Sherry Gay-Dagnogo Appointed Detroit’s Next Ombudsman, Will Resign From DPSCD School Board

October 1, 2025

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo has been appointed as Detroit's new ombudswoman following a 6-3 City Council vote, granting her a 10-year term through 2035. The longtime educator, former state legislator, and current school board member will resign from the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board to take the position beginning October 5. Gay-Dagnogo received strong public endorsements from various community leaders including Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and Rev.

Who is affected

Detroit's approximately 650,000 residents who need city services
The constituents who will rely on the ombudsman's office for addressing complaints
Detroit Public Schools Community District, which will lose Gay-Dagnogo as a board member
The 25 city departments that will work with the ombudsman's office
Senior citizens specifically mentioned as needing advocacy

What action is being taken

Gay-Dagnogo is implementing a 90-day plan that includes meeting with council members, department heads, and staff
She is gathering data and information to develop a strategic plan going forward
She has already begun conversations with council members and met with the auditor general
She is preparing to resign from her position on the DPSCD Board within 48 hours
She plans to attend an upcoming meeting on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Why it matters

The ombudsman role was established in the 1970s specifically to rebuild public trust in city government
The position serves as an advocate and bridge between residents and city departments
The office works to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and mitigate barriers to optimal city services
Gay-Dagnogo brings extensive experience from multiple levels of government (city, state, education) that allows her office to function as a "one-stop shop" for directing resident concerns
The appointment represents continuity in her long-term commitment to social justice and advocating for Detroit residents

What's next

Gay-Dagnogo will officially begin her 10-year term on October 5, 2023
She will resign from the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board within 48 hours of her appointment
She will implement her 90-day plan, which includes meetings with council members, department heads, and staff
She will continue gathering information to develop a strategic plan for the ombudsman's office
She plans to collaborate with her former colleagues from the school board in her new capacity

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle