Every Child.
Every School.
Every Neighborhood.
Together, we will continue to cultivate a Detroit Public Schools Community District where every student has the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive.
Building on Progress
Investing in Every Student
Strengthening Every School
DPSCD Wins With Whitfield
Students. Families. Community. Detroit
Terry E. Whitfield
Candidate for Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education
Meet Terry E. Whitfield
For nearly twenty years, Terry Whitfield has worked alongside young people, families, educators, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to strengthen the conditions children need to succeed.
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His experience spans direct service, community organizing, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, strategic investment, and systems change.
Why I'm Running
For nearly twenty years, I've dedicated my career to improving the lives of Detroit's children—not from one position or one organization, but by strengthening the people, partnerships, and systems that help young people thrive.
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Serving on the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education is the natural continuation of that work.
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Detroit Public Schools has made meaningful progress. I'm running to help build on that momentum through thoughtful governance, strong community partnership, and accountable leadership so every child has the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive.
Why I'm Prepared to Serve
My Experience at a Glance
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Nearly 20 Years
Serving Detroit's children, youth, and families.
$30M+
Invested in Detroit's after-school and K–12 communities through philanthropy.
Cross-Sector Leadership
Building partnerships across schools, nonprofits, philanthropy, and community organizations.
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Systems Perspective
Helping leaders and organizations strengthen outcomes for young people.
For nearly two decades, I've worked across Detroit's youth-development ecosystem - from direct service and community organizing to philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and strategic consulting - strengthening the people, organizations, and systems that help young people thrive.
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Along the way, I've managed multimillion-dollar investments, built partnerships across sectors, and worked alongside educators, families, and community leaders to improve opportunities for Detroit's children.
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Those experiences have reinforced one enduring belief: lasting student success depends on more than what happens inside a classroom. It requires thoughtful governance, strong partnerships, responsible stewardship of public resources, and a shared commitment to putting students first.
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That's the perspective I'll bring to the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education.
My Starting Five
Five principles for thriving Detroit students.
Five principles. One purpose: thriving Detroit students.
01
Students First. Always
​Every decision begins with what is best for Detroit’s students
02
Literacy Opens Every Door.
Strong readers have stronger foundations for learning, opportunity, and life.
03
Strong Neighborhood Schools Need Strong Communities.
Families, neighborhoods, community organizations, businesses, and schools all have a role in helping children thrive.
04
Strong Educators Deserve Great Systems.
We should cultivate the conditions that allow excellent educators to stay, grow, and do their best work.
05
Strong Schools Start with Strong Relationships.
Students thrive when they are known, supported, challenged, and surrounded by adults who believe in them.
Join Team Terry
For nearly twenty years, Terry Whitfield has worked alongside educators, families, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to strengthen opportunities for Detroit's children.
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Now, he's ready to continue that work as a member of the
Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education.
 Host a meet-and-greet
 Volunteer
 Request a yard sign
 Donate
Community Conversations
The strongest leadership begins with listening.
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Across Detroit, I'm sitting down with families, educators, students, and community members to hear what's working, understand where challenges remain, and learn what people want from the next chapter of DPSCD.
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I'd be honored to spend 30 minutes with you.