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Good evening everyone and welcome to the Derbal Public School special board meeting. It's May 4th and it's 6:06 p.m. We call the meeting to order. >> Trusty Bazy >> here. Trusty Drosio >> here.
>> Trusty Mos >> here. >> Trusty Pelich >> here. Trust >> here. >> Trusty Zaher here. President Jahi >> here. >> That's everybody. >> Next item. >> Next item is a pledge of allegiance. >> Aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which
it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Maybe they'll hear me. >> Next item. >> The next item is citizen participation. >> Thank you.
>> And and because we started late, we'll give a few more minutes for u those that want to sign. >> Citizen Oh, sorry. Citizens wishing to address the board who are signed in by 6:10 p.m. or 10 minutes after we start by submitting a blue card to the board secretary may speak at this time. The board may not be in a position to
respond. Therefore, speakers should not anticipate an immediate response to their comments or questions. For the benefit of all concern, do not mention the name of students or school district employees. Please keep your comments as brief as possible. There's a threeminut time limit on comments made to the
board. All right, we have a number of uh cards so far. Uh Mr. President, our first speaker is Kathy Martin. Good evening, trustees. Um, I do not envy you again tonight. Um, this is not a good seat to be in. Um, I'm not
wearing my DFT shirt, but I am here representing DFT. I'm not speaking on behalf of Kathy. I'm speaking on behalf of the um, teaching staff. Um, I have already shared the survey with you. We
had uh 498 members complete the survey. We uh are the only group who actually surveyed our members uh when sharing with you who the preference is. And uh it was clear I mean that almost 70% of
members preferred Mr. Humpha as the candidate uh for you to select. And um I also shared the raw data with you and you had access to everything that people
felt compelled to share. And I will say um I did share with members the analysis of the survey and we um the raw data is much more um clear in
people's reasonings. um the analysis did not need to include some of the details and the specific reasons why people voted the way they did. So, I hope that you all looked at it, if you had any questions, you had the raw data available to you, and I hope you read it
and took to heart how members are feeling. And um we and the community and the children are counting on you to make the right choice tonight. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Okay, our next speakers are a trio. Tama
Young, Angie Lauren Zedi, and Donna Smith. Oh, sorry. Tamika Young, Angie Lauren Zedi, and Donna Smith. >> Good afternoon, trustees. >> I'm Seama from DFSC representing the
union for DFSC. I'm here to today behalf of our union to support Mike Auxili as superintendent. After our discussion and consideration, we believe he has the expert and leadership and vision to move this district forward.
We stood out. He stood out and committed to student success, clear communication, and his willing to collaborate with labor and staff partners. We confident his ability to lead and we
respect and ask for your you to give strong consideration in his candidacy. This is Angie. This is Donna and we represent the DFS. Yep. I'm going to say something. My name is Angie Laurenetti. I represent the DF
DFS 4750. I've been on this in this union for over 20 years now. When Mikey first came, I was on one of those committees who interviewed with him and he did great. He far exceeded our expectations on what a Dearborn employee
does. We all want to be the best. I want to be the best. I want the best union, best district. I feel him in his experience here at the schools for all these years will make the best
choice for superintendent. Now we need to go back on the experience that he had here and those decisions that he made. When we're all leaders, you get scrutinized. Some people want this, some people want that. He wants what's best interest for
the students. And that's what we feel like he will do. He will put the students first. He looks out for employees, special ed department. And over the years he gave us the biggest raise for the parapros and the biggest group. We had 300 parapros
and he finds us the money. So he supports the staff and we are,00 support staff. So I feel he will make those great decisions. Um and that's who we are endorsing tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Our our next speaker is Linda Schulz. Good evening. Um, my name is Linda Schultz and I have had the pleasure of working with Musa Hama as his secretary for almost 11
years at Gross Point South. When you spend five days a week, eight hours a day working alongside someone, you truly come to understand their beliefs, dedication, passion, and loyalty. I would like to share a few things I
have learned from working with Musa. Musa is deeply committed to maintaining a strong balance between work and family. He is a spiritual man of faith who feels genuinely blessed to live and thrive in Dearborn, the Dearborn community.
He approaches every decision with thoughtful consideration, often reflecting on conversations that he has had with staff, students, and colleagues. When making decisions that affect students, their well-being and safety are always his top priority.
His passion for serving the Dearborn community where he lives and is raising his family has always been extremely important to him. Musa has been a loyal member of the Gross Point Public School District for almost 13 years and he is excited about
the opportunity to step into the role of superintendent in Dearbornne. I'm confident that he will flourish in this position. In the short time you have had to get to know Musa, I hope that you have been able to reflect on what you have heard
and learned about him and have come truly to appreciate the person he is and the gift that he would be to your district. Thank you. Our next speaker is Ry Fasab. Did I say your first name right?
Our next speaker is Ray Fasab. Sorry, one second. All right. Good evening. My name is Ray Fasab. I'm a parent and autism teacher. Today, I stand before you as the voice of my students who are non-verbal. While
Musa is exceptional, I'm sure my students haven't had the privilege of meeting him or seeing him. So, today I could only speak as to what they see, feel, and know about Mike. As their voice, I want it to be heard that Mike has been present not only in
the schools, but in the community. As their voice, I thank you for stepping in to support both classroom and home needs whenever it was needed. As their voice, we see when you take the time to stop by to see what we're learning and to truly
understand what we're capable of. Today, I speak for a 100% of my students, not just 35, because Mike has always taken the time to listen when they can't be heard. Thank you. Uh the next speaker is Rick Rababi.
>> Good evening, trustees. Thank you. Uh my name is Rick Robabi. I'm a committee member and a parent of kids in a district. Um I would like to say that I believe the bomb proposal is a very important to myself, to the kids, and to the community and district. I believe
that teachers have a voiced their opinion and their support for Mr. Hanka as mentioned earlier and that we believe he's the right choice. I want to I want the community to support the bond if we
rebuild the trust and that's the most important thing and I believe Mr. Hama is trust. He will bring back the trust to this community, to the parents and to the students. Selecting him as a
candidate brings back hope to this district. We need to listen to our teachers if we want to make the bond pass. We need their buyin. Brick and motor does not make a school special. Our teachers make the school special. And if we don't get
a superintendent that supports our teachers that the teachers can trust, if you've noticed the secretary, Mr. Musa, that worked with them for 11 years, she can attest to this, that we're going to lose these teachers and we're going to
we're going to end up losing our kids to private schools. It's already been known, I live in a community where over 50% of my neighborhood, the kids do not go to Denver public schools. They go to divine child, sacred heart, Islamic schools, different schools, but najimmer
public schools. Why is that? There needs to be a change. And I believe Musa is that change. Musa comes from a high performing district known. It's known for his success and he had the ability to send his kids to
the school de uh to Gross Point, but he preferred to send them to German public schools. The other candidate lives in Dearborn yet he sends his schools to cres his kids to cresert schools. Um
also Musa when Musa chooses to push a bond he'll be asking for higher taxes for himself for his neighbors. When he makes decisions for his students it will also impact his own kids because they go to
that district. Musa's committed, invested in our community. He has the integrity, the drive, and the experience to lead us to in the right directions. It's like the saying goes, when you want success, you hire success. And Musa is
the answer to our success. Thank you. Our next speaker is Reema Ismael Salman. Good evening everyone. My name is Vimas Salman. I'm a mom for two kids who attend public schools. Uh I'm standing here now to share my experience with
Mike as yet with all my respect to Mr. Ham whom I don't know because I didn't have an experience with him. Uh actually we left Lebanon in 2018 and I came here with my family for one main reason which is finding a better place
for my son Yousef who is 13 years old at that time who had epilepsy and autism and as you know as newcomers to this country I didn't have driving license I don't know anything about the school
rules here so I and everything was overwhelming for me. I contacted Mike. I will be calling him Mike as my son calls him. I will be calling him Mike. So I contacted Mike by email and I told him
my story. He immediately called me and he sent the whole group to do the assessment for my son at my house and he was calling every day to make sure that the process is going on until my son was
settled in a very suitable school and since that time Mike has remained as a steady presence in our life. We see Mike in the school buildings, in the community. Even at summer, we see Mike in the at the pool and he immediately
reaches Yousef and he chats with him and he asks about him. This is what this consistency means more to families like mine than words can express. Plus, Mike is exceptionally
reachable. Whenever you call Mike weekends, holidays, he immediately responds. He calls and he tells you if things can be reached now, if things can be solved next day, he will immediately do it. He listen to the families, he
listens to our concerns and he always accommodates as much as possible. So for me, he does not just manage a system, he partners with us as families.
And as Elbanese mother, I often think of a simple idea from the spirit of the plays. Whenever they say that a real leader brings calm in moments of confusion and makes people feel safe even in disagreement. I will be saying
it in Arabic also. I'm not saying that Mike is the one and only, but I'm saying that leadership is personal. As a mother of special needs child, I have learned to measure leadership by one question. Who can I trust with my
son's future? And here is the truth. If I trusted Mike with my own special needs son, the child who depends on me the most, then I can trust Mike with the future of all children in Dearborn public schools, especially as they face
many challenges today. Finally, I have an HR background and from my HR experience, strong leaders grow within the organizations they serve. >> Excuse me, we're over the three minute mark. Thank you so much.
>> Okay, thank you. But yes, I recommend much. Our next speaker is Dr. Jennifer Kendall Mooney. Good evening, members of the board and members of the Dearborn community. My name is Dr. Jennifer Kendall Mooney. I
am a 25-y year educator with 23 years in school administration and in that time I have worked alongside many strong leaders. Musah Hama stands in front of all of them. I'm here tonight to offer my full support for him as your next superintendent. Not only is he ready for
his work, he will excel in it. I worked closely with Mr. Hanka in his role as the principal of Gross Point South High School and I served on the executive board of our mother's club and as president last year where I worked with Mr. Hama monthly to collaborate on work and how we could support his teachers
and his students. They were always first in his eyes. Mr. Humpa brings a rare combination to leadership. He is sharp, strategic, analytical, and deeply versed in the complexities of running a modern school. But intellect alone does not move a community forward. He pairs that
thinking with profound empathy. He listens. He shows up. He sees the human behind every personnel decision, every policy question, and absolutely every parent concern. He cares so deeply for students, for teachers, for staff, and
for families. In every conversation he has in his office, in the hallways, and in meetings with parents, he always asks the driving question, "How does this serve students?" Reading the profile your board has put forward, I was struck by how precisely
it describes the man I know. You are looking for an instructional leader who champions the whole child. Someone who can attract and retain exceptional staff, build consensus across diverse perspectives, and model integrity. Someone visible, approachable, culturally competent, a leader worthy of
a district as rich and dynamic as Dearbornne. This leader is Musa Humpka. He has since gone on to serve as director of human resources in Gross Point, which has only deepened his understanding of what it takes to run a complex organization with sound fiscal stewardship. He knows how to build
teams, develop talent, and hold people accountable with both clarity and kindness. Dearborn deserves a leader who will put students first, who will inspire, educate, and celebrate. Mr. Humpa is not afraid to make change while balancing tradition. He is gracious.
He's guiding and he is gutsy. If you are ready for change, Musa will lead it. Thank you for your time and for the care you are taking with this decision. Our next card, Mr. Chair, is a yellow card where they want us to read their comments for them. This is from Fatima
Bazi, who's a parent. Uh her comment is, "As a parent of a special needs child that attends Dearborn High, I can speak on my personal experience with uh Mike, I guess we can say his name out with Mike that he has always had an open
door policy and was always so understanding and patient with any and all concerns I have had regarding my son." Our next in-person speaker is sorry if I say Beth Walsh Senutki.
Did I say that right? >> How do you say it? Oh, it's a H. Sorry. Sorry. Okay. Our next speaker is Beth Walsh Sahutsky. Was that right? >> You nailed it. Thank you.
>> Um, good evening. My name is Beth Walsh Sahutsky. I am a lifelong resident of Gross Point, a 29-year employee of the school system, and I've had the privilege of working with Mr. Musa Hema for the past 11 years in my role as a high school counseling department chair.
An effective counseling department must work in close partnership with administration to truly serve students who are and must always remain our top priority. That kind of relationship is not guaranteed. It requires trust,
alignment, and a shared purpose. When Musa joined our team, we met right away to build the foundation. What stood out immediately was how naturally aligned we already were, centered on relationships, student wellness, academic success, and
character development. Musa began by listening. He took the time to learn our systems, our students, and our community. He built mutual respect through intentional collaboration and he cultivated a leadership approach grounded in possibility. His default
answer was often yes, not out of convenience, but out of a belief in growth, creativity, and trust in his team. I experienced this firsthand when I proposed bringing the first therapy dog into our high school. With his
support, the idea became a reality. Today, six years later, that single initiative has grown into a district-wide support dog theme that continues to positively impact students entirely across the district. Musa is not simply a manager. He's a systems
thinker and a visionary leader. He notices, questions, and digs deeper. Musa loves a thought partner, and I remember him casually observing. We have a lot of students on our academic hall of fame. That simple curiosity sparked a
deeper inquiry. He analyzed data. He loves data. Examined patterns and engaged our leadership team in meaningful discussions about grading practices, equity, and student outcomes. He brought people together around a shared language and purpose, ultimately
strengthening systems like MTSS and PBIS, PBIS to better serve all learners. His work consistently reflects a commitment to equity, not just as an idea, but as a practice embedded in decision-making. Under Zoo's leadership, there was also a
strong sense of consistency and fairness, clear expectations through the student code of conduct and administrative guidelines created a predictable and stable environment. In counseling, we often face complex situations that require administrative
decisions. With Musa, I could anticipate those decisions because I trusted that he would uphold established standards with integrity. That consistency matters. It builds confidence among staff and ensures fairness for students.
Dearborn Public Schools deserves a superintendent who leads with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to students. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Our next speaker is Hassan Alawi. Good evening, council. My name is Hassan Alawi and I want to
speak as a longtime friend of Musa Ham. I want to speak about his moral character and his fiscal responsibility. I have known Musa for over 30 years now. Even though he has been a lifelong resident of Dearbornne and I, a lifelong resident of Dearborn Heights, we met
through a local mosque. Musa grew up in a God-fearing household just as I did. We went to the same Saturday school and Sunday school where we were taught morality, ethics, and how to be empathetic community members. Even after graduating those schools at around
middle school, I would still see Musa at community functions and events. It was after high school that I really got to know Musa. We both attended a local youth organization called the Young Muslim Association or YMA for short. We attended lectures together. We went on
spiritual retreats together. We even got married together and we met both of our spouses at the YMA. Later, we went to Hush together. Haj Musa and I didn't have mutual interests. He was always big on education and I was always an engineering nerd. Nor did we go to
school together. He went to Fortson and I went to Crestwood. But one thing remained the same. I could always count on Hajim Musa's support. We struck a unique bond that we could count on each other no matter the circumstance. That speaks levels of commitment to his
loyalty and support. In 200 2006, shortly before our hush our hush trip, we decided to give a little bit more time and energy to the YMA. We dedicate we we were dedicated volunteers. I began leading programs and he was the treasure. There I came to know a side of
Musa that I had never seen. He was adamant on spending every penny responsibly. We even had feuds over budgetary concerns for all the programs. But never once did Haj Musa compromise simply for the sake of avoiding conflict. He took it on head first. He
took an organization from having a negative $4,000 balance to a surplus of 72,000. Even when we frequently clashed on budgetary items, our bond grew closer. In closing, I want to add just one last note. I don't have personal stories
about what happened in Gross Point, but there are many stories from former HFCC students that I have heard that made me proud to be Musa's friend. I recommended Haj Musa's classes to many youth asking what to take. And never once was I
disappointed. There was even one case in which Haj Musa failed a student and then sincerely offered to pay for him to retake the class only to have him pass later on. That student became an engineer. That speaks volumes to Haj Musa's character and willingness to do
what's right even in the face of difficulty. Thank you for your time and may God bless this council, both candidates and this community. Our next speaker is James Gross. Good evening.
My name is James Gross and I'm a recent retiree from the Gross Point Public School System where I had the privilege of teaching at Gross Point South High School from 2014 to 2025 under the leadership of principal Musa Humpka. I'm
here this evening to offer my full enthusiastic and unconditional support for Musa Humpka as superintendent of the Dearborn schools. My connection to Dearbornne runs deep. I grew up immersed in the rich history of
this district through my father Wall-E who taught history for 35 years at Adams Junior High and at Dearborn Forson Moose's alma m. During my time at Gross Point South, I worked under four principles and 11
assistant principles. I'm also a parent of two graduates of South High School and I'm a current 11th grader there. Now, these experience experiences has given me a broad and meaningful perspective on
educational leadership. Among all the administrators I've worked with, Musah stands apart. He combines exceptional intelligence and sharp insight with genuine compassion.
