Gay-Dagnogo, Sherry- Detroit Public Schools Community District

Are you an incumbent?

Yes

Brief Intro of Candidate

Member Sherry Gay-Dagnogo is a Champion Educator, and former State of Michigan State Legislator, currently serving on the Detroit School Board. Education serves as the cornerstone of Gay-Dagnogo’s leadership. As a former Detroit Public School science teacher, Gay-Dagnogo learned firsthand the value of good education systems and the struggles students and teachers face daily in the classroom.
Member Gay-Dagnogo knows the importance of connecting community leaders with their constituents. Throughout her tenure in elected office, she has led by example. advocating for fair and equitable funding, clean and safe schools, literacy, pathways to higher education, and skilled trades.

Member Gay-Dagnogo has an extensive history as a community organizer, dedicated to transforming public education. In addition to her leadership in Michigan’s legislature as the first woman Detroit Caucus Chair, , she has also led community engagement projects funded by the city of Detroit, UAW Region 1A, AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 25, Great Start Collaborative, the Kresge Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation, UCLA, United Way of Southeast Michigan, the Skillman Foundation, and more.

Member Gay-Dagnogo has won numerous awards for her leadership and has been recognized as a fierce defender of Justice. The Detroit News highlighted that Member Gay-Dagnogo has been an advocate for quality education and issues affecting seniors, affordable housing and automobile insurance and criminal justice reform. The Detroit Free Press shared that Gay-Dagnogo, A former teacher, is formidably informed on education policy.

Gay-Dagnogo currently serves on the Finance and Policy Committees, and she hopes to continue her education legacy on the Detroit School Board, building community partnerships, advocating for transparency, academic accountability, parent and student involvement, staff and teacher retention, and working with new and former colleagues in Michigan’s Legislature for quality public education, and equitable school aid funding.
Gay-Dagnogo is a current resident the city of Detroit, in North Rosedale Park, the Mom of one son Jordan, 2011 Cass Tech Graduate, and the Fur Mom of her Beagle Pointer rescue Bella.

Endorsements

Yes, the Detroit Federation of Teacher DFT, former colleagues in the House, and on the Detroit School Board.

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

Typically small donations and labor

VoteSherry.com

How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?

As a community organizer, I learned firsthand the importance of communicating with constituents. I have published a community newsletter since 2008 via Constant Contact, apprising constituents of community events, holding coffee hours, community meetings, education town halls, both in person and virtually. Additionally, I have a proven track record of using social media to engage constiutents. I will continue utilizing the aforementioned platforms.

What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?

candidate not asked this question

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

Mental health needs spiked during COVID. Our staff, students, and parents are all part of the culture of our district. I have advocated and will continue to advocate for services for all with strengthened relationships with the Detroit Wayne Health Integrated Network, and our school social workers to have the support and resources needed to ensure adequate assessment and counseling services.

What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?

Culturally sensitive staff, diversity in curriculum, more African American teachers, literature, and project driven learning opportunities.

What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?

Our student code of conduct and polices in our district guides fairness, protection, and access for all. I will continue to advocate accordingly.

What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?

This has been an ongoing commitment. I voted on polices and a budget that ensured increased starting salaries for teachers and staff to help recruit and retain qualified teachers, AI, Social Workers, and support staff.