Detroit School Board Candidates to Face November 3 Vote

Thirty-four individuals are vying for five seats on the district board in the upcoming November 3, 2026, election.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Administration

Detroit School Board Candidates to Face November 3 Vote

Live Poll

Should candidates with past felony convictions be eligible to serve on your local school board?

Thirty-four candidates appear on the November 3, 2026, ballot for five open seats on the Detroit Public Schools Community District board. The election results could change the future of the school district, with a potential for the new board to replace the superintendent and his cabinet.

Why it matters

Community members are seeking improvements in early literacy scores, school facilities, and administrative transparency. The election will result in a new majority on the school board that could reshape the district's path.

A review of ballot records identified 34 candidates running for five available seats, with four of those individuals holding past felony convictions. These convictions span decades, dating back to 1996 for two of the candidates.

The players

Bobby Christian

He is a school board candidate who pleaded guilty to attempting uttering and publishing in 2011.

Duane Grigsby Jr.

He is a school board candidate with past convictions for receiving stolen property, assault on a police officer, and domestic violence.

Darius Morris

He is a school board candidate convicted of forgery, conducting criminal enterprises, and assaulting a police officer.

Dannetta Simpson

She is a school board candidate who was convicted of assault with intent to murder in 1996.

The details

Chalkbeat and BridgeDetroit reviewed public records for all candidates on the ballot, revealing criminal history for Bobby Christian, Duane Grigsby Jr., Darius Morris, and Dannetta Simpson. The analysis involved examining records from various jurisdictions, including Ohio, Wayne County, and Oakland County, alongside candidate responses to a questionnaire.

1996: Convictions occurred for Duane Grigsby Jr. and Dannetta Simpson.
1998: Duane Grigsby Jr. was convicted of assault on a police officer.
2005: Duane Grigsby Jr. was convicted of domestic violence.
2009: Darius Morris was convicted of forgery and impersonating a public officer.
November 3, 2026: The school board election takes place.

Culture Shift

The upcoming election marks a pivotal transition for the Detroit Public Schools Community District board governance structure. This shift highlights a growing societal focus on administrative accountability and the direct influence local voters hold over their educational institutions.

Voters will make choices on November 3 that directly determine the leadership and future policies of the school district. These decisions affect the daily operations of schools, including potential changes to the superintendent and district priorities.

The takeaway

Voters should review candidate qualifications and public records to understand who is vying for leadership of the school district. Assessing these backgrounds helps ensure an informed decision regarding the future of local education.