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Detroit school board considers $79.4M plan for vacant buildings, new athletic complex

February 3, 2026

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering allocating $79. 4 million in surplus funds toward critical infrastructure repairs and improvements across its facilities. The proposed spending would address numerous facility issues including demolishing and boarding up vacant buildings that cost the district over $71,000 annually in maintenance fees, repaving parking lots at dozens of schools, and upgrading athletic facilities and fencing.

Who is affected

  • Detroit Public Schools Community District students and families
  • Students and families at Charles Wright Academy, Cody High School, Pershing High School, and Detroit Lions Academy (specifically mentioned for improvements)
  • Residents living near 22 vacant school properties
  • Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and the DPSCD board members (including Board Member Iris Taylor)
  • DPSCD Foundation
  • Communities surrounding the 11 buildings slated for demolition and 11 for boarding up

What action is being taken

  • The finance and academic committees have approved the $79.4 million spending proposal
  • The district is currently weighing/considering the infrastructure spending plan
  • The full board must vote to amend this year's budget (pending action, not yet completed)

Why it matters

  • This infrastructure investment is significant because the Detroit school district faces a massive $2.1 billion backlog in facility needs, with only a fraction addressed by previous funding. The vacant buildings pose safety risks to communities and generate costly maintenance fees, while substandard parking lots, fencing, and athletic facilities affect the daily safety and educational experience of students. Only 5% of district schools currently meet paving standards, demonstrating the severity of infrastructure neglect. The investment represents an opportunity to improve conditions for students using existing surplus funds, though it still leaves substantial facility needs unaddressed without additional state support for school infrastructure.

What's next

  • The full DPSCD board must vote to amend this year's budget for the plans to take effect
  • If approved, 11 vacant buildings would be demolished and 11 would be boarded up
  • The DPSCD Foundation will raise an additional $10 million for the Cooley High School athletic complex project
  • The superintendent states more equitable state funding is essential to close the remaining gap on facility needs

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com