Dearborn Heights Could Soon See Major Improvements in Schools!
There’s exciting news buzzing around Dearborn Heights after the recent elections! Voters showed up in droves last Tuesday to make some important decisions regarding the Crestwood School District. Not only did they approve a hefty bond proposal totaling over $120 million to enhance school facilities, but they also re-elected five trusted members of the school board!
Crestwood School Board Results Are In!
With a passionate community rallying behind them, the five incumbents ran for their seats, and the results were overwhelmingly in their favor. In the district that serves around 4,000 students, primarily of Arab American descent, voters came together to express their confidence in these board members.
The board re-election included various term lengths, with positions ranging from six years for three seats, a four-year term for one seat, and a two-year partial term. Notably, four members—Danielle Alzayat, Salwa Ali Fawaz, David A. Williamson, and Billy Amen—maintained their seats without any competitors. Meanwhile, Najah Chami-Jannoun triumphed with a resounding victory over her challenger, Hassan Ali Issa, securing about 63 percent of the votes!
Breaking Down the Votes
As the dust settled on election night, Chami-Jannoun expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the community’s support. She mentioned, “It was the hard work, dedication, and support from families and friends that helped us win!” She highlighted the significance of the bond proposal, which aims to elevate the learning environment and enhance student safety.
The election for the board broke down into three parts. Firstly, the uncontested race for three full-term seats resulted in Alzayat, Fawaz, and Williamson winning by acclamation. Alzayat took the lead with 4,785 votes, Fawaz followed closely with 4,662 votes, and Williamson rounded out the trio with 3,996 votes.
On a slightly different note, Najah Chami-Jannoun won a partial four-year seat with a total of 5,334 votes, showcasing the community’s trust in her leadership.
Big Changes on the Horizon with the Bond Proposal
Alongside the school board races, the community also made a decisive move by approving a referendum to issue $121 million in bonds. This would be paid off over 30 years accompanied by a modest property tax increase. A total of 5,571 voters supported this significant initiative, while 4,366 opposed it. This bond will play a crucial role in advancing and developing Crestwood’s schools, which encompass three elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, and a preschool program.
Superintendent Dr. Yousef Mosallam shared his enthusiasm about the future of Crestwood Public Schools. He stated, “This funding will make much-needed upgrades to ensure the safety and health of our students.” The bond will facilitate renovations of outdated heating and ventilation systems, improve electrical infrastructure, and enhance security measures around school entrances.
Community’s Commitment to Education
With these exciting developments in the works, the Crestwood School Board will remain composed of the newly re-elected members, including \[Alzayat, Fawaz, Williamson, Chami-Jannoun, and Amen\], along with Mo Sabbagh and Hassan Baydoun. This team will surely work diligently to ensure that the schools offer a safe and enriching environment for all students.
As Dearborn Heights moves forward with these comprehensive plans, there’s much to look forward to in the coming years. The unity and determined spirit of the community truly shine brightly through these recent votes and initiatives!
