Detroit public schools reopen for in-person learning

DETROIT — Students in Michigan’s largest school district returned to classrooms for in-person learning Monday for the first time in months.

Detroit schools stopped face-to-face learning in November because of rising COVID-19 infection rates in the city. High schools statewide were also told to suspend in-person learning at that time.

Despite the resumption of in-person classes, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said many teachers have declined to participate. Teachers who agree to work inside classrooms will get a quarterly bonus of $750.

Vitti said online learning has been a challenge for many students but still will be offered.

“Some are doing well but many have been disengaged, have become chronically absent, have disconnected completely,” he said.

The district has about 50,000 students. Detroit families also send children to charter schools or schools outside the city.

A parent, Nicole Kimble, said she’s going to keep her kids in virtual learning until more teachers show up.

“I do want to send them to school, but their teachers are not going to be there, so it’s a no-win for me. It’s a no-win at all,” Kimble said.