Here are the 35 people running for the Detroit school board

July 22, 2026

The Detroit Public Schools Community District faces a pivotal school board election with 35 candidates competing for five open seats on November 3rd, marking the largest candidate pool since the district's formation in 2016. Three current board members—Steve Bland Jr. , Bessie Lee Harris, and Iris Taylor—are seeking reelection, while two others were disqualified or chose not to run.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District students and families
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti
Three incumbent board members running for reelection: Steve Bland Jr., Bessie Lee Harris, and Iris Taylor
Two disqualified/non-running incumbents: LaTrice McClendon and Corletta Vaughn
35 total candidates including former board members (Georgia Lemmons, LaMar Lemmons, Tawanna Simpson) and repeat candidates (Nicole Conaway, Tabrian Joe, Aliya Moore)

What action is being taken

35 candidates are running for five open seats on the Detroit school board
Three incumbents are running to reclaim their seats
The election is scheduled for November 3rd

Why it matters

This election could fundamentally alter the Detroit Public Schools Community District's direction, as Superintendent Vitti describes it as a "watershed" moment that will determine whether the district continues its recent progress or regresses. The outcome is particularly significant because it could reshape the governance model that Vitti credits for the district's improvements—one where the board governs and holds the superintendent accountable for day-to-day management, avoiding past governance challenges that plagued Detroit schools before the current district structure was established in 2016.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com