The Community Education Commission Story
The Community Education Commission is a nonprofit formed in May 2018 to facilitate high-quality education for all Detroit schoolchildren. The commission does not operate schools, but instead provides additional resources to ensure access to high-quality schools, transportation, after-school programming and community information. According to the commission’s bylaws, the members include representation from:
- The Detroit Public Schools Community District administration
- A Detroit Public Schools Community District teacher
- A charter school operator
- A charter school teacher
- A representative from labor unions representing Detroit teachers
- At least one parent of a school-aged Detroit child
What does the Community Education Commission do?
- Holds public meetings: According to the commission’s bylaws, the group will meet eight times per year. All meetings will be open to the public.
- Champions additional resources that help more families and students get the best education they can in Detroit: The commission launched the GOAL Line, a free bus loop that takes students to and from 10 schools in the Northwest area – morning and afternoon – and takes students to after-school programs at the Northwest Activities Center.
- Shares information about schools: The commission will be responsible for making sure that parents and students can easily and accurate and meaningful information about any district or charter school in the city.
Our Mission
The Community Education Commission’s mission is to break down barriers that prevent families from accessing quality schools in Detroit.
Who’s on the Community Education Commission and What Organizations do they Represent?
The Community Education Commission consists of 11 volunteer members who were appointed by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Commission members represent several areas of the community:
Board and Staff
Monique Marks
CEO, Franklin-Wright Settlements, Inc.
Chair, Community Education Commission
Board:
- Monique Marks, CEO, Franklin-Wright Settlements; CEC Chair
- Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)
- Tonya Allen, President and CEO, Skillman Foundation
- Marsha A. Lewis, Teacher, DPSCD
- Ralph Bland, CEO, New Paradigm for Education
- Nate Walker, Organizer and Policy Analyst, American Federation of Teachers in Detroit
- Teferi Brent, Member, Detroit 300 and Goodwill Industries
- Sherita Smith, Executive Director, Grandmont Rosedale Community Development
- Venessa Keesler, Deputy Superintendent, Michigan Department of Education
- Matt Simoncini, Former President and CEO, Lear Corporation
- Renee Wendt, Teacher, Detroit Charter School
Staff:
- Stephanie A. Young, Executive Director
- Katie Rae Stolper, Director of Operations and Accountability
- Chanay R. Peterson, Program Manager
Community Education Commission Board Meetings
Open to the public
CEC February Board Meeting will now take place at Focus HOPE in the Family Learning Center room (1400 Oakman Boulevard Detroit MI 48238).
For dates please visit our calendar.
Detroit Parents’ Guide to Schools
The Detroit Parents’ Guide to Schools is brought to you by the Community Education Commission, a nonprofit formed in May 2018 to ensure high quality education for all Detroit schoolchildren. This site will allow you to find a Detroit public school – district or charter – for your child. Find out what schools offer transportation, before- and after-school care, enrichment programs that appeal to your child and much more. The right Detroit school is just a click away!
Prefer a PDF version? Click here to download the full guide to your computer or smartphone.
Find our full website at DetroitSchoolGuide.com
GOAL Line
Beginning August 2018, Northwest Detroit families will benefit from an unprecedented partnership between charter school operators, Detroit Public Schools Community District officials, teachers, parents, and city leaders to improve education opportunity for Detroit students. We’re calling it the GOAL (Get On And Learn) Line. So, what does it mean for you and your family?
The GOAL Line picks up K-8 students from any of the ten schools on the bus loop closest to their home, transporting them to the participating school of their choice, the after-school program at Northwest Activities Center, and back to one of the ten schools closest to home in the evening. Children who sign up for the GOAL Line receive a swipe card to use at pick-up and drop-off points, which sends text notifications to parents. Additionally, adult monitors accompany students on each camera-equipped bus to ensure a safe ride for all.
The GOAL Line transports students to the Northwest Activities Center for continued enrichment during after-school hours. Research shows that exceptional after-school programs have positive effects on children’s social-emotional and mental development, as well as being associated with better grades and decreases in problematic behavior.
Find our full website at GOALDetroit.org.