He analyzes data with a clear focus on student achievement while also leading with heart, lifting up those who may feel overlooked and challenging high achieving students to reach even greater heights.
What truly distinguishes Mr. Hamka is his presence. He knew my students by name. He was their advocate, supporting them, listening to them, guiding them. I
witnessed firsthand his sincere care for my students and for their teacher. I'd like to share a brief story that captures the essence of who Musa is. In his very first weeks as principal in 2014,
Mr. Mr. Hanka stood outside each morning greeting students and reassuring parents as they dropped off their children. During that first week, a parent rolled down their window and asked Mr. Humpka,
"What is a guy like you doing in a place like this?" Can you imagine? In that moment, Mr. Hama chose composure. He did not react with frustration or anger. Instead, he showed restraint,
grace, and professionalism. He turned an an inappropriate comment into motivation to lead with dignity. In closing, as you know, Nusa is one of Dearborn's gems, and he is one of Gross
Point's gems. Thank you. Our next speaker is Eddie Fakuri. Good evening everyone. Um, I'm here in the capacity of parent and resident of a city that I deeply have been in love with since I've been raising my family
here. And this district, as you, anyone who knows me, knows how near and dear and how passionate and dedicated I am in the support of this district. I walked in here today, I just felt compelled to fill out the blue card for one reason and one reason only, and that's to
simply say thank you to each of you. um this esteemed body and the administration of this district that allowed this community at every turn of the process to be engaged and to have a voice in the process. This city to me is what I say a city
that's still a community. So, as part of this community, knowing that I've had the chance and that this board has made it a point to ensure that this community was engaged in the process speaks volumes as to the reason
why I love this community so much. So, I simply wanted to say thank you to you and to the administration and everybody that was involved in the process to allow us to have that voice and get to know the candidates. Thank you. Our
next speaker is Heidi Martin. Is that right, Heidi? >> Okay. >> Good evening. Um, thank you as well for listening. It does mean a lot to us. Uh, my name is Heidi Martin and I'd like to address you tonight to share some
personal insight into candidate Musa Hamco. I believe on paper he's the most qualified candidate for the position of superintendent of Dearborn public schools, but I'd like to give you something else to think about. To give you a little background about myself, I
should tell you that I've taught in Dearborn public schools for 34 years, retiring last June. I started my career in 1991 at McDonald Elementary, but I also spent many years at Lori Woodworth, McCulla, Nan, and Howard, respectively.
I was fortunate to meet the Hamco family when I transferred to Howard Elementary. I taught third grade and I had their daughter that year and three years later, I had another of their daughters. And I can say without a doubt that this
family not only values education, but they are committed to supporting the schools and the people who work tirelessly in them. At the time, I didn't know that Musa was principal of Gross Point South until
well after my first November parent teacher conference, which is probably a good thing. But I tell you this because even with his background, his experience in education, he never once made me feel
like I didn't have complete autonomy over his daughter's education. He fully supported my decisions in the classroom and he truly listened to any concerns I had regarding his own children. And we all know this is a
tough thing for any parent to do. much less a parent who has the knowledge and skill to usurp your decision. He deferred to my expertise as a third and fourth grade teacher, but because he
has the integrity to admit to himself that I had more experience in lower elementary than he did. And I will never forget a conference I had with him and his wife where he looked me in the eye and he said, "I trust you completely."
And as a teacher, I can tell you those are words that we long to hear. And it reaffirms why we went into teaching. And I believe he's going to bring that same culture and climate to this district as superintendent.
He will build relationships with teachers, building principles and students like no other superintendent has in my 34 years in Dearborn public schools. In closing, Musa values people as much
as he values education. And we can have all the best programs and resources available. But if we have a leader who does not listen with who does not truly listen with intention to educators, families,
and students, then I think we can all finish that sentence. But thank you for listening. >> Okay, our next speaker is Janine. How do you say your last name? Say it again. >> Annoyan.
>> An annoyan. Okay. Janine Anoyan. >> Yes. Sorry, it's hard to say. >> It's okay. >> Uh, good evening board members and community members. My name is Janine Anoyan and I am a DFT member. I am here tonight to speak in support of Micah Saley for superintendent of Dearborn
Schools. At a time when our district needs strong, steady, and student centered leadership, I believe Mr. Asaly brings the experience, integrity, and commitment necessary to move Dearborn forward. Our schools
are diverse, dynamic, full of potential, and they deserve a leader who understands this community and is ready to build on its strengths. What sets Mr. s aside is not only his professional qualifications but also his ability to
connect with students, staff and family. Effective leadership is not just in making decisions. It's about listening, communicating clearly and building trust. Having worked closely with Mr. Asale over the years, I have seen firsthand how these qualities have led
to meaningful and lasting positive change in our district. Dearborn public school has long-standing reputation for excellence. The next superintendent will play a critical role in continuing this legis legacy which also addresses the challenges ahead. This is an important
decision and I encourage the board to select a leader who will be visible, collaborative, and focused on student success from day one. I respectfully urge you to give strong consideration to Mr. and Micah Saley as you make your decision and thank you for your time and
all of your hard work in this efforts. Okay, our next speaker is Mahi Mahi. Is it okay? Welcome more board members. My name is Maha and I'm a student at Dearborn High
School and I'm probably most known for my youth for my work in youth leadership and advocacy across the entire state from Marquette to Detroit. Working with students, school leaders, legislators, school officials, and community partners to make sure young people are not just talked about in important decisions, but
have a space in actually deciding them. But tonight, I'm not speaking because of a title, a program, or a project. I am speaking because I'm a student in Dearbornne public schools and in a way this very building is a part of my story. One of the first times I ever
public spoke was right here when Dearborn public schools unveiled electric school buses. That day I was quoted as saying when Dearborn takes a step forward it sends a message across the state. And I still believe that because Dearborn has never just been another district. When Dearbornne leads,
people notice. And when Dearborn trusts its next superintendent, that that decision will say something powerful about who we are and where we are going. Each and every vote you cast today repres the weight of almost 20,000 students. Not not numbers on a report,
but real students with real families, real dreams, and real futures. Dearbump public schools is a district shaped by strong leadership, dedicated educators, hardworking families, and students who carry the pride of this community into every classroom. Dr. Dr. Malleo's leadership has helped strengthen that
legacy and his service is something this district can be proud of. But legacy is only as powerful if the next leader knows how to carry it forward. That is why I strongly support Mike, the next superintendent at Dear Public Schools. Mike does not have to learn about Dear Public Schools from a briefing binder.
He knows Dearborn from the inside. He knows the families, the educators, and the students who need more than just a policy. They need a person in leadership who sees them. Through his work with special populations, Mike has led one of the most important areas of education. Making sure students with different needs, different challenges, and
different paths are brought to the center, not pushed the side. And to me, that says everything about the type of superintendent he would be. That is it. A fighter for every future, a fighter for every student, and a fighter in every single classroom. That is the kind of leadership that Dearborn deserves, and it's also the kind of leadership
this district needs as we face one of the most important opportunities on our future, the bond. Because the bond is not just about buildings. It's about a belief. It's about whether parents believe this district to honor the trust they place us. They place in us every single morning. It's about whether teachers have the spaces and tools they need to keep giving students their best.
And it's about whether students walk into schools that they were that reflect the values that we have. Passing a bond takes more than just a plan. It takes trust. It takes communication. It takes a leader who can bring together this community and invest in our schools. And when Dearborn needs to invest in itself, Mikey understands that. In my work
across the state, I've seen what happens when young people are included, when communities are respected, and when leadership is rooted in service instead of ego. That is the kind of leadership that moves people, and that is the kind of leadership that builds trust. And that is the kind of lead leaders, and that's the type of leadership I see in Micah Sale. Because every vote tonight carries the way of almost 20,000
futures, and every one of those futures deserves a fighter. Uh, okay. Our next speaker is Sophia Sansen Lopez. I say that right. >> So, you guys are using the three minutes together.
