Detroit Public Schools Community District Announces $34 Million Athletic Facility Upgrades
Detroit – Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) will invest $34 million in athletic facility improvements across 11 schools, the district announced today. The upgrades, approved by the DPSCD school board in December 2024, include replacing stadium bleachers, adding swimming pools for training and competition, and modernizing outdoor athletic fields. This investment is separate from, but contributes to, the district’s larger $700 million Facilities Master Plan, a 20-year initiative launched in 2019.The projects aim to provide DPSCD students with athletic facilities comparable to those in surrounding communities and support a “whole child” approach to education. “These investments reflect our commitment to fairness, excellence, and our unwavering belief in what our students deserve,” said DPSCD Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti. “Our $34 million investment in modernized athletic fields and swimming pools is in addition to our larger $700 million Facility Master Plan… Our students deserve the same quality facilities and opportunities as their peers in surrounding communities,and we are moving closer to that promise by providing resources that support the whole child.”
Pool Upgrades:
J.L. White (Inspection completed, pools in place, $5,000)
Central High School (Completion expected June 2027, $500,000 budget)
Henry Ford High School (june 2027, $2.1 million budget)
Northwestern High School (June 2027,$625,000)
Southeastern High School (june 2027,$300,000)
Burton Elementary School (Drainage repairs,June 2027,$350,000)
Marcus Garvey Elementary-Middle School (Electrical and mechanical repairs,June 2027,$350,000)
Field Upgrades:
Henry Ford High School (Fall 2024 – Fall 2026,$6.7 million budget)
Interaction and Media Arts High School (Fall 2024 – Fall 2026, $6.4 million)
Cass Tech High School (Fall 2025 – Fall 2027, $6.8 million)
Central High school (Summer 2026 - Fall 2028, $4.9 million)
Denby High School (Summer 2026 – Fall 2028, $4.8 million)
* Southeastern High School (Summer 2026 – Fall 2028,$3.4 million)
The first phase of investment will focus on developing a common athletic complex at the former Cooley High School site, including a new stadium and track, locker rooms, a weight room, and multiple outdoor fields for football, track, soccer, and lacrosse.
