East Detroit Public Schools -Announcement
June 12, 2017
Dear East Detroit Alumni and Our School Community,
We hope that this letter finds you well! As Board, we wanted to reach out to you directly to address the district’s recent restructuring and re branding announcement.
Due to declining enrollment and recent academic challenges, the board sought to engage our school community to focus on a renewed vision for the district. The result: a strategic planning process that defines a new direction and focus. The first step of the strategic plan involved an intensive review and engagement with parents, staff, and district stakeholders. All of the work is designed to improve student achievement and redefine who we are as a district through comprehensive restructuring efforts.
These improvements give families and students the opportunity to take advantage of unique initiatives, such as an expanded half- and full- day early childhood programs, a newly restructured middle school seeking participation in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Prgramme (MYP), and additional offerings at the high school. New assets will include the expansion of a career-focused technical education program, a virtual academy and additional opportunities through the ongoing partnership with Macomb Community College.
These changes will place our district on a fiscally responsible and sustainable path while increasing opportunities and achievement for all of our students. It also means that all of our schools will remain open and fully operational next year, in addition to the new programs we will be offering. Put simply, these changes revitalize our district and refocus us on our vision of “students prepared for success in college, career, and life”.
With so many improvements happening in our schools, we felt the time had come to send a clear, powerful, and publicly visible message about our commitment to a high-quality education for all Eastpointe area residents and families, while also solidifying our bond as both a district and community. Beginning July 1, we will be know as Eastpointe Community Schools.
We understand that this change may be met with sadness and concern by some. Please know we will never turn our back on our alumni and the proud traditions they worked so hard to establish. Whether you graduated from East Detroit or are a future graduate of Eastpointe Community Schools, we’ll always be Shamrocks and we will forever be proud of our history and students!
While the East Detroit name carries with it proud traditions and fond memories, the new name and brand will carry that legacy forward by reconnecting the district with the community we are so proud to serve. We appreciate your continued support of our school district and look forward to serving you and your families for many years to come!
The entire restructuring plan reflects our continued commitment to provide the best educational opportunities for all students and families of the Eastpointe Community. The name change is just a small but visible part of the work we are doing. We urge you to check our website to learn more about how we are expanding opportunities for students in our community!
Sincerely,
East Detroit Board of Education
President – Jon Gruenberg
Vice President – Karren MacKool
Secretary – Julie DeVita
Treasurer – Randy Wilson
Trustee – Chineva Early
Trustee – Taylor Monday
Trustee – Gerald Podsiadlik
Eastdetroit.org