Since the pandemic, Michigan schools have faced a persistent problem: Students are not showing up enough to class. 

In Detroit public schools, the chronic absenteeism rate has been higher than the rest of the state’s. Recently, that number has been decreasing.

In just one school year, chronic absenteeism dropped 10 percentage points. Even in comparison with other high-poverty school districts, a recent report shows Detroit public schools have been the most effective in the state at boosting attendance rates. 

Why? And, should other school districts take note of what’s happening in Detroit’s schools?

Jeremy Singer is an assistant professor of education policy and leadership at University of Michigan-Flint, and does research with Wayne State. He helped write that report, and spoke about it with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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The Madison Heights City Council voted to cut “Drag Queen Story Time” from their Pride festival days before the event. The story time event would have featured drag queen performer Jadein Black reading books to children during the city’s celebrations.

Council members voted 4-3 to cancel it, due to concerns about the “appropriateness” of a drag queen reading to children.

Black told Fox 2 she was surprised the city canceled the program. Black says instead she will be performing a drag queen story time this weekend at Sidetrack in Ypsilanti. 

Additional headlines from Thursday, June 4, 2026

New hangar opens at Detroit airport

A new 20,000 square foot hangar opened at the Coleman A. Young International Airport on Detroit’s east side Wednesday.  

It’s the first new facility to open at the airport in 60 years.  

Mayor Mary Sheffield says it’s the start of many investments in store for the airport.  “We are continuing major investments into our airport, including runway and taxi upgrades, safety enhancements, the upcoming My Flight helicopter tour facility in the new Benjamin Davis Aerospace Academy that will be opening this fall.” 

The new hangar was planned, designed, and built by Avflight. The company has operated at the city airport since 2011.  

Incentive increases attendance in DPSCD

The Detroit Public Schools Community District says nearly 84% of high schoolers were paid for attendance this year. That’s roughly 12,800 students who received at least one $100 visa gift card for showing up to class everyday between January and May this year.

District officials say absenteeism decreased by 10 percentage points this school year compared to 2023-24 before the incentive program began. The district launched the initiative last year as part of an effort to curb chronic absenteeism. 

Free Dutch Girl Donuts 

Friday is National Donut Day, and Detroit staple Dutch Girl Donuts is celebrating by offering free donuts at its new second location in New Center.

Customers can receive two free donuts while supplies last from 8-10 a.m. at its location on 2820 E. Grand Boulevard.   

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