NIKOLAI VITTI

Attendance in Detroit Public School Community District has improved, but more work is needed. The district has seen a nearly six percent jump in attendance. Up to 81% of students attend regularly.

At the eleventh hour, Detroit schools and its teachers union have reached an agreement on a new contract.

Detroit Public Schools Community District is launching 12 health hubs designed to address the behavioral, mental, and physical needs of students and their families over the next three to four years.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News and Local 4+.

A Northwestern High School student went into cardiac arrest while playing in a basketball game Tuesday afternoon, according to the district.

People in the community have waited more than 10 years for something good to come from the old Cooley High School.

Giving children the best education they can get starts with ensuring they come to school daily. But in Detroit, students missing school regularly is a real problem.

New test scores reveal how far Michigan students have fallen behind thanks to the pandemic.

For the past month I’ve been doing stories highlighting the issue of chronic absenteeism in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

The Detroit Public School Community District is preparing for a crucial day for Michigan Public Schools.

It’s a little earlier start to the school year for the state’s largest school district, but Detroit schools will start the year fully staffed for the first time in a long time.

Many are still feeling the shockwaves of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, even here in Detroit, over 1,500 miles away. Education and political leaders are now weighing in on stopping this from happening moving forward.

Typically Detroit Public Schools Community District brings the students back after Labor Day, but Tuesday (May 10) night, the school board passed a change to the calendar.

A first grade student at Fisher Magnet Lower Academy was found wandering more than a half a mile away from the school

DPSCD has been holding public town hall meetings across the city to get community feedback on its facilities master plan. For schools slated to be demolished, the district has started doing smaller parent meetings at each school.

Detroit's public school system is investing much of its $1.3 billion in federal COVID-19 relief aid to improve learning for its students and help fix what has been broken for decades.

The reaction was mixed Monday (March 14) night after the superintendents presentation; it’s one of seven community listening sessions DPSCD is doing to fully explain the plans and hear what the community thinks.

The superintendent of Detroit public schools said the district will wait until at least mid-March to consider removing its mask mandate.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District rolled out a plan to pour $700 million into improving facilities over the next two decades.

The future of dozens of Detroit school buildings will be examined as part of a 20-year improvement and investment plan by the city’s public school district.

The concept of snow days has undoubtedly changed for many Michigan schools thanks to remote learning during the COVID pandemic.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District plans to shift to virtual learning in the case of heavy snowfall this week, the superintendent said in a statement Tuesday.

Leaders of the state’s largest school district, Detroit Public Schools Community District, made the call to keep all 50,000 students home until Jan. 14, in hopes the number of COVID cases will be down by then.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) will be all virtual learning through Jan. 14, the district confirmed Tuesday.

The continued rise in coronavirus cases across Michigan and an expected surge following Christmas and the New Year is extending the holiday break for some students.

All Detroit schools will be closed through Wednesday during the first week of January so that teachers and staff can be tested for COVID-19 amid a statewide spike in cases.

Staff members at Detroit public schools will soon be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 if they have not already, officials announced Friday.

In-person and virtual classes have been canceled for Detroit public schools next week as the district conducts widespread COVID testing and works to establish a learning plan amid an ongoing virus surge.

All teachers and staff members in the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be fully vaccinated by Feb. 18.

Mayor Mike Duggan held a news conference Friday morning to detail plans to vaccinate children for COVID-19 in Detroit following federal authorization.

Action by Detroit schools is swift Tuesday night following a huge brawl at East English Village Preparatory Academy.

“It’s a great opportunity for those that want to make a difference in our schools and support our students,” said superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti.

An outbreak at Renaissance High School within the football team has caused concern among some Detroit Public Schools Community District teachers.

The Biden administration says the historic amount of federal pandemic aid flowing to the nation's K-12 schools presents a moment for reimagining all aspects of American education.

School districts across Michigan are preparing for students to return to the classroom after the pandemic forced many to attend school virtually.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District and its teachers have reached an agreement to return to classrooms for in-person learning under updated COVID safety standards.

