Election: Detroit’s next mayor could influence education in the city

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Detroit Mayoral Election Overview

Detroit residents who have not yet voted will go to the polls on Tuesday to choose the city’s next mayor. The election features two main candidates: Solomon Kinloch, a pastor, and Mary Sheffield, the city council president.

Key Election Issues

The campaign has mainly focused on neighborhood revitalization, safety, poverty, and housing instability—issues that directly impact the public schools in Detroit. Both candidates emphasize their intent to collaborate with schools to ensure children receive a quality education, though the specifics of that involvement are still unclear.

Challenges Facing Detroit Schools

Low academic achievement
High rates of chronic absenteeism
Effects of poverty on student learning

"Students miss school at alarming rates in the city, and it’s not just because they want to blow off the classroom."

Mayor's Role in Education

Unlike in many other large cities, Detroit’s mayor does not have direct control or decision-making power over education policies. However, the mayor can still exert an influence, particularly by addressing broader factors that affect school attendance and student success.

The outcome of this election could shape how the city tackles these intertwined civic and educational challenges moving forward.

Author’s summary: Detroit’s mayoral election highlights critical issues affecting public schools, with both candidates aiming to partner with schools despite the mayor’s limited formal control over education.

Michigan Advance — 2025-11-03