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
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.
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.
Serving on the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education is the natural continuation of that work.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
That's the perspective I'll bring to the Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education.
Our Priorities
Building on Progress. Centering Students. Governing with Purpose.
🤝
Cultivating the Conditions for Success
Students thrive when outstanding educators, engaged families, and strong community partnerships work together.
As a Board Member, I will support policies and investments that strengthen these conditions while keeping students at the center of every decision.
📚
Student Success Begins with Literacy
Every student deserves the opportunity to read at or above grade level.
As a Board Member, I will support governance that prioritizes literacy through accountability, strategic oversight, and responsible stewardship of resources.
🌱
Thoughtful Governance & Accountability
The School Board exists to set vision, adopt policy, steward public resources, hire and evaluate the Superintendent, and monitor outcomes, not manage day-to-day operations.
As a Board Member, my commitment is to provide thoughtful governance that creates the conditions for educators to do their best work while ensuring accountability for results.
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.
Now, he's ready to continue that work as a member of the
Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education.
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Community Conversations
The strongest leadership begins with listening.
Before asking for your vote, I'm committed to listening to the experiences, hopes, and ideas of Detroit families, educators, students, and community members. Whether we agree on every issue or not, every conversation will help shape how I serve.
I'd be honored to spend 30 minutes with you.