>> Well, that's fine. But technically, if you want more time, you can go separately. Okay, just go. >> I mean, it's up to the chair. He can give you six minutes if he wants to. >> Yeah, >> we'll be lenient. >> Okay. So, Okay. So, Sophia Sansen Lopez
and Yasm mean is that correct? Okay. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Yasmin and I'm here as I'm a senior at Sephor High School. >> My name is Sophia Stansen. I'm also a senior at Sephor High School. Tonight, we're here as students. students who
care deeply about schools, our peers, and the future of this district. We wanted to bring student perspective into these conversations because the ideas being discussed, and the direction chosen for this district will shape the lives of thousands of students for years to come. Recently, during the superintendent interviews, the idea of
creating an all girls school was brought up as a possible solution to declining enrollment in our district. While we understand that this may have been suggested with positive intentions, we strongly believe that separating students by gender is not right the right direction that our district should be heading towards. Instead, we should focus on strengthening the programs and
opportunities our district offers for all of our students. Having an all girls school would not address the actual causes of declining enrollment. Creating a separate school based on gender will not solve these larger concerns. Some may think it could make the district look more attractive to families and therefore help address the declining
enrollment. While we understand why these points may sound compelling, we do not believe that separation is necessary in order to achieve those outcomes. If we tr if we truly want our students and families to remain in this district, we should invest in improving programs, resources, and opportunities that will benefit everyone. Our school should
prepare students for the world they are about to enter. A world where people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and genders work together, lead together, and succeed together. Creating an all girl school within our district could unintentionally send the message that girls need to be separated in order to succeed. It also raises another concern.
While a small number of students may attend this proposed school, the majority of girls in the district would still remain in regular classrooms that could continue to be overpop populated by males. Instead of separating a select group of students, we should focus more on improving classroom environments opportunities for students all across
the district. As presidents of the women's empowerment club, Sophia and I believe that empowering girls means giving them the support, opportunities, and leadership roles to succeed alongside their peers rather than separating them from the rest of the student body. One major issue we see in our schools
that we believe is contributing to the declining enrollment is that too many students feel disconnected from the purpose of school because they do not see how it connects to their future. Many students see immediate employment as more practical or more valuable than completing their education. This is something our district should take seriously. Instead of trying to separate
or restructure schools, we should make education feel directly connected to real opportunities after graduation. A possible solution is creating programs and partnership with businesses in Dearborn that build clear pathways for students to become employed in our city. These partnerships could include internships, apprenticeships, job
training programs, and career focused pathways to allow students to graduate with both a diploma and real world experience. This will help students see that school is not separate from their future, but is directly connected to it. Some may argue that an all girls school could provide meaningful benefits. While there is research and evidence that
suggests that they can provide environments where some students may participate more actively in class without certain social pressures, when we look at this idea within the context of our district specifically, the long-term impact would create more challenges than advantages. In a public school system like ours, introducing an all girls school would infect enrollment
balance, classroom composition, and distribution of resources across the rest of the district. As a result, while there may be some short-term positives for a smaller group of students, the broader effects on equity, inclusion, and overall school improvement would likely outweigh those benefits over time and ultimately create more division than
progress. Public schools should strive to make every student feel included and represented. Creating gender separated spaces may leave some students feeling excluded or disconnected. Our district is strongest when students learn together, build and build understanding understandings across different backgrounds and experiences. in many
ways that aligns with the original purpose of title nine to ensure equal opportunities in in education and prohibit gender-based discrimination in schools. At the end of the day, we believe our district should focus on unity, opportunity, and investment rather than separation. While the idea of an all girls school is only brought
up as a possible solution, we feel it is important for student voices to be part of the solution before any direction is considered. Our school should not should prepare us not for separation, but for collaboration, not for division, but for community. And so tonight, as students in this district, we ask you to remember the students at the center of this
discussion. Remember the students who walk the hallways of our schools every day. Remember the students whose futures will be shaped by the choices made here. Empowerment does not come from separating students apart. It comes from ensuring that every student feels supported, valued, included, and prepared for the future that lies ahead. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Our next speaker is Nor Bazzi. Good evening. I'm here again tonight because I care deeply about our district, our staff, and most importantly, our students. Before I begin, I want to make it clear that Mike lives in Dearbone Heights, and that's
why his children go there. I want to address I want to address the narrative surrounding the recent union survey results. As a DFT member, I do not believe those results fully represent staff. From what has been shared, it
appears that only one-third of teachers participated. This is not full representation of our district. I personally spoke with at least 40 staff members and the feedback I heard does not align with what has been presented publicly.
There is a clear gap and it raises real questions about how these results are being interpreted and shared. We also don't know where this information came from or how it was compiled. The results as presented were not indications of how many pe
were not indications of what many believed they were actually being asked. Yet they were used to create a very specific narrative. What is even more concerning is how this has escalated. Instead of remaining within a professional process, this has moved on
to social media. I've seen it on both Facebook and Instagram where information is being shared in a way that is creating division and at times misrepresenting one of the candidates. This is not fair and it does not respect the and it does not reflect the professionalism our district deserves.
I ask that personal bias be set aside. This decision this decision should be grounded in qualifications, experience, and a genuine understanding of our students and community. At the end of the day, this is about our children. Dearborn needs a true child advocate. Someone who knows our students,
understands our community, and can make an an immediate and meaningful impact. We need a candidate with years of central office experience, who has demonstrated proven results, experience that lends itself to a district of this size and complexity, and a leader who has already addressed system level
failures and is ready to fix those issues immediately. I urge you to put politics aside, put the outside pressure aside, and focus on what truly matters, our students, our staff, and the future of this district. Thank you. >> Um, Mr. President, we have one last
speaker. I'd like to request, if it's okay with the rest of the board, to suspend the rules and let this speaker speak as long as they want. Our final speaker today is Joanne Harris. >> All right. Good evening. As you know, I'm going to try and do this and not
cry. As you know, I'm retiring at the end of June, and tonight will be my last time that I sit at the board table. Reflecting on three decades of service, I'm struck by how much our community and our schools have grown. While my journey
here has taken many forms, the last 10 years serving as the secretary to the superintendent and supporting this board have been among the most rewarding of my professional life. In this role, I have had a front row seat to the dedication,
late nights, and difficult decisions that go into making our district a success. It has been a privilege to support the vital work of the board in shaping the future of our students, collaborating closely with the superintendent to ensure our district
operates operations run seamlessly. witness the impact of our collective efforts on the generations of students who have passed through our halls. I want to thank you for the trust that you placed in me. Supporting the board has
been about more than just minutes and agendas. It's been about being part of team truly cares. As I move on to this next chapter, I take with me lifelong memories and the satisfaction of knowing I played a part
in our district's mission. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and I wish you and the entire district continued success. Hello everyone. Uh, suspend the rules. Let Barry back here.
>> We've had other people sneak behind. >> All right. I don't know if anyone wants to take a break, but >> All right, that is all the speakers today. Mr. President, >> first of all, I want to thank everyone for participating. Um,
we really do hear you and we do listen to everything that you said. We know that this is an emotional decision for all of us and we really are stressing over it because we really want to do the right thing. Somebody said uh
one the young man somebody said this is the way of 20,000 kids and I truly feel it. I think all of us feel that. So thank you so much and we did hear you. I do want to thank Joanne for all she's done for us. I know
sometimes she kicks me under the table to uh remind me of what to do or uh keep me honest. We really appreciate her. >> I personally and I'm sure the rest of the trustees are going to miss her. Um this is a knowledge that it's going to
be hard to replace and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts. if anybody wants to speak to with regard to Joanne. If not, then we can move on. Go ahead. >> Yeah, I will not pass this opportunity. But Joanne, thank you so much for what
for your service to Dearborn Schools uh throughout these years. Ever since I was appointed to this board um and served on it, you've been always professional, always caring, always responding to our
needs. So thank you so much for your service. Truly we will truly miss you. >> Somebody I follow your sentiment. Um Joanne has been a world of knowledge to me. Um
because anytime I want to know something, I just dial the 8273022. >> All right. Is that is that public? >> That is her office number luckily. Go ahead. >> So Joanne, again, thank you for all
you've done for me and this board. >> Anybody else? Trust >> um just a a couple things to say. First, uh to everyone who came up and spoke. I know it's not easy. So, um thank you for giving us your voice. Um I thank the
speaker who came up to give give a just a factual correction about um one of the candidates. uh residences. Um also to Mr. Alawi, we are not a council. They meet on green on Michigan Avenue.
