DETROIT (WXYZ) — It’s back to school for many students across metro Detroit.
But it’s the first first day of school for one high school. The School at Marygrove opened its doors for high schoolers for the first time.
This comes before Marygrove College permanently closes in December.
Parents and teachers are excited to start the new school year. But for some students, walking into the School at Marygrove could be overwhelming.
“I’m nervous because this is my first time here," said freshman Jayla Horton.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti was also welcoming students.
While state funding for Michigan public schools is in limbo until a budget is passed, Vitti says they planned conservatively.
“We are in a position that we don’t have to cut anything,” he said.
Funding from the budget would have been used for after-school and summer programs and possibly for teacher raises starting next year.
Detroit Public Schools Community District also hired several new teachers, tackling the issue of vacancies.
This year, the school district also hired 90 full-time security guards instead of contracting those positions.
Also new this year, a stricter code of conduct and anti-bullying campaign.
“Commitment to expecting respect among students between students and faculty and even faculty towards students," Vitti explained.
This time last year, many Detroit schools had lead and copper in the drinking water.
Now, every school building has hydration stations, one for every 100 students.
With these issues addressed and enrollment up, school officials and parents say the future is looking bright.
Vitti added, “Just shows the kind of problem solving that goes on now in this district.”
Jayla’s mom Ebony Evans said, “Work hard and she can do whatever she wants to do, what she wants to do in her life.”