Detroit will see an increase in funding of about $27 million. That money could go a long way to help repair buildings, replace books and equipment and set the district on a better path forward.

The district announced Thursday morning it will receive about $1.2 billion in federal funding.

The district announced Thursday morning it will receive about $1.2 billion in federal funding.

Here’s what's coming up on Local 4 News at Noon.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is offering a recurring bonus of $15,000 for certified teachers to teach students with special needs.

Schools within the Detroit Public Schools Community District will be allowed to resume in-person learning starting Monday, May 24.

The U.S. Department of Education has denied Michigan’s request to waive the federal requirement to administer the state summative assessments, the Michigan Department of Education announced Tuesday.

DETROIT – In-person instruction resumed Monday at Detroit Public Schools Community District buildings. Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti estimates only about 1,000 of the returning students will receive full face-to-face instruction right now. READ: In-person learning resumes today at Detroit public schoolsAdSome teachers are still teaching remotely, even if their students are at the school. Students will either have supervision from a teacher or an adult if they are physically at school. READ: Detroit public schools say there aren’t enough teachers to meet the demand as schools reopenWatch the videos above for the full report.

DETROIT – In-person instruction is resuming Monday at Detroit Public Schools Community District buildings. About 20,000 students have opted to return to the classroom amid the COVID-19 pandemic this spring. Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Viti estimates only about 1,000 of the returning students will receive full face-to-face instruction right now. Teachers are being offered an incentive of $750 more per quarter if they return to in-person instruction. More: Return To School updates

DETROIT – An estimated 20,000 Detroit Public School Community District students are set to return to classrooms Monday, but their teachers may not be there. READ: Detroit public schools to resume in-person learning on March 8The DPSCD said there are not enough teachers who are willing to go back into classrooms to meet the demand. AdREAD: Student demand for in-person learning far outweighs the number of teachers willing to return in DetroitSome parents spoke out and said they don’t want their children to be taught on a screen in a classroom. Even thought schools within the DPSCD will return to in-person learning Monday, some parents -- like Kimble and Ta’Mara Williams -- are choosing to keep their students at home. “The teachers are not ready and the students are not ready as well.”The bottom line is that the in-person demand for in-person learning exceeds number of teachers willing to return to the classroom.

READ: Detroit public schools to resume in-person learning on March 8That amounts to about 20,000 children, but Detroit teachers willing to return to the classroom are only about at 20-30%. Detroit teachers were moved to the head of the line and anybody wishing to have the vaccine has had access. “We’re going to need services relative to trauma, we need mental health services,” Martin said. Constant cleaning, a max of 20 children per classroom, masks and social distancing, plus an extra $750 per quarter for teachers willing to return to the classroom. In the beginning Vitti says, “There will be a disconnect between family demand for in person learning and teachers willing to teach in person.”More: Return To School

In a letter to families, Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD) officials announced that all grade levels at all schools will resume face-to-face learning beginning Monday, March 8. Students do still have the option to continue with online learning even as schools reopen amid the pandemic. Earlier this week, Detroit public schools reopened learning centers in the city following COVID-related closures, allowing students to learn remotely while in a classroom setting. Gretchen Whitmer “strongly encouraged” Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by the beginning of March. Whitmer gave for Michigan schools returning to in-person learningWhitmer’s administration prohibited face-to-face learning for high schools in mid-November to help curb the spiking coronavirus cases.

DETROIT – The Detroit Public Schools Community District opened learning centers across the city on Wednesday. The centers are places for students to learn remotely while in a classroom setting. READ: Educators weigh in on standardized testing during COVID pandemicSakina Bolden is the superintendent of Detroit International Academy for Young Women. On Wednesday, Bolden and Detroit schools superintendent Nikolai Vitti toured the school’s new home and welcomed back students who chose to use the building’s learning center. Now that learning centers are open again, school officials are working toward getting back to in-person learning in March.