No, we're a board. Um but thank you for coming here today and giving us your feedback. And uh also um to the students who came up here, I mean, you know, uh >> that is um uh really powerful and a testament to
who we are and I think the kids are doing okay and uh before I was uh elected to the sport I used to hear about Joanne Harris um she runs everything I don't know why I'm crying
>> I'm a contagious cry you know somebody starts crying I cried. Um and uh you know um I've been involved in the schools for a while before I got elected and uh they said she you know talked to her. I said how can this one person you
know be this influential? Uh turns out it was all true and uh when I became a board member she immediately greeted me with I think 75 binders and said read this.
um we really wouldn't be uh who we are um where there's so many people who contribute and we're losing some great people this year including Mr. Wall and Mr. Mustinin and um you know uh Joanne has been through a
lot and still um showed up to work every day here uh during our um a very pivotal time for us. So Joanne, we love you. Thank you very much. Um, and that's it. >> I'm not going to cry. Um,
I knew Joanne before she was Joanne Harris. And I knew Joanne as she watched the transitions in central office with a number of uh, administrative staff.
uh and her fellow um employees who supported her in the um maze of uh logistics that comes with uh that office. She has always been able to perform,
never missed a beat when changes had to be made at the last minute, always came in ready to work, even when we had long meetings, early mornings. She she was uh the support that we
always uh could rely on. And I know that she has been mentoring others uh to prepare them to take on that challenge. But uh Joanne, I will miss you dearly because I've known you for so
long. But I know I know you're going to uh find your place in the sun. And hopefully uh Ke Kevin will uh hold that umbrella for you when you need it. Oh, go ahead.
>> Well, we might as well. Um, as one of the new as the newest trustee on the board, um, Joanne, I just wanted to say thank you so much for, um, helping me transition and acclimate so seamlessly um, with your professionalism, efficiency, and, you know, your constant reminders when I forget to fill out
forms. Um, but thank you, you know, for your kindness, your dedication. Now, I'm going to cry. Stop. Um, and and most importantly for all of our banter that gets me through, you know, all the the the long nights and the rough moments. So, thank you so much. You are irreplaceable. Good luck to whoever is trying to fill that spot. Um, and
congratulations on your retirement. >> You know, I just want to say thank you. I remember when uh I got appointed and I came in and you did my oath for me and you gave me a stack of binders to read and I looked like a deer caught in the headlights and she looks at me, she goes, "You're going to be fine. Don't worry about it." And honestly, it made
me feel better. It made me think, "If Joanne believes in me, I got this." Um I've seen a person that's unbelievably dedicated. Anything we need, no matter what's going on, Joanne gets it done. Um it is something very unique. Um, I think
we're gonna miss it greatly. Thank you so much. >> All right. Uh, this is a big moment. So, you know, we're going to repeat some of the processes that we've done at the HFC request. Okay. Next item.
Can I request a break? Five minutes. We just started. Okay. >> I'll move for a fiveminute resotion. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Make a motion. >> Go ahead. I'll move for a fiveminute reset. >> I'll support that >> actual five minute.
>> You're causing agony, you realize, out in the uh audience. >> I think we need to take a breath. >> Say I. >> I. Any objection? >> Motion's approved. >> Reconvene at 7:12. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Down. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. It's up. >> Who are we missing? >> Where's Trusty Z? So, we're back in open session. Um, as I was saying earlier, we're going to continue um what we've done before at
HFC and in previous interviews, we're going to allow each uh trustee to speak for five minutes. And the five minutes is approximate or about we're not we're going to be lenient, but the idea is to give everybody a chance and it doesn't
mean we can't speak again later on as we debate. Um and and the the goal for this is, you know, we want to speak of these two candidates. They're really good people. We're really more focused on the the the qualification to be a
superintendent. We're not focused on being disrespectful in any way and I trust our trustees um are professional enough to be respectful in their comments. So I have no no um I don't anticipate anything. So the goal is to
speak about each candidate and and then we uh deliberate and and and motion. Uh so let's start off trustee >> I I can volunteer. >> Okay. and we'll go this way. >> Okay.
Good evening, colleagues, staff, uh parents, most importantly students and fellow schools district residents. Uh Mr. Surveiller um and um >> Sheila so sorry and Miss Harris. Um
thank you to all the students and all of the speakers who came and spoke today. And I have carefully considered all of the feedback that I have received uh through written submissions, one-on-one conversations, phone calls, meeting with
teachers, administrators, parents, families, especially the ones who came and spoke during our citizen participation previous meetings and this meeting and especially to the students who spoke out today and who spoke to me
personally and many members of our broader community. And after re-watching the semifinalist interviews, also the final interviews and reviewing most of the materials, not all of it, that were submitted by all of
the candidates and listening extensively and reflecting deeply on what is best for our students and our district. I rise tonight with clear recommendation. It is time for genuine reset.
We or at least some most of us all remember the painful defeat of the 2019 bond. It was a whisker. That loss was not just about dollars or buildings. It revealed a deeper breakdown in trust
between the administration, the board, and our community. Back then, I stood at this very table, at this very seat, and pleaded with my colleagues to conduct wide-ranging listening sessions and bring an
independent outside consultant to bridge the growing gap between the district leadership and the public that we serve. I warned that proceeding without truly hearing our families and staff would risk exactly what has happened.
Unfortunately, my voice was not heated. Today, we stand on the threshold of another major bond campaign. The stakes are high and the lessons from 2019 remain fresh. If we are to succeed this
time, we must approach it differently with great transparency, broader engagement, and renew trust. A major issue that has came to light, I knew about it from before, but it has came to the forefront is the level of
fear of many of our teachers and staff that are fearing to speak openly. The Dearborn Federation of Teachers recently surveyed its members. The results showed a very strong preference for one candidate. However,
what was most concerning was how many staff members expressed hesitation to voice their opinions publicly. One teacher and parent described it powerfully. Said, "I'm a parent and an employee in this district, and I know
firsthand the struggles teachers face day in and day out, especially with the lack of support for their most vulnerable students. Most of the staff I've spoken to are in favor of Musah Hama and the saddest part is that many felt they couldn't show up and express
their support out of fear of possible retaliation depending on the outcome. The culture of fear and retaliation is a huge problem our district is facing. When the very people working directly with our students feel they cannot speak openly
without fear, we have a serious leadership and cultural issue that must be addressed. Another Dearborn School's veteran said in an email that was sent to all of the board members, DPS is at a crisis point right now. It's a catastrophe. Swaths of
our students are graduating and entering the world as functionally illiterate young adults. Students are less motivated than ever and some of our schools are complete disaster zones. We do not trust the person poised to take
leadership of this district. We do not believe this so successor will run our district with efficiency and most importantly with integrity. The leader that can help us fix this and bring a reset that we need is Mr. Musa Humpa.
Mr. Ha lives in Dearborn. He proudly sends all of his children to Dearborn schools. He has personally invested in our district in the most meaningful way as a resident, as a parent, and as a professional who has applied to work for this district multiple times and kept
getting rejected for reasons that we all know. He brings the fresh outsider perspective that we desperately need and urgently need. After years of operating within the same inter same internal circles, we as a district
have developed clicks and habits that sometimes limit bold thinking and honest dialogue. as assistant superintendent of human resources in G point public schools, one of the wealthiest and highest performing districts in Michigan. He has direct experience
successfully passing bonds in a community where many families have the option to send their kids to elite private schools like Country Day or University Liit. This proven success that will serve Dearbornne well. Mr. Hanka has built
strong, respectful partnerships with teachers and unions. He has the system level expertise to help us reduce initiative overload, improve communication and create a culture where every voice, teacher, parent and student
feels genuinely heard and protected. I sat down as a fly in this room as uh both candidates were having a Q&A with teachers and staff and I watched closely their answers. Mr. Mr. Hanka
received applause for many of his responses. His ideas and aspirations resonated well with many of our teachers and staff alike were present. He will help us listen first, engage authentically, and rebuild the public
trust that we desperately enjoyed in the that we desperately need and previously enjoyed. He is not here to erase our proud history. is here to build upon our strength in special education, our commitment to our multilingual
community, and our deep love for our children while bringing new energy to literacy, attendance, enrollment, and opportunity for every student. He offers a compelling vision for the district that truly reflects the needs of all
students and families and the broader community. He demonstrated with his experience, interviews, submitted plans that he is visionary as uh one of his colleagues just mentioned, trustworthy, accountable, and he is committed to
equity, excellence, and quality education. Along with vision, he brings innovation. Education is changing rapidly. Our district needs a superintendent who is willing to keep up with new ideas, new programs, and new ways of learning. Who
is willing to thoughtfully create and pilot programs that meets today's realities. Mr. Hanka will bring more accountability to this district with no fear of past relationships and political connections. We need a superintendent who is willing
to hold leaders at every level accountable for delivering highquality education and services to all students. Most importantly to me, he brings equity-based leadership to this role. The next superintendent must be willing to stand up
for the least among us, the students and families whose voices are not often heard. Colleagues, bringing Mr. Ha to the Dearborn is more than selecting a superintendent. It is choosing renewal. It's embracing
change that we desperately need. It is choosing a reset. Not a full redo from the start, but a meaningful step forward, restoring the trust of our community and building a vision where our students deserve and need. I
strongly support Mr. Hamka as our next superintendent for Dearborn Schools. I respectfully urge my fellow board members to join me in this forwardthinking decision. Thank you. >> Trust you guys. >> The selection of our next superintendent
is one of the most significant decisions I have ever had the responsibility of making. It has not been easy because this job is not easy. We are entrusted with choices that deeply affect the children of our community and I do not take this responsibility lightly.
