To the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education:

    We, the undersigned residents, alumni, taxpayers, parents, students, and supporters of Detroit Public Schools Community District, respectfully call upon the DPSCD Board of Education to seek the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and begin the process of identifying new leadership that prioritizes transparency, community engagement, and accountability.

    This petition is not based on a single decision, but rather on a pattern of actions that many community members believe have excluded meaningful input from the very people most affected by district decisions.

Our concerns include:

1. Lack of Meaningful Community Engagement

    For years, alumni, residents, and community stakeholders have expressed concerns that major decisions regarding historic school properties and neighborhood assets have been made without adequate public awareness, transparency, or meaningful community participation.

1. The Handling of Cooley High School

Detroit Cooley High School is more than a building—it is a historic institution and symbol of pride for generations of Detroit residents.

Many community members remain concerned about repeated attempts to determine the future of Cooley High School without broad community consensus. Specifically:

• Efforts to transfer or sell the property to outside organizations generated significant community concern.

• The Cooley Reuse Project received substantial public support through a community voting process facilitated by elected officials and community stakeholders.

• Despite clear public interest, community members believe that the wishes of alumni and residents have not been adequately respected throughout the decision-making process.

• Subsequent proposals, including discussions regarding a sports complex, were introduced without a formal community vote and later abandoned, creating confusion and mistrust.

1. Lack of Transparency

Many residents believe that DPSCD leadership has failed to provide clear explanations regarding how major property and redevelopment decisions are evaluated, prioritized, and advanced.

Community members deserve transparency regarding:

• Property disposition decisions

• Redevelopment criteria 

• Community engagement processes 

• Long-term plans for historic school properties 

• Financial and strategic considerations affecting neighborhood schools

1. Erosion of Public Trust

    Public institutions function best when residents feel heard and respected. Many alumni and community members no longer have confidence that their voices are being considered in decisions affecting schools that serve as cultural and historical anchors in Detroit neighborhoods.

We therefore respectfully request that:

1. The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education conduct a public review of community concerns regarding district leadership.

2. The Board evaluate Superintendent Dr. Vitti's performance regarding transparency, public engagement, and stewardship of community assets.

3. The Board begin the process of identifying new leadership committed to meaningful community collaboration and public accountability.

4. DPSCD establish stronger requirements for community voting, alumni engagement, and public transparency before any future disposition or redevelopment of historic school properties.

Detroit residents, alumni, and taxpayers deserve leadership that values collaboration, transparency, and genuine community partnership.

Signed,

Chet M. Pitts Sr., Detroit Cooley High Alumni 

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