Gretchen Whitmer is expected to announce that Michigan youth contact sports will be allowed to resume with COVID-19 safety measures in place, Local 4 has confirmed. UPDATE: Michigan youth contact sports can resume Monday -- here are all the rules, specifics and detailsParents, coaches and athletes involved in contact sports that are currently shut down due to the pandemic have voiced their desire to return. Ad“To be direct, winter ‘contact’ sports need to start,” Vitti wrote. “The continuing suspension of winter ‘contact’ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,” Vitti wrote. Their lawsuit is asking a judge to grant an injunction, sending high school athletes back into action, not just practice.

Youth contact sportsWhitmer is expected to announce that Michigan youth contact sports will be allowed to resume with COVID-19 safety measures in place. “The continuing suspension of winter ‘contact’ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,” Vitti wrote. Two shutdowns, partial reopenings: How Michigan restaurants have been handled during COVID pandemicOn Monday (Feb. 1), restaurants were allowed to open to 25% capacity after being shut down for two and a half months. She had traveled to the UK and returned with the variant, officials said. U of M athletics shut downAll athletics at the University of Michigan are still shut down because of the outbreak.

LANSING, Mich. – The battle to provide education for all during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to become more and more complicated. READ: Return To SchoolState superintendent Dr. Michael Rice called on the state Legislature to extend the school year Tuesday for students to make up for the lost time. “This school year, in and of itself, can’t even last five minutes longer,” said Paula Herbart, the president of the Michigan Education Association. Students need a break.”It’s undeniable that the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years have exhausted teachers. Detroit Public Schools Community District superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said he can’t realistically extend the school year, but he can expand learning opportunities in every neighborhood.

DETROIT – School officials said remote learning has had a detrimental impact on students and their parents. There have been impacts on test results and the way teachers can spot any possible lag in learning. Dr. Nikolai Vitti, the superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District, is grappling with just how much his students suffered. Officials with the School District of the City of Pontiac said there was a huge learning loss in their district. Educators said they don’t really know how far many of their students have fallen behind because of parents helping children at home.

DETROIT – By the end of the month the Detroit school district is reopening learning centers for students. Detroit Public Schools Community District superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti made an announcement. READ: Detroit schools superintendent urges Whitmer to resume high school contact sportsThe learning centers are set to reopen on Feb. 24. As more COVID-19 vaccines are administered and the community spread stays below 5 percent the district wants to step back into the face-to-face model which will hopefully phase back in starting in March. AdIf community spread remains low then actual face-to-face learning will resume in March.

Gretchen Whitmer was asked Monday about the ban on certain Michigan high school contact sports and whether they might be allowed to resume in the near future. Right now, only certain sports, including football, are allowed to compete at Michigan high schools. This has become a controversial topic across the state as the governor urges all schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. On Monday, during a COVID-19 briefing, Whitmer was asked about contact sports resuming. “I was wondering if there’s any way you could set a date certain for contact sports to resume,” a reporter said.

It said many student-athletes have started to cross state lines to play or are losing faith they’ll ever play again. “They are doing what you asked them to do, but it’s been 10 months since we’ve played basketball in our state ... A petition is also circulating with more than 25,000 signatures to get the governor to restart contact sports. On Monday, a petition was started by group calling themselves a coalition of Michigan athletes asking for 5,000 signatures to show support for lifting the 2-week pause. “The opposition, despair, and anger to the continuing suspension of winter ‘contact’ sports is rapidly growing in the city and across the state.

Dr. Nikolai Vitti started the letter by clarifying that he supports Whitmer, but he has grown frustrated by a lack of clarity about when winter contact sports can resume. He said there are continuing and legitimate fears about COVID-19 in the Detroit community, but 31 female and male high school coaches want to play basketball. “The continuing suspension of winter ‘contact’ sports contradicts the message that it is safe to return to in-person learning,” Vitti wrote. “Please do not let this frustration reach the level of a lawsuit against you and the state,” Vitti cautioned. “Coaches, student-athletes and their parents are in conversation with attorneys.”Mental health, physical well-being and scholarship opportunities are being affected, he said.

