DPSCD20Email20-20Vidito.pdf

Chase Cantrell From: Jeremy Vidito <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 12:18 PM To: Chase Cantrell Cc: Nikolai Vitti; Misha Stallworth Subject: RE: Police Department Budget Public Access Good Afternoon Mr. Cantrell, Thank you for your email. Correct, a detailed breakdown of department budgets are provided by FOIA request. One would not see the breakdown of any budgets, by department, in the public documents. The state standardizes what is required to be presented and it covers expenses in broad ways. I do know that the Superintendent and School Board have been discussing ways to defund the police and security budgets in the short and long term. In fact, we have reduced the police and security budget by nearly since we started this work. Our security budget for full time employees continues to be about but will increase because the Superintendent and School Board have moved away from contracting security guards through Securitas and instead will hire full time employees. This creates an opportunity for more sustained relationships with schools and students, better wages and benefits for security guards, and has led to strong feedback and support from principals. Sincerely, Jeremy Vidito Chief Financial Officer Detroit Public Schools Community District Jeremy Vidito How are we doing? Click here to take a quick survey and let us know. From: Chase Cantrell Sent: Friday, June 12, 2020 10:44 AM To: Jeremy Vidito <[email protected]> Cc: Nikolai Vitti Misha Stallworth Subject: Police Department Budget - Public Access This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgement and caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email. Good morning, Mr. Vidito, I am writing to follow up on our conversation from Wednesday, June Could you please confirm that the following is correct based upon our short call? 1. I requested the budget breakdown for the Detroit Public Schools Community District Police Department, given  that the department’s budget is not separated within the DPSCD budget or audited financial statements.  2. You informed me that such document is not publicly accessible.  3. You also informed me that all such requests from media must be directed to the DPSCD Communications  Department.  4. After informing you that I’m simply a Detroit resident, and not a member of the media, you informed me that I  could pose questions regarding the budget during meetings held by the DPSCD Board of Education.    Do I understand the process correctly?    Thank you,  Chase C.    Chase L. Cantrell  Direct:   Website Facebook Twitter     Learn more about our programs HERE    2