About the Entry

A collaboration among reporters with the Detroit Free Press, Fox 2 Detroit, Bridge Magazine and WDET Detroit Public Radio dug into the professional histories and finances of school board candidates competing to lead the fiscally fragile Detroit public school district.

• The Detroit Free Press: The Detroit school board candidates: Here’s what we know: (database)
• The Detroit Free Press: Detroit school board candidates: Many foreclosures, bankruptcies, lawsuits
• Fox 2 Detroit: More than half of Detroit school board candidates have money problems
• Fox 2 Detroit: 8 of 10 old Detroit school board members running for new district have legal, financial problems
• Fox 2 Detroit: Lemmons pack Detroit school board election ballot
• Bridge Magazine: Will Detroit school board candidates choose to fight or unite?
• Detroit Public Radio: Detroit media collaborate investigate school board candidates

Entry Credit

Bridge Magazine

• Chastity Pratt Dawsey, Reporter, Bridge Magazine

Detroit Free Press

• Jennifer Dixon, Reporter, Detroit Free Press
• Jamie Smith, Web Producer, Detroit Free Press
• Kristi Tanner, Analyst/Reporter, Detroit Free Press
• John Wisely, Reporter, Detroit Free Press
• Ann Zaniewski, Reporter, Detroit Free Press

Fox 2 Detroit

• M.L. Elrick, Investigative Reporter, Fox 2 Detroit
• Patricia Montemurri, Investigative Producer, Fox 2 Detroit

WDET Detroit Public Radio

• Sascha Raiyn, Education Reporter, WDET Detroit Public Radio

Comments from the Judges

“A great and exhaustive public service – the voters of Detroit should be grateful to these reporters for digging into this sprawling slate of candidates. The stakes and unusual circumstances of the election are also clearly outlined and explained.”

“An inspiring collaboration between different Detroit media outlets that served a valuable public service in making information about the (many) school board candidates easily accessible to the public and flagging potential issues for different candidates. The collaboration undoubtedly allowed the news organizations to reach a much broader audience and have a deeper impact.”

SEE THE FULL LIST OF 2016 FINALISTS