DETROIT – School districts across Michigan are struggling to meet Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s target to return to in-person learning by March 1. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said 10-20% of students have been absent since the COVID pandemic started. The Southfield Public School District, has been 100% since March and while recognizing the importance of bringing students back to their teachers, Dr. Jennifer Martin Green said the science dictates the district remain remote. Both districts believe vaccinations are a key part in getting students and teachers back in the classroom safely.

DETROIT – Superintendent Nikolai Vitti’s contract has been extended another three years beyond its current expiration, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) announced this week. His current contract is set to expire June 30, 2022. Vitti first stepped into the Detroit superintendent position in 2017. He previously served as Duval schools superintendent. An amendment to the contract links his percentage of salary increase and one-time bonuses to that of teachers for a given contract year.

DETROIT – While you were voting coronavirus cases surged just as many feared they would. Michigan witnessed its highest single daily case count on Friday. Meanwhile, the state is overwhelmed as hospitals and schools try to adjust to the concerning situation fast. Guests on Sunday’s episode which included Michigan education and healthcare leaders discussed the future as cases continue surging. MHA represents all the community hospitals in Michigan.

DETROIT – The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) will shift from face-to-face learning to online learning starting Monday, Nov. 16. There have been outbreaks -- defined as two or more connected COVID-19 cases in people not of the same household -- in Michigan schools. School districts are trying to balance the desires of parents to have children in school and the fact that students learn better in person. Different districts have different risk tolerance and resources to reduce risk, which is why decisions shave been left up to local leaders. More: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schools

DETROIT – The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) will shift from face-to-face learning to online learning starting Monday, Nov. 16. “All classes will be held online starting Monday, November 16 due to the rapid increase in the COVID-19 infection rate in Detroit. We are committed to supporting your students rise!”Detroit schools were offering optionsDPSCD had been offering options for parents including online learning, in-person learning and a hybrid of both amid the coronavirus pandemic. “The online learning wasn’t ideal and our children have fallen farther behind,” Vitti told CNN. The new move to online learning by DPSCD comes as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge in Michigan.

Health officials had asked workers in central Auckland to stay home on Friday while they investigated the case but say they can now return to work. — Surge of coronavirus cases appears to be slowing in Germany and France, but still straining hospitals. Alaska has had over 20,000 cases, including 477 new cases reported Thursday. She is scheduled Friday to address the situation and is expected to announce new public health restrictions aimed to curbing spread. That’s the impassioned message that dozens of parents and school administrators are sending to public health officials in Pennsylvania’s third-most populous county.

DETROIT – For the last 11 years the Detroit Public Schools Community District has been under the auspices of some type of state supervision -- but in five days that will change. For the first time since 2009, the Detroit public schools system is poised to be released from state supervision. READ: Detroit public schools, teachers union agree to 1-year contractRobert Bob was brought in as an emergency financial manager of the school system when it was facing debt and mismanagement. READ: Volunteers go door-to-door to find lost Detroit studentsIn 2020, with a painful mix of cuts, controversy and work -- the district now has 110 schools, 49,000 students and a $0 deficit. Detroit schools will have full independent command and autonomy over its finances and structure.

DETROIT – Wellness teams were sent out to check on Detroit Public Schools Community District students for the third time. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is concerned for the safety, food security and learning status of students in the district. The wellness teams are made up of hundreds of volunteers. The district has always fought the uphill battle to circumnavigate poverty, transportation and social environment to get students into school. READ: Volunteers go door-to-door to find lost Detroit studentsWatch the video above for the full report

Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at 4:Student count day uncovers concerns in local districtWellness teams were sent out to check on Detroit Public Schools Community District students for the third time. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is concerned for the safety, food security and learning status of students in the district.

DETROIT – A student at Pershing High School was killed in a crash while driving home from work Tuesday. Detroit Public Schools Community District superintendent, Dr. Nikolai Vitti, said Ga’heime Griffin was a young man doing all the right things. Not just a good student, but a good person. The Pershing High School senior was a passenger in his friend’s vehicle. Griffin was on the Honor Roll, the National Honor Roll, Student Leadership, GM Student Corp. and played varsity football, basketball, baseball and cross country.

