Detroit school board adopts $1.1B budget that prioritizes security, reducing chronic absenteeism

June 17, 2026

The Detroit Public Schools Community District board approved a $1. 1 billion budget for 2026-27 that emphasizes tackling chronic absenteeism, which affects over 60% of students, through attendance initiatives costing $13. 9 million.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District students (currently 60.9% experiencing chronic absenteeism)
DPSCD employees receiving pay raises
Families who will no longer need to pay for classroom supplies
Middle and high school students at four schools receiving yellow bus service pilots
Students at Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle (closing at end of 2026-27)
Students at four small schools closing at end of current school year
Mental health staff, nurses, and security guards potentially facing future job cuts

What action is being taken

The school board is adopting the $1.1 billion budget
The district is hiring nine more school counselors and approximately 12 more assistant principals
The district is raising pay for all employees
The district is spending $13.9 million on attendance reduction efforts including attendance agents, financial incentives, wraparound services, and bus pilots
The district is closing Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle at the end of 2026-27
The district is speeding up closures of four small schools at the end of this school year

Why it matters

This budget matters because Detroit faces a severe chronic absenteeism crisis with over 60% of students missing significant school time, which directly impacts educational outcomes and student achievement. The district is at a critical financial crossroads, balancing current investments in student support and security with the reality of depleting one-time funding sources, including the literacy lawsuit settlement. The financial uncertainty threatens the sustainability of recent improvements in mental health services, security, and support staff, while potential future school closures could disrupt communities and limit educational access for Detroit families.

What's next

The district will make a budget amendment in late fall to reflect any changes in state funding
After the next school year, DPSCD will face financial uncertainty requiring tough decisions about programs and staff
In the long term, DPSCD will need to consider phasing out more small and underutilized schools to reduce costs
Once specific state grants end, the district needs to prepare to cut some mental health supports, nurses, or security guards

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com