LANSING, Mich. – The new superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District was in Lansing on Thursday before the House Education Reform Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid.
Superintendent Nickolai Vitti told the committees that teachers will get a pay raise for the first time in over a decade and spoke about reinstating programs and electives like arts and music.
Vitti also discussed educating students about skilled-trade and career academies throughout the district.
Legislators grilled Vitti on the state of DPSCD in the post-state takeover of the district and bailout.
Rep. Daniela Garcia asked about legislation requiring the district to come up with a way of evaluating itself. Garcia was not pleased that such a plan has not been created.
Another point of contention in the hearings was the subject of charter schools. Vitti says he may de-authorize charter schools to bring children back to the district but Rep. Tim Kelly said Vitti’s intentions should only be what is best for the students.
You can watch Nick Monacelli's full story in the video posted above.