Board of Directors

Providing strong leadership and oversight to ensure every scholar receives a high-quality, transformative education.

WELCOME MESSAGE

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Welcome to Discovery Creative Pathways (DCP) – Harper Woods, where every scholar is safe, cared for, and inspired to achieve excellence. Our Board of Directors is proud to serve the families and scholars of Harper Woods, partnering with Phalen Leadership Academies to provide a nurturing, high-quality education that helps every child reach their fullest potential.

We believe that strong schools are built on collaboration and community. Families are essential partners in our mission, and we invite all parents, guardians, and community members to stay engaged and attend our open Board Meetings. Your voice, ideas, and participation help shape the continued success of DCP Harper Woods and ensure that every decision reflects the values and needs of our community.

Together, we are creating a safe, caring environment where scholars learn, lead, and thrive.

ENA young male scholars in the classroom.

DCP Harper Woods Board Meetings

DCP Harper Woods Board Meeting Notice

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
This special meeting is being convened to replace our regular monthly meeting, which
lacked a quorum last week.

In Compliance with the OPEN
MEETINGS ACT MCLA 15.261 et seq
Public Act No. 267 of 1976 and
Executive Order 2020-154
A SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF:
Discovery Creative Pathways

Will Be Held On:
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
At 4:30 PM

The public is welcome to attend in person at or via Zoom:
17175 Olympia
Redford, MI 48240
Join Zoom Meeting
https://phalenacademies-org.zoom.us/j/89737657248

These meetings are open to the public under the State of Michigan’s Open Meetings
Act. Individuals requiring special assistance to attend the meetings should contact
the School Leader’s Office at (313) 543-3226.

Board Meeting Schedule

Click here for the Board Meeting Calendar

DCP Harper Woods Board Agenda

Click here for a PDF of the Board Agenda

Board Agenda February 2, 2026
Board Agenda February 2, 2026

BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

Nicole Gaines

Board President

Joined the board in 2018; Named President in 2021

John Halo

Treasurer

Joined the board in 2017

Nikeeta (Nikki) Mariner

Vice President & Academic Committee Chair

Joined the board in 2017

Theresa Johnson

Secretary

Joined the board in 2022

Valerie Murry

Director

Joined the board in 2023

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act protects scholars from discrimination based on their lack of a permanent residence. Homeless Scholars are eligible to receive a variety of services including: transportation services, free meals under the school nutrition programs, limited English proficiency class, gifted and talented programs, and special education services based on a scholar’s eligibility. Homeless Scholars will not be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency. Please consult the McKinney-Vento Act Liaison if you need assistance. The PLA Network does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or national origin in any employment and/or educational opportunity. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity for which the PLA Network Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The PLA Network values diversity. Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is committed to making its websites accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities, and strives to ensure accessibility currently and as new technologies emerge. PLA welcomes questions and input on its sites' accessibility at each development phase. Please contact our Call Center at 888.655.0777 or submit feedback to Communications@PhalenAcademies.org if you encounter an issue accessing any portion of the network's websites.

Click here to learn more about the network's digital accessibility efforts.