DETROIT – The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) Local 231 announced Tuesday they have reached agreement on a one-year successor contract for the 2020-21 academic year. DFT members ratified the agreement on Oct. 5, according to the district. This shall be the only step movement for these unit members during the 2020-2021 school year. All other DFT unit members not on the teacher salary schedule shall receive a base wage increase of 2.74% as of the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. Aug. 28, 2020: DPSCD and Detroit Federation of Teachers reach deal to reopen schools

Gretchen Whitmer came out about organized sports, the kids were back on the field. The kids were calling me excited, so excited saying, Were back, said Denby assistant coach Zach Carr. Detroit Public Schools and Consolidated District (DPSCD) Superintendent Nikolai Vitti has been pushing for fall sports to resume. I think it means everything to these kids, said Central assistant coach Damon Turner. Central head coach Jimmie Macon said small attendance isnt an issue, but what organized sports provide the children is.

The rally was organized by the group Let Michigan Football Play. READ: Michigan High School Athletic Association cancels fall football season due to coronavirusTwo 16-year-old students named Aiden Dale and Max Jones came from Macomb Township to plead for their football season to be given the green light. I wrestle too and I dont know what I would do if I couldnt play sports. Both he and Jones play for Dakota High School as a middle linebacker and a free safety, respectively. Whitmer to reinstate high school footballAll of these sports are in jeopardy and were not whiny and its not about me watching sports. READ: More high school sports coverage

DETROIT The superintendent of Detroit public schools sent a letter to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, asking her to reinstate a fall high school football season across the state. Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, addressed the letter to Whitmer and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Officials said at the time that they hope the season can be played this spring. Factually, nothing changed from a players health perspective or risk analysis from strongly stating football would be played to it being postponed.Vitti said he believes politics were involved in the decision to cancel football.

The deal occurred a week after members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers authorized a strike over coronavirus safety. The Detroit Public Schools Community District is the largest in Michigan with roughly 50,000 students. Schools that open will become vectors of disease spread, and the spread wont be limited to the schools. The district said teachers will have the option of teaching online, though nearly all schools with have some in-person instruction. Teachers could earn an extra $750 per quarter, or $3,000 for the year, if they work in classrooms, the district said.

DETROIT An agreement to reopen schools was reached between the Detroit Public Schools Community District and the Detroit Federation of Teachers. For some of our families and students, this means face-to-face instruction and for others it is online learning.Schools are expected to reopen Sept. 8. Nearly all schools will offer some level of face-to-face instruction, even if most teachers and students will function online at particular schools. Required use and distribution of masks for students, teachers, and all staff. For more information on the reopening of schools, visit the official DPSCD website here.

DETROIT Teachers at Detroit public schools are holding a vote Wednesday that could put a hold on in-person learning, though remote classes could still go on as planned. Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said teachers are voting on whether to give leaders of the Detroit Federation of Teachers the authority to use a possible strike as a bargaining tool. VIEW LIST: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicBut the vote could quickly put the brakes on any plans for in-person learning when classes resume. The problem is remote learning isnt feasible for many in the district. Vitti has been a proponent of continuing in-person learning for about 25% of the school population.

DETROIT The Detroit Federation of Teachers said the district is not ensuring their safety on the job. The membership is threatening a work stoppage if Detroit schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti does not pull the plug on face-to-face learning, which is scheduled to start on Sept. 8. For months, the administration for the states largest school district with 51,000 students has insisted parents must have a choice between remote and face-to-face learning. READ: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicTerrance Martin, who represents around 4,300 staffers in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, said his membership does not feel safe returning to the classroom. On Wednesday, it will vote to strike and teachers involved in remote learning will not be crossing the picket line.

