2026 School Board Endorsements
United for Good evaluated candidates based on things like their previous experience, demonstrated leadership skills, values, and how we expect they will work together as a board so that the body provides strong, consistent leadership for the district.
We also prioritize candidates' knowing and understanding the role of the board, its relationship to the superintendent, and exceptional thinking around oversight, accountability, and setting expectations for the district.
We are pleased to endorse BESSIE HARRIS, STEVE BLAND, JR., JAMEEL SMITH, and TERRY E. WHITFIELD for election to the Detroit School Board.
REMEMBER:
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The School Board will be in the non-partisan section of your ballot (it may be on the back)
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You can vote for all four of these candidates
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There are more than 30 people on the ballot and it wont be in alphabetical order, so you have to find the right names
Bessie Harris
Background: 32-year educator as a teacher and principal with a specialty in Exceptional Student Education. Currently serving on the school board
Priority: Supporting and celebrating neighborhood schools
What Stood Out: Her reflections on what she's learned during her current service and what she's improved as well as her background in education and a skillset in consensus building on the board stood out to us.
Quote from the screening process:
"As board members we should cherish each other's opinions. we should listen and provide constructive criticism."
Terry E. Whitfield
Background: Philanthropy, organizational evaluation, and community organizing with youth serving organizations. Currently Managing Director for the Black Executive Director Alliance of Detroit, a resource and advocacy organization for Black non-profit leaders of youth serving organizations.
Priorities: Literacy and overall organizational health for the district
What Stood Out: His thoughtful analysis on district community engagement and clarity about approaches to evaluating progress toward goals for the district.
Quote from the screening process:
"As a board, we are the conduits of the community and must make sure we are connecting community feedback and challenges to the superintendent which allows him to ask the right questions of his team to address those issues."
Dr. Jameel Smith
Background: Director of Psychotherapy Services at Henry Ford Health leading system-wide behavioral health initiatives and voluntary faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Previous service on Detroit Board of Ethics and Roeper's board Governance Committee. Cass Tech alum.
Priorities: Sustain and accelerate student success and Improve public trust
What Stood Out: Her overall commitment to preparedness and experience with leadership within a large organization (Henry Ford) serving kids.
Quote from the screening process:
"Balancing the needs of the district and its constituents must include ensuring that decisions remain aligned with what DPSCD stands for and is striving to accomplish so that today's needs are addressed without compromising the district's future."
Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr.
Background: 17 years as Senior Pastor of Liberty Temple Baptist Church in Detroit. Adjunct professor andProject RISE founder - a ministry focused on chronic absenteeism, tutoring, and social services for students. Long history of service with organizations such as the Council of Baptist Pastors and Gov. Whitmer's Black Advisory Council.
Priority: Supporting and celebrating neighborhood schools
What Stood Out: His fair approach and high standards with regard to accountability for the superintendent; preparedness to manage fiscal oversight including challenging trade-off decisions when revenue is limited.
Quote from the screening process:
"Speaking for the people is different than bringing people to the table and allowing them to speak for themselves."