what could be a consequential election for the city school district.

​​The seven-member board oversees and sets policy for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, which educates nearly 49,000 students. With more than half of the four-year seats open for the Nov. 8 general election, new board members could impact Superintendent Nikolai Vitti’s plan to address pandemic-related enrollment losses, chronic absenteeism and poor academic achievement.

Chalkbeat Detroit and WDET are hosting a virtual school board candidate forum Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join us as we hear from the 18 candidates vying to lead Detroit public schools. The forum will be held over Zoom and split into two panels with a short intermission. A schedule will be announced closer to the event.

This event is free to attend, but you must RSVP to receive the Zoom information. You can also let us know what questions you have for the candidates when you sign up.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization committed to covering one of the nation’s most important stories: the effort to improve schools for all children, especially those who have historically lacked access to a quality education.

WDET has provided an independent voice for the Detroit region for nearly 70 years. As a community service of Wayne State University, we use the power of our broadcast and digital channels to inspire and educate listeners at home and away.