LANSING A group of Michigan educators took to the lawn of the Capitol Building in Lansing on Thursday to protest the states return-to-school plan amid the coronavirus pandemic. Thursdays protest was about the online learning teachers want instead of in-person learning, and so they have been very serious about their social distancing. Knowing that Detroits superintendent, Dr. Nikolai Vitti, is pushing hard for in-person learning, she sees more practical problems. RELATED: What will it take for Michigan schools to go back to in-person learning? Gretchen Whitmer reveals plan for schools to return to in-person learning this fall

DETROIT The deadline for all students enrolled in summer school in the Detroit Public Schools Community District to get tested for coronavirus was Sunday. Summer school stopped last week after a protest group went to federal court to shut down in-person classes. He -- and many parents -- want summer school back up and running. Thats our responsibility as a school district to meet parents and students where they are educationally.More than 600 students are taking voluntary classes. The district said 341 students have been tested through the Detroit Health Department and two students -- from different schools -- tested positive.

DETROIT City officials announced Thursday two students attending summer school in Detroit have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). She said her daughter had started summer school healthy, but she now found herself struggling to breathe. He said hes open to testing all the students, provided its not just Detroit students. The students that tested positive were not from the same school, or from the same neighborhood or communities, Vitti said. So far, 274 kids were tested and two have tested positive.

DETROIT The path to get Michigan children back to school either in-person or remotely continues to become more complicated. Ann Arbor Public Schools have become the latest to announce it plans to do remote learning. RELATED: Heres what Michigan school districts have planned for the fall amid the pandemicGov. Gretchen Whitmers Return to Learn Task Force focused on face-to-face learning, but how will the schools pay for it? More: Inside Detroit summer school classrooms during pandemicMore: Share your thoughts, concerns about return to in-person learning

DETROIT When my photographer partner, Justin and I were invited to do an exclusive summer school tour with Dr. Nikolai Vitti on Friday, there was one caveat. We had to produce evidence of a recent coronavirus (COVID-19) test that shows a negative result. Its one of those times in life you want to be negative. READ: Inside Detroit summer school classrooms during pandemicThe City of Detroit offers rapid testing. Justin and I walk you through our experience with the City of Detroit Health Department and our nurse, April who did our nasal swabs.

DETROIT The wall mounted temperature scanner at the front of Brenda Scott Elementary School on Detroits east side is something few probably even thought about, unless theyve read Ray Bradbury, watched Star Trek, the Jetsons or until COVID-19. Some $20 million in Federal Cares Act money has been spent thus far in retro-fitting schools in just Personal Protection Equipment alone. On Monday morning Local 4 received a tour of how things will look in the fall. Students from seniors to kindergarten must wear masks and thats part of the instruction. He can only follow the science and try to outsmart the virus at any potential holes in the fences.

DETROIT After days of protests that ended in arrests on Thursday, the fight over in-person summer classes in Detroit is headed to court. A decision Friday, if its made, could stop summer school in Detroit amid the coronavirus pandemic. Summer school in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) began Monday. It seeks to sop summer school. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said the district is following all CDC guidelines and stresses summer school is completely voluntary.

DETROIT Detroit Public Schools (DPS) are preparing to host in-person summer classes beginning Monday -- nearly four months after Michigan K-12 schools shut down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DPS Superintendent Nikoli Vitti told CNN that the school system has seen a desperate need for in-person learning. The district will offer both in-person and virtual learning courses, and families have the ability to decide which option they prefer. The district says in-person learning will require daily self-assessments for COVID-19 symptoms and temperature checks for both staff and students. MORE: Trump undercuts health experts again in schools debateThough there is not currently a clear mandate for how -- or if -- schools should resume in-person learning in the fall, officials are still preparing for that option.

DETROIT Pointing to seven straight days of spikes in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that moving the state to phase five was off the table. Whitmer is also asking the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to switch the fall and spring sports seasons. READ: Here are the 6 stages in Michigan Gov. Nikolai Vitti (@Dr_Vitti) June 30, 2020

Gretchen Whitmers return-to-school plan was a lot for educators and parents to take in, but now that theyve digested the major points, Local 4 asked them what they think. Theres plenty of discussion surrounding how social distancing will work when students return in the fall, as well as face coverings and bus capacity. Detroit Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti tweeted Tuesday, I appreciate the Return to Learn Task Force recommendations. We will make a few adjustments to align with the requirements to submit our plan in advance of the deadline. We believe the association will eventually agree with our position.You can hear from more superintendents and parents in Steve Garagiolas full video above.

