Detroit School Board Names Rev. Dr. Bland to Fill Vacancy and Advance Blueprint 2027

July 29, 2025

The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Board of Education filled its vacant seat by appointing Reverend Dr. Steve Bland, Jr. , a longtime faith leader and public education advocate, during a special meeting on July 28. This appointment completes the seven-member board at a critical time as the district continues implementing its strategic plan, Blueprint 2027, while recovering from years of state oversight and building community trust.

Who is affected

Detroit students and families served by DPSCD
The DPSCD Board of Education, now with a complete seven-member team
The Detroit community that fought for local control of schools
Reverend Dr. Steve Bland, Jr., who joins the board until November 2026
School staff and administrators working under the district's strategic plan

What action is being taken

The DPSCD Board is implementing its strategic plan, Blueprint 2027
The Board is continuing to restore trust and elevate instruction in Detroit schools
The district is working to improve outcomes for all students across Detroit
The Board is maintaining transparent governance through public processes like the recent appointment
DPSCD is addressing infrastructure, cultural relevance, and discipline reform

Why it matters

This appointment solidifies local control after years of state-appointed emergency managers who "gutted resources" and "stripped the city of educational decision-making"
The fully independent board represents Detroit's successful fight to govern its own schools since regaining control in 2017
DPSCD has prevented the closure of more than 39 schools by working with the Michigan Department of Education
The district has shown measurable improvements while addressing ongoing challenges including youth mental health, pandemic learning loss, and staff shortages
The board's work confronts historical issues of "redlining and disinvestment" that impact school infrastructure and special education funding

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle