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Don’t spoil your ballot: What you need to know about the school board race

September 24, 2026

Detroit's school board election features an unusual setup with two separate races: one for four 4-year term seats with 31 candidates, and another for a single 2-year partial term with three candidates. This structure resulted from board vacancies created when Sherry Gay-Dagnogo left to become Detroit's ombudsman and Angelique Peterson-Mayberry joined the Wayne County Commission. With only two incumbents seeking reelection and current board leadership not returning, voters will essentially elect an entirely new majority for Michigan's largest school district.

Who is affected

  • Detroit voters selecting school board members
  • 34 total candidates running for school board positions (31 for 4-year terms, 3 for the partial term)
  • Current board members Bessie Harris and Steven Bland (the only incumbents running)
  • Board President LaTrice McClendon and Board Vice President Corletta Vaughn (not seeking reelection)
  • Students and families in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (Michigan's largest district)
  • Former board members Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, Angelique Peterson-Mayberry, and deceased member Iris Taylor

What action is being taken

  • 34 candidates are running for the Detroit school board seats
  • CitizenDetroit is releasing a YouTube series featuring 25 candidates
  • CitizenDetroit is hosting a speed-dating-style voter education event on October 1 with 16 candidates
  • CitizenDetroit is publishing social media posts explaining the differences between the two races
  • Voters are opening absentee ballots and will head to polls on Election Day

Why it matters

  • This election is consequential because it will determine a new majority on the board governing Michigan's largest school district, potentially shaping its direction for years to come. With current leadership not returning and only two incumbents running, the district faces a significant governance transition. The unusual two-race format also creates a risk of voter confusion that could result in people casting invalid ballots by selecting too many candidates, potentially disenfranchising Detroit voters on critical education decisions.

What's next

  • The speed-dating-style candidate event will take place on October 1, 2025
  • Voters will cast ballots on Election Day
  • The newly elected board members will assume their positions after the election

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com