What has made this process particularly difficult for me is my personal history with both of these men. I've known them both for years and we have worked together to better our community in various ways. I'd like to take a moment to tell you about the Mike as that I know. First, I'll tell you about Mike.
About six years ago, my wife and I were searching for a school system that could accommodate my son and his special needs. My wife reached out to all the special education directors in our region. Only Mike replied, he spoke with her on the phone and encouraged us to meet with him in his office. Even though we had never met during that visit, he
we explained our son's situation and he and and we were struck by Mike's professionalism, his leadership, and his genuine responses to our concerns. We walked out to the parking lot and before we got to our car, my wife and I had looked at each other and we knew we were moving back to Dearborn. A few months later, we were blessed to be able to do
just that. My son thrives in Dearborn public schools, reaching milestones we once thought impossible when doctors first told us about his diagnosis. Mike and the special education staff have been incredible to work with. Not just for my family, but for many others. Does the department still have room to
grow and improve? Definitely. But Mike stepped up stepped into a department that was once a revolving door, stabilized it, expanded support services, and genuinely worked from the from the heart for our children. He built a strong foundation for students with some of the greatest needs. Whenever I wanted when whenever I wanted
to bring special population students to events with specific accommodations, Mike was present and supportive. He is he is someone I called a nu numerous times for input on initiatives that benefit our children and he has never said no or failed to make time. Musah Hama is another man that I've known for
years. Initially meeting him at a run club that we've joined and we helped lead together. We worked together on fundraising and advocating for families living in poverty right here in our community. Mosa has always been the person I turned to when I needed a leader to represent our group and our
charity. I knew he could he he could thrive in any situation, ensuring everyone felt seen, heard, and valued. As a teacher and educator, he dedicated his dedication shines through whenever he sees someone struggling. He always is ready to provide guidance and
encouragement, helping people reach their goals they never thought possible. When I began publicly advocating for students with special needs, Musa was right there to support me in any way I asked. Whenever I needed advice or someone to push a child to in a stroller
for a 5K, Musa was prior Musa was prioritizing helping those invisible citizens because he truly understands what it looks like. I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with both Mike and Musa to advocate for our special needs community and for all of our students
regardless of the decision that is made this evening. I know the character of these men. I will walk out of here tonight still friends with each of them and we will continue advocating for the children who trust who who need us most. They will they will both remain vital threads in the fabric of Dearbornne.
Over the last couple weeks, we have received a lot of feedback about the future of Dearborn Schools and about how Musa and and about Musa and Mike, but much of it much of it was constructive and I generally appreciate it. However, we have received feedback that tore down one of these men to make a case for the
other. That has not been helpful. I understand the weight of this decision, but I know our community is better than this. Both of these educational leaders alongside their wives and children will remain part of our community after tonight. Let us treat them with the respect they deserve.
Now to the task at hand. I have thought long and hard about the current state of Duran public schools, the programs that are working, the areas that need improvement, and who can best elevate our district to the next level. Although I believe either candidate can serve as our next superintendent, there can only be one. We need a leader who can build
and guide a team to improve student learning and literacy rates. Continue to focus on the needs of our special education, our special needs populations, encou ensure appropriate teacher workload, optimize operational and curriculum systems, address classroom behavior, tackle infrastruct
infrastructure needs and navigate potential admin uh navigate potential administrative restructuring at central office. This includes the transition of our departing CFO and other roles. significant roles that touch every corner of our district. For decades, our teachers, principles, executive directors, special education staff,
non-instructional staff, and countless others have built Dearborn schools into a wonderful institution that has produced many great, productive members of our society. In my career for nearly 15 years, I have brought I have been brought into businesses that are functioning well, but struggle to take the next step. They seek an outside
perspective, not because their leadership or staff are incapable, but because they know that combining fresh external insights with deep institutional knowledge is the key to excelling and moving forward. It is a mark of a good leader to know when an outside when outside experience is needed. That is what I see here at Dear Public
Schools. And that is why I'm recommending Musa Hamma to be our next superintendent. MOSUSA will bring years of executive experience to our district, not just in the classroom and building level administration, but with comprehensive district-wide HR experience and financial knowledge. I believe he will honor our rich history
while chile while challenging our norms, not just for the sake of change, but to ensure we strengthen our best programs, improve those that are lacking, and bring fresh ideas to an experienced team. His 100 day, one-year, and three-year plans were thoughtful, detail- oriented, and impressed many, including myself. His attention to
detail and processoriented approach will elevate all of our programs. I can see him building exemplary teams that collaborate seamlessly across the district, ensuring equitable access, ensuring equity across buildings and programs for all of our students regardless of ability. He has what it
takes to lead their own public schools forward, ensuring all our students thrive and keep every decision focused on putting our students first. To my fellow trustees, I look forward to the discussion discussion at hand and hope we can come to a clear consensus tonight because tomorrow we will have a new
superintendent waiting in the wings and we must do everything in our power to support them while ensuring they meet the mission and vision we set forward for our district and our students trust. All right. Um uh once again good evening everybody and
uh I would like to uh thank everyone who spoke up who gave feedback. I want to thank John and Sheila again um for uh navigating us through this through this process. I echo every good thing I heard about
both candidates. We obviously have two qualified people who care about education. Um, I'm glad that a couple weeks ago I pushed for an extra week for us to deliberate. I apologize to my fellow trustees if that means you got too many phone calls, but uh uh I think
it really gave the community a time to really um deliberate everyone to be part of it. No one could say we rushed and uh we are making a deliberate decision. There's obviously two great members of our community that we're considering for this tonight. Uh it's clear to me that
both of them are deeply committed to students um and that they're both men of uh integrity and and respected in our community. And I think that that being said, reasonable, well-intentioned,
intelligent people can disagree on their conclusion in this process. I disagree with my colleague uh a couple seats to the left. I do not think um that our schools are in a state of catastrophe. Um I know that we have
issues that we need to take care of, but I don't hold that point of view. Um I also um am a little uh upset about hearing it you know saying that there are insinuations of corruption or dealings
and I I know that we have very active animated people in our community. Um but I don't hold and share that point of view. I listened closely to uh Mahadi Sophia and Yasmin tonight who I think um were
so powerful. When I think about who I would like to see as a superintendent, I think about leadership style that I can see in their presentations to us. I think about who can motivate and inspire
people towards a vision. I think about someone who has practiced and been well experienced in empathy towards all of our students. I heard ideas from both candidates. Um,
some I agreed with, some I didn't. I happen to agree with Sophia and Yes in their assessment that they gave earlier this evening. And while I said that we have two strong candidates, I keep coming back
to one candidate and that's Mr. Asala. I think there's value in having an organization where when somebody enters your organization and dedicates their life, their
professional life to it as a teacher, as an administrator, and then someone who works in central district administration and does a good job and has the reflect, the respect of their colleagues, the people that work with him most closely, the administrators union, and
the non-instructional union both enthusiastically supported him and endorsed him. I think it's important to have and foster an organization where when we look to leadership for leadership at the top
if we have well nurtured well experienced leaders among us even though we're conducting a national search and I'm so happy that we did because it kind of proved to me that we do nurture talent we do nurture superstars here in
our district and I think it's important to foster that culture to tell people if you enter our organization one day the top job will be open to you if you are good enough and I believe quite strongly that Mr. Saley is I think about the learning
curve that both of them will have um I think about uh one leader who has had two years of um central district administration experience in a district that is far smaller and far different than ours. I mean we are a complicated
place. Um it even if you're from here, if you haven't worked in here, it take it's going to take a while. And maybe some people think it's worth it. Uh I'm not sure that we have that luxury. Um I will say this, if uh if Mikey gets this
job, I will go from being an advocate for him tonight to becoming one of the loudest voices holding him accountable right away. He said that he can uh create ch that he'll be an agent of change which is very important to me and he said that he can do it more quickly
