Election: Detroit’s Next Mayor Could Influence Education
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to stay informed about the city’s public schools and Michigan education policy.
Detroit’s Mayoral Election Overview
Detroit residents who haven't voted yet will go to the polls on Tuesday to choose the city’s next mayor. The candidates are Solomon Kinloch, a pastor, and Mary Sheffield, the city council president. The election centers on neighborhood revitalization, safety, poverty, and housing instability.
Education and the Mayoral Role
While Detroit’s mayor does not have direct control over education, the office can still influence student outcomes by partnering with schools.
- Key challenges in Detroit schools include low academic achievement, high chronic absenteeism, and the effects of poverty on learning.
- Both candidates have expressed intentions to collaborate with schools to improve education quality.
“Students miss school at alarming rates in the city, and it’s not just because they want to blow off the classroom.”
What to Know About the Election
The election will determine whether voters select Solomon Kinloch or Mary Sheffield as mayor. Their approaches to tackling Detroit’s critical issues will shape the city’s future, including its impact on public education.
Photo Credit
Photo of candidates Solomon Kinloch and Mary Sheffield by Brittany Greeson for Chalkbeat.
Summary: Detroit’s upcoming mayoral election will influence public education through community partnerships, addressing poverty, safety, and attendance challenges affecting students.