On a daily basis, our kids and therefore our schools face an onslaught of challenges stemming from the ravishing effects of poverty and the culture of violence in the neighborhoods around them.

Qualitative measures like school appearance, safety and openness to parents and community are essential to any school becoming a neighborhood anchor and are also, quite measurable.

The state of education in Detroit continues to draw increasing attention, which is a good thing. However, the attention continues to focus on the negatives and the many positive solutions are relatively unnoticed.

It's back-to-school time in Detroit. It's also a perfect opportunity for all of us to get involved in an issue that will, more than anything, shape th...