DETROIT School leaders are giving parents a glimpse into what the new school year will look like for the Detroit Public School Community District. READ: Detroit schools lays out a clearer picture of what students, parents can expect this fallThe plan is for the regular school year to start after Labor Day. WATCH: Metro Detroit superintendents discuss whats next for studentsThe school day will be limited to six hours. Students, parents, teachers and staff will be given time to share their opinions before the semi-final plan is developed. READ: Detroit public schools to offer highest starting salary in Metro Detroit to new teachers

Heres whats coming up on Local 4 News at 11:What the new school year will look like for Detroit public schoolsSchool leaders are giving parents a glimpse into what the new school year will look like for the Detroit Public School Community District. The new plan for reopening will involve all teachers and students wearing masks. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti recently unveiled his plan for getting students back into classrooms.

DETROIT Detroit public schools are trying to lure some of the top teaching talent in the country, offering a salary of more than $50,000 for starting instructors. Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said the Detroit Public Schools Community District is trying to make sure students have the best teachers and learning environments when they return to the classroom. New teachers who choose DPSCD will start at the top of the class, with the district offering salary incentives that put a starting instructor at $51,700. Of the 3,000 existing teachers, with retirements and attrition, 200 or more incoming teachers are eligible, school officials said. As the district faces budget cuts, Vitti said the district has been moving our budget to make this plan work.

DETROIT The Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD) announced an increased salary for new teachers beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year. Teachers new to the district will receive a salary of up to $51,071 -- the highest starting teacher salary offered in Metro Detroit, according to DPSCD. Officials say the increased salaries are an effort to attract and retain teachers in the district, which has experienced large numbers of teacher vacancies in previous years. Still there is significant competition to attract and retain excellent educators for some Michigan school districts, DPSCD says. The district hopes that the new salary proposal will help fill teacher vacancies in preparation for the upcoming school year.

DETROIT – The Ballmer Group has made a $5.9 million grant to Detroit public schools for a new student data portal. “It’s a grant from the Ballmer group and it’s exciting to have this grant. At the end of the day it’s going to create more transparency with parents and students hopefully increasing efficiency. I think it opens the door for other philanthropic groups to invest in the district,” Vitti said. The portal is also meant to be beneficial to support staff such as non profits and mentoring groups.

Parents meet with DPSCD superintendent amid proposed changesPublished: December 5, 2019, 11:12 pmParents of students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District got their first chance to meet with superintendent Nikolai Vitti since he proposed sweeping changes.

DETROIT – The superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District is laying out a sweeping overhaul to the district, aimed at maximizing the use of the best facilities and boosting enrollment. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti wants to expand that to include Martin Luther King Jr High School. He also wants to turn Frederick Douglass High School into an all-boys high school instead of a sixth-grade through 12th-grade all-boys school. Vitti said he’s getting the parental support he needs, but he also needs money -- post receivership. He wants to do more with Communication and Media Arts High School, as well.

DETROIT - The Detroit Public Schools Community District has rolled out a new policy banning immigration officials from school property without a search warrant. "We are being clear that our students, regardless of our immigrant status, can come to our schools and focus on teaching and learning," Vitti said. He said DPSCD is now a sanctuary district, meaning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials aren't allowed to step foot on school property without a warrant and district officials won't ask students about their immigration status. "We shouldn't be getting into that level of detail about our students' status anyway, as a school system," Vitti said. Vitti and other school leaders said they are hoping to send a message to people in Detroit and surrounding communities.

DETROIT - Results of the Spring 2019 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) and Michigan Merit Exam were released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Education. RELATED: 2019 Michigan M-STEP and MME results released: Find scores for your districtHow did the Detroit Public Schools Community District rank? DPSCD Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said he's happy there's progress, but there's still more to do. The numbers from M-STEP show an improvement in proficiency in English/language arts, a 1.2% increase from 2019. Vitti said the rising numbers are a step in the right direction and attributes the gains to a new curriculum.