because he can do it from within and um I will be looking towards that. I think about the bond where we've already started work of three or four months at least on this bond vigorous work. We've had a number of meetings about it. We have to pass something in
November. Um, we don't have the luxury to wait until next year where there's no elections on the ballot and it has a larger chance of failing. We don't have the luxury to wait until 2028. We have to do something for our kids. Now, I believe that Mr. Salei gives us a much
better chance to pass a bond this year um because of the legit legitimacy he has with a lot of our parents in our community because of the administrators that will line up behind him to help us pass this bond. Um, I heard uh from um
Mr. Hama that he has some different ideas about the bond. That could be fine, but that could mean that we go back to the drawing board and that we possibly don't even get anything on the ballot in November and we can't afford to do that. Mike as the head of special education,
which by the way, special populations, which by the way, for people who don't know, was kind of a revolving door before he got there, um, and stabilized that, has navigated what many people believe, me included, some of the most complicated relationships in our district and been
able to get parents to see his vision and to become allies. That is a really unique type of leadership to me. I know some people say it's same old
same old if we select somebody from within. I don't I don't believe that. Um and we've had differing sort of messages in in our community over the last few weeks and which is great. I mean we're very involved and that's wonderful. Um, we had aspects of our community pushing
for an internal candidate, then pushing for an external candidate, and saying we can't have an internal C. Whatever. It's okay. That's politics. That's what we're doing here. Um, but I heard uh from Mr. Oeli during his interviews that he understands that he needs to be
an agent of change. And like I said, if he does become the next superintendent, uh I will go immediately like tomorrow to becoming uh somebody who will be pushing him immediately to make that change. Uh I believe that if we selected Mr. Hamco, we probably would have a
different feel um which means a longer much longer sort of period of adjustment and I'm not sure that we can afford that either. So, um, my strong endorsement tonight will go
to Micah Sale. Um, I want to thank everyone again for being so involved in this. Um, and we've had a uh interesting up and down emotionally night tonight. Thanks, Joanne. Um, you know, I remember, uh, Jim Valvano, this great
basketball coach, when he was dealing with cancer near the end of his life, he said, "Every day you should do three things. Um, laugh, think, and cry." And, uh, I think we've done those three things here today. Um, and maybe that'll get us to a decision. Uh, I urge my
fellow board members to, um, support Mr. Aseli for this position. I believe he's the right person at the right time and I believe he leads with empathy and he will come with an army of people supporting him, an army of people that
we have nurtured, that we have built up in this district and there's a lot of value to that. And so, um, that is where I stand, Mr. President. There there is an Arabic word called amana which really means something entrusted
in us. For me what's entrusted on on us is the duty to serve our kids. The duty to make sure that we select the right candidate for our kids. It's not about one person being better
than the other in regard to their personality or their character. It's who could take our district to the next level. The decision is grounded on qualification and as I said before, what's best for our kids. When I looked
at the when I went through the process, I took into consideration different criterias. experience the interview the character you know based on and all the feedback we received a lot of feedback for me I
received only one kind of feedback and I'll share in a little bit and it's really from the teachers um while both of them bring valuable experience you know one has a deeper background in in in the
school system school-based leadership as a principal One has 10 years as a principal, one has HR experience which um impact the whole district in many ways. I think for me in during the interview
process, I was looking for somebody that would take us and and improve where we are. I there's a lot of uh misunderstanding um or a lack of knowledge. While we have many positives at the district, there are many challenges that might not be
fully visible or reflected to the broader community. We have challenges, you know, with um with ELLL. We have challenges with, you know, um proficiencies. We have many challenges. I know people got upset at me last time
when I mentioned Fortson by name. Um and and that was just an example. It's across the district. Um, you know, we have 9,000 EL students. I feel like, you know, we focus, you know, on on the candidate being in
charge of special ed or special population, but nobody ever mentions EL of 9,000. So when I look at the broader picture, it's like I want somebody that will be overseeing the whole district, somebody
that has a a strong background from an educational uh curriculum. I want somebody that, you know, with regard to the bond, uh it's really really important, but you could have shiny buildings. If you don't have the
right leaderships, it doesn't take you anywhere. We do need the bond to pass. that's not taken away from it, but let's not use the bond as a way to say uh put this person in because they're what's best for the bond versus what's best for the kids. I I just want to differentiate
the two things. Um so one of my main reason for choosing Mr. Hanka is change. Change is really really critical for me and we want somebody that's not afraid of change. We want somebody that um has an
objective viewpoint that's not going to be impacted by the same same that has been going on. Uh and like I said, there's positives in the district, but there's also some challenges that you
know people are not aware of. um as I you know one of my criteria is to see how the feedback is provided to us and what I saw is the the administrators were pushing for
um one person and the staff were pushing for another person and that kind of led me to think of other things. It's it's a the culture of fear. So the question that I had was why are so many teachers afraid? If you
notice barely any teachers come and speak for Mr. Humpa, but and I said before I don't get many calls, but I do get calls from teachers to speak on their behalf. I actually sent an email to the our interimm superintendent and our
HR executive director asking them to send something. And I I I I'll focus on the word ask to send something to the teachers to reassure them that there's no repercussion or retribution. I I asked for that and and
the response that I got from one of the trustees is they have freedom of speech. Well, there is freedom of speech, but go and speak on behalf of Aza. Go and speak on behalf of Is that truly um freedom of speech? No, it's limited. Go at your
corporation and speak about your boss. is that freedom of speech. So, our teachers are afraid and that tells me there's a culture of fear. Um, we really need a change. Uh, we can't we can't continue this way. Mr. is doing a good
job with the special ed. Um, he's not I I don't even know what's going on with ELLL because I'm not sure because I don't think it's it's going well. I think he'll continue doing a great job for us in special ed. It's not taking anything away from him. But we want a leader that
really, you know, a superintendent is not a specialized task for one thing. It's really leading our whole district. They wear many hats. Whether it's the as as people mentioned the the the bond, whether it's the curriculum, whether
it's, you know, uh staffing, staffing is critical because we want to make sure we retain our teachers. you know, the toxic environment that I'm hearing, uh, it doesn't help us retaining teachers. It It's really And
so, going back to the change, one of the things that really really hit me, and I know I'm going to offend people, forgive me, but I I I tend to speak bluntly at times. It's going to be hard for someone that is internal to make changes given
that everybody is supporting them internally because change is an objective and an unbiased. You have to be sometimes you're not going to be people's best friend. You have to do what's best um what's best for the
district, what's best for the kid. That really worries me that I I think I don't see that happening um because of having that relationship and people supporting you to get the position. But
that's not the main focus. I want change because I want somebody that has the experience, that has the knowledge, and that has the potential. They're not both of them don't have superintendent experience, you know. So, we have to it's it's really in
comparison. We're comparing two candidates. We're not comparing um you know, somebody that was a superintendent and somebody that's not. I truly believe and if you notice when I picked my top two, you know, I didn't pick Mr. Humpa. I'm going into this very objectively and
fluidly. I did not make up my mind. Um I made it based on what I saw. And if you saw the final interview, you could see a difference, a major difference. Now, some people would say no, it's not, but we put questions in
there specifically to see how people handle it. And I felt Mr. Hanka handled it very well. Um, I've never met him before. I don't know him, but he really impressed me. And we do need a change. We need to make sure our teachers are uh
protected and feel free to speak freely. This is not a We all came from overseas where there's um you're not allowed to speak in some places. We came to this country because we want to have that freedom to speak and um support who
we want. So in saying that, I would support Mr. Ham. Good evening everyone. Thank you to um everyone that has participated and contributed to this process. Um a lot of feedback, a lot of um participation and presence and it's
it's really been um amazing to see for the most part. Um, my speech now includes a bunch of my thoughts and feelings on the process as a collective and um, I'm sharing that right now instead of after the vote because unfortunately I know many will, you
know, walk away or turn off the the stream and so I want this message to to be heard right now. This decision is probably one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made and it's a decision that I did not really make until the 11th hour. despite
all the rumblings and rumors about this being a predetermined process in November when I was appointed only weeks before. Although at times I wish this deliberation period were shorter, I was relieved to have had so much time to connect with so many members of our
district and our community, staff, teachers, administrators, students. It is my duty and obligation to listen to the feedback, review the provided material from the candidates, and use all available resources to make an informed decision. And again, despite
