Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Set for Crucial School Board Elections on November 5

Dearborn and Dearborn Heights Prepare for School Board Elections on November 5

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, residents of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights are gearing up for an important day at the polls this November 5. This year’s local elections will see voters in both school districts making decisions that could significantly impact the education of around 25,000 students, largely from Arab descent.

Voting for School Board Seats

In the Dearborn Public Schools district, two full-term seats on the school board are up for grabs. Ten candidates are vying for the opportunity to fill the positions currently held by Trustees Roxanne McDonald and Jim Thorpe, with Thorpe seeking re-election. The Dearborn Board of Education oversees 36 public schools and approximately 20,000 students, in addition to those attending Henry Ford College.

The competition is fierce, especially with four Arab American candidates in the mix: Jamal Aljahmi, Amer Zahr, Mohammad Mubarak, and Nasri Sobh. The other candidates include Silvio Davis, Steve Durant, Robbin Makled, Mark Trzeciak, Jackson Wagner, and Jim Thorpe. Aljahmi, who has been endorsed by local advocacy groups, emphasizes his focus on “closing academic achievement gaps” and enhancing support for teachers, stating, “We must create an educational environment that encourages students to excel academically and socially.”

Another voice in the running is Amer Zahr, a law professor with a long track record of community involvement. He aims to amplify the representation of diversity within the board, pointing out that while Arab American students make up a significant portion of the student body, the board itself lacks adequate representation.

Crestwood School District Elections

Crestwood School District, serving about 3,700 students primarily from Arab backgrounds, is also facing significant changes. Voters will choose five members for the seven-member board, with three seats available for six-year terms and additional terms of four and two years up for election.

The district’s incumbent members, including Daniel Al-Zayyat, Salwa Fawaz, and David Williamson, are running unopposed for their six-year terms. However, there will be a competitive race for the partial terms, with Najah Chami-Jannoun facing Hassan Ali Issa for a four-year spot and Billy Amen running unopposed for a two-year term.

Chami-Jannoun, who has lived in Dearborn Heights for over three decades, values inclusive education that extends beyond academic learning. “Education is not just what happens in the classroom,” she emphasizes, advocating for technology, arts, and sports to foster student development. Her commitment to the community and deep involvement with local schools make her a well-regarded candidate.

The Crestwood Bond Proposal

In addition to the school board elections, voters in the Crestwood district will consider a critical proposal to issue $121 million in bonds. This significant investment aims to enhance and renovate educational facilities across the district, impacting three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and a preschool program.

Crestwood Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam shared details about the proposal, highlighting essential upgrades needed for infrastructure, including heating and ventilation systems, secure entryways, and new kitchen facilities in elementary schools. This bond is seen as vital for improving safety and providing quality education. “We need to ensure that educational environments are secure and conducive to learning,” he stated.

Get Ready to Vote!

As Election Day approaches, it’s crucial for eligible voters to ensure they are registered. While the final day for online or mail registration has passed, in-person registration remains available at local clerk’s offices until the polls close at 8 p.m. on November 5. Residents need to bring proof of residence, such as a driver’s license or a utility bill, to register and ensure their voice is heard in these pivotal elections.

With so much at stake, from school board representation to significant infrastructure investments in education, it’s important for every eligible voter in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights to participate in shaping the future of their communities.