Detroit voters will see 34 names on the ballot for the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) board on Nov. 3. As the filing deadline passed, several candidates disclosed how they used campaign contributions. While most reported typical costs such as canvassing, mailers and signage, a handful listed out‑of‑state travel, clothing alterations and personal meals.
Candidate expense highlights
Shinese Johnson, a substance‑abuse prevention director at The Youth Connection, initially reported $1,227 in campaign expenditures, including a $40 nail‑salon charge, $46 for a “volunteer meal” in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and a $34 candidate meal in Kissimmee, Florida. After Chalkbeat queried the items, Johnson submitted a revised report showing $1,106 in spending, removing the salon charge and adjusting meal expenses as “constituent” or “volunteer” costs.
Johnson also reported two cash withdrawals—$104 on July 30 and $84 on Aug. 3—originally listed as administrative expenses. The revised filing re‑characterized the $104 as a restaurant purchase for a campaign event and the $84 as a printing expense at a Detroit eatery.
Other candidates disclosed similar items. Dr. Jameel Smith, a clinical psychologist, recorded nearly $846 in candidate meals, which she said funded meetings with potential donors. Attorney Mark Brewer, who advises campaign committees, noted that meals tied to donor outreach are generally permissible.
David Harris II, a charter‑school educator, spent $110 at a Westland shop on branded clothing. Brewer explained that apparel bearing campaign logos can be a legitimate promotional expense when used to increase candidate visibility.
Parent and registered nurse Vilma Escamilla‑Durán listed $220 for out‑of‑state travel and $85 for a hotel stay related to a special‑education conference in Tennessee and Kentucky. She said the trip helped her understand the experience of a Detroit family facing immigration enforcement, which she believes informs her campaign platform.
Legal context and expert commentary
Michigan law prohibits candidates from using contributions for personal expenses unrelated to campaigning or office‑holding. The Michigan Department of State has clarified that any expense that would occur regardless of a candidacy is disallowed. Violations can result in civil fines.
Brewer emphasized that the purpose of these rules is to protect donors’ dollars and ensure they are spent to win elections, not to finance personal lifestyles. “They want the money to be used to run an election, not to finance candidates’ personal lives,” he said.
State officials have indicated that clothing expenses may be allowable if the items remain under the campaign committee’s control and are not retained for personal use after the campaign ends. Similarly, travel costs are permissible when directly tied to campaign activities, such as meeting donors or gathering information to shape policy positions.
What voters should know
The filing reports provide transparency for Detroit residents evaluating board candidates. While many expenses appear to align with campaign needs, the attorney’s remarks suggest that some items warrant closer scrutiny to ensure compliance with state finance rules.
Voters can review the full expense filings through the Michigan Bureau of Elections website before casting their ballots. The upcoming election will determine the board’s majority, potentially shifting DPSCD’s strategic direction for the next four years.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