what some may say, I can proudly and confidently say that I have done just that. I have treated this decision with the gravity it deserves, knowing that our choice today will help shape the trajectory of our schools for years to come. I have reviewed every email and every response from all of the the
feedback forms. I've dug into data and conducted my own research to better learn and understand. I have met and had meetings over enough tea to possibly have caused health issues. >> And I have received over 300 phone calls in the last 5 days alone. And I
apologize to the hand the handful of ones that I did not get back to. While I can proudly share the number this large number of communications that came through and that I had, I can say with deep disappointment and shame that many of those communications were
nothing to be proud of. Throughout this process, I have been relentlessly harassed, cursed at, shamed, and threatened. My wife and family members have been harassed for reasons I just cannot comprehend and I do not accept. I understand that we are a passionate and involved community, but as members of
this district, as human beings, too many lines have been crossed. It is absolutely okay to encourage and to support your candidate of preference. But attaching their name to your hatred, your slander, and your bullying is not only irresponsible, it's absolutely
unfair to those candidates. Mr. Hammed does not deserve this. Mr. Aseli does not deserve this. And most importantly, our students do not deserve this. The fingerpointing, blaming, and slandering I have seen towards each other, the board, and the candidates has brought me nothing but shame and embarrassment in
full honesty. This community has been advocating for the candidate they think is the best example for our students. But what does that even matter when this is the example we have been setting for them throughout this process? I hope we can all remember that we're all human beings. And yes, we can disagree, but we all have a duty to
respect one another. And every single one of us deserves that respect. Now I know we are here to discuss these two candidates and I would like to acknowledge the finalists Mr. Mike Sy and Mr. Musa. One of my biggest takeaways from this process is that we are so blessed to have two amazing
leaders who have stepped up to serve our community and to serve our students. I want to thank them both for putting themselves out there and for their willingness, dedication, and vulnerability. And I also want to apologize for what them and their families have gone through throughout this process. It's so unfortunate that
we've had two highly qualified, successful, and exemplary leaders running for this position. Members of our own community decided to do nothing but tear them down. We would be absolutely blessed as a school district to have either one of them lead us, and
it's so unfortunate we've taken this opportunity for granted. I have the utmost respect and admiration for both candidates, and I'm so proud and also devastated that I have to choose just one of them. I understand that I need to make a decision. I understand that some people will be
hurt, disappointed, or left feeling hopeless. I ask that everyone respect the outcome of this process and stand together, united behind whoever is selected. I ask that you offer this new superintendent an opportunity to earn your trust and respect.
To all the threats about boycotting, ruining careers, sabotaging the bond, I say this, shame on you. Because regardless of who's sitting in my seat, in this seat today, tomorrow, in five years, our students are still in this district, and they are the only ones you
will be hurting. We are all responsible collectively for the current state of our schools, and we are all equally responsible for writing that ship regardless of who sits there. After much deliberation, thought, and
reflection, and despite intimidation tactics and threats that I do not bow down to, I have selected the candidate that I believe is best for our district at this time. Considering the entirety of information provided, paired with the experience and the challenges ahead, I would like to offer my full support for
Mr. Mike Saley. I'll leave it at that. Thank you very much. >> I would like to thank MLI first for helping us through this process. And as I've stated without apology, I've been here before.
Not only that, but I along with my former fellow trustees, nobody seated here, we chose the last two Dearborn superintendent who went on to become state superintendent. The first was very non-traditional, an
external candidate. with his vision. He gave students an opportunity to earn a two a free two-year associate degree during high school, which which has um not only begun but been expanded over the years. The second was a lifetime
career employee who worked up the ranks inside Dearborn Public Schools for 10 years. He led the district through several school community upheavalss. Everybody remember the band the books with a calm, inclusive and thoughtful direction.
The first was brought in to course correct a fractured school environment. The first superintendent the second came to add on with a steady approachable leadership. Both had their critics before, during,
and after. No choice is without its challenges, but each choice can have significant impact. I assess this selection with the same mindset. Assumptions, perceptions, support or criticism are usually fueled
by what relationships have evolved from a negative or positive experience with an individual. I will not react to those pressures. It's disappointing that rumors and personal biases have muddied the current conversation.
Distrust was expected, but very unfortunate. I believe it has been demonstrated that decisions in the best interests of our students have been made in the past and will continue and my years of board experience has helped me identify those
characteristics needed for the next superintendent. We have heard rumors of a predetermined outcome. We hear that routinely with many hires within the district. I have no idea how to address these claims when we must make decisions based upon
relevant characteristics not always apparent or understood by those looking on while delivering a choice not everyone agrees with. I read every document, survey, or email presented and we got a slew last night. I listened
with intent to candidate responses and presentations made. I spoke with those who approached me with their thoughts and considerations. I have taken all these factors into account. I have listened to you. I've made a choice that I'm confident on. I do not believe
efforts to influence or intimidate should control this election, but rather my best judgment. It's worked in the past. Both candidates appear qualified. Both are really truly members of the Dearborn community. But one has a
perspective of understanding that cannot be replaced by reading data off a website. Building performance is not just numbers to be studied. It is embedded in people who can relate that data with student needs and can define
the progress made. While Mikey may not have referenced data points specific to the district in some answers, that does not negate his knowledge of them. Facts and figures are not the complete picture. What I heard was he would take
the time to explore the results within each building and determine with a team approach the next steps to improve the outcomes. He did not assign blame or claim to have the solution alone. He will advance our vision but with
calculation not presumption. He is prepared to act and take accountability. Micely as executive director of special populations has years of experience that I would liken to a small district within a district. He manages a budget totaling
approximately $150 million. He's responsible for compliance with special education populations while also overseeing our unique Henry Ford Early College program. He has the responsibility of seeking and managing
grants and hiring staff that are in short supply and high demand. His student academic engagement touches preschool through college associate degrees. He works to support students at all grade levels and all abilities. The very nature of his job requires him to
routinely connect and communicate effectively and empathetically with others, be it students, staff, or parents. Mike has had the opportunity to advocate on behalf of Dearbornne schools in both Lancing and Washington DC and
many have shared with me the ideas that have been discussed with Mike detailing plans that are very much forwardthinking and student centered. Concerns have been shared regarding favoritism and nepotism. The truth is both candidates come from come with
community and district relationships. I believe board oversight and personal integrity will be the driving po force for all personnel decisions. And finally, passing a bond cannot be attributed to one person. Success
requires a full team of committed community members. Mike will help steer, but we all play a role that determines the outcome. Micely demonstrates a genuine collaborative nature where I believe he will continue to learn and grow with others, not just lead by
command. A truly transformative nature can inspire others to own the change, not just direct it. My selection of Mike Cely is not based on whether I like him or not. None of us will accept the status quo anymore and neither will
Miley. Good evening everybody. First of all, I want to thank our two candidates, two great candidates. And as I said when we were selecting a president of the college, we had three great candidates. If I could take them all and take
something from each one of them and mold them into one person, it would have been a home run. But unfortunately um it doesn't work that way. Um so it's a very tough decision and I have to um
say that Nazareth in regards to the our community and what we've been put through in the last six weeks has been something that I never thought I would see in my lifetime here. Um, I'm a
longtime community resident. Um, I do a lot for this community and to see the division of rivalry I is unbelievable. Our families have went through a lot. We've taken a lot of abuse.
Um, unfortunately, I'm sorry for anyone who has taken this abuse. it's not needed and we shouldn't be doing these kind of acts. Um, from from my perspective,
uh, I've had as many phone calls and emails as all of my colleagues here. I've tried to answer and respond to everyone. I have read everyone. Um and um even the surveys I have to say
that you know um I don't want to say they're false readings but I truly did not believe in the readings that we were getting uh 488 or whatever the number was out of all of our teachers. So um
and I know people are afraid to talk. They don't want to put their names out uh because of what they may face after we leave here tonight and it's just unfair.
Um so I'd like to first of all um talk about Mike Ailei. Okay. and um you know he's