HPSD Board of Education Elects 2023 Officers

Anthony Askew will lead the Highland Park School District Board of Education in 2023 as president following election at the board’s annual organizational meeting.

Askew is a fourth-generation Highland Park native, a graduate of Morehouse College and New York University School of Law. A Board of Education member since 2020, he also serves as a commissioner for the Highland Park Historic District and is the founder and CEO of City On The Rise Development, a full-service real estate development firm focused on neighborhood revitalization.

Under Askew’s leadership, City on The Rise earned a grant from Capital Impact Partners’ Equitable Development Initiative. Sixteen Detroit-area businesses received the $415,000 grant with awards ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The funds will assist local developers of color with a role in real estate development and close the racial wealth gap through training, mentorship and access to capital. They are expected to rehabilitate and develop more than 293,000 square feet of space throughout Detroit and Highland Park.

Prior to launching his firm, Askew played a key role in the launch of Motor City Match, resulting in nearly $40 million in investment for 140 small businesses in Detroit during his time at Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Joining Askew in Board leadership roles are Janet Spight White, vice president, Loren McGee, treasurer, and Cheryl Sanford, secretary and sergeant of arms. Serving as members are Linda Wheeler, Mark Ashley Price and Doris Harris.

“The future of the Highland Park School District remains bright … both financially and academically,” said President Askew. “I am honored to lead the Board. Together, we can accomplish great things for our children and community.”