Steen, Jeremiah- Detroit Public Schools Community District

Are you an incumbent?

Brief Intro of Candidate

Jeremiah Steen is the Executive Director of the Steen Foundation, focusing on amplifying youth voices in education, environmental stewardship, arts and culture, political advancement, and career development.

He serves on the boards of Friends of the Rouge and the Detroit Bird Alliance and is a Trustee at the Skillman Foundation, ensuring equity in education. He is also involved in Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Detroit (AFP).

Jeremiah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Detroit Mercy and has received several awards, including the Governor Gretchen Whitmer MI Service Spirit of Hope Award 2023.

Through his roles and achievements, Jeremiah Steen exemplifies a commitment to philanthropy, youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and nonprofit leadership.

Endorsements

Not yet

Top financials Contributors

Website and social media links

None yet

steen4dpscdschools, https://www.jeremiahsteen4dpscdschools.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?

Engaging parents, caregivers, community members, and students in DPSCD decision-making is crucial. I will form curriculum committees with diverse members to ensure changes are relevant and culturally responsive and advocate for voting rights for high school students on school boards.

For budgeting, I will conduct workshops and implement participatory budgeting, allowing community votes on allocations. I will establish policy advisory councils to review and recommend policies and host regular forums and town hall meetings for feedback and transparency.

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

candidate not asked this question

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

Improving academic outcomes for Black students in Michigan requires a comprehensive approach. Ensuring equitable funding for schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods is crucial for access to advanced coursework, technology, and extracurricular programs.

Enhancing fundraising efforts at the DPSCD Foundation can secure resources for Black student achievement. Implementing a culturally responsive curriculum and providing professional development for teachers on culturally responsive practices will increase student engagement and success. By combining these efforts, we can close the academic achievement gap and foster an inclusive educational environment.

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?

Ensuring that all students and their families feel safe and included in our district requires a holistic and inclusive approach grounded in asset framing, which recognizes and leverages the strengths and potential of our diverse community. We need to establish and enforce comprehensive anti-discrimination policies, implement a culturally responsive curriculum, and provide ongoing professional development for teachers on cultural competency and inclusive practices. Ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities and expanding mental health resources are also crucial. Additionally, engaging families and community organizations through advisory councils and regular town hall meetings ensures their voices are heard and reflected in decision-making processes.

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?

Recruiting and retaining teachers requires better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Advocate for competitive salaries and benefits, reduce class sizes, provide modern resources, and ensure well-maintained facilities. Offer professional development and clear career advancement paths. Increase fundraising at the DPSCD Foundation to support these improvements.