Detroit schools equip their schools with washers and dryers to reduce school absenteeism

DETROIT (FOX 2) – The Detroit Public Schools Community District is tackling absenteeism one load of laundry at a time. Washers and dryers are being installed in every school to keep kids in school.

“These are our old washers and dryers that were donated to Cody High School about 10 years ago,” said Antonio Baker.

At Cody High School, no one is more excited about the new washer and dryer than Baker, the athletic director and football coach.

He says the old ones are broken.

“Actually, it came just in time because this washer and dryer helped us clean and wash all of our school uniforms as well as our fall sports uniforms,” ​​he said.

Sometimes students come by to help.

He says the washer and dryer are really there to meet their needs and not miss a day of school.

“We actually talked to some young people who don’t have a washer and dryer at home, and there were some hygiene issues,” Baker said.

That's why they discreetly come to work early, do their laundry and take a shower if necessary.

“Some parents and our support association have donated packages of soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes to help our children,” he said.

Kerrie Mitchell of the Detroit Public Schools District Foundation says school absenteeism is a problem, so she's glad the issue can be addressed in a meaningful way.

“Cody chose the 2-in-1 device that is the most popular in stores,” said Mitchell, president and CEO of the DPS District Foundation. “It retails for $2,500, so when you think about it, it helps everyone in the school.”

They are for all 600 students at Cody High School. She says the washer/dryer is a $210,000 gift that resulted from a partnership with GE and the Detroit Pistons.

This money will be used to purchase and install washing machines and dryers in each of the DPSCD’s 105 schools by the end of the year.

“We know that people or students cannot concentrate when there are barriers preventing them from doing so,” Mitchell said.

The washer and dryer therefore help to break down barriers and keep students in school as long as possible.

“It's so exciting to see every school get a brand new washer and dryer – especially Cody, because like he said, it's important to make sure students have everything they need to be successful in school,” Mitchell said. “And usually that starts with basic needs like the right clothing. So if we can expand that and give them everything they need to be successful, that's exactly what we're aiming for.”

The school administration is grateful and pleased about the washer and dryer, but says that detergent is constantly needed.

If you would like to help, contact Coach Baker at 313-866-9200 or email him at [email protected]