Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti Touts Progress, Explains Challenges Ahead

Dr. Nikolai Vitti inherited a discounted and under-performing Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) in 2017. As Superintendent, Dr. Vitti isn’t shy about addressing the district’s past mismanagement and is frank about the challenges that Detroit schools continue to face. With a limited budget, the task to get Detroit schools back on track has been quite arduous. However, recent DPSCD test results suggest that the changes implemented under Dr. Vitti may be working. He joins Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to talk about the Detroit Schools’ recent gains and public education at large. 

Recently released M-STEP test results indicate incremental improvement for Detroit Public Schools. Dr. Vitti points out that the results don’t just exhibit growth, but show that students are performing at or above grade level. “Our improvement out-paced state average at each grade level,” Vitti says. The superintendent attributes this systemic improvement to renewed investment in teacher salaries, filling position vacancies, and increased enrollment. 

Even with the newfound improvements, Detroit Schools still face inequity challenges due to resources allocated via property tax. Vitti argues that there is a role the state government can play to address the inequality Detroit students face. The championing of privatization of education from the Trump administration doesn’t help the issues of equity and equality either, according to Vitti. While he says he is committed to embracing the spirit of competition when it comes to charter and private schools, he also emphasizes the important role of public schools in our communities. He states that while private institutions have more flexibility regarding attendance, public schools are committed to serving all children, regardless of challenge. 

Click the player above to hear more about the current climate of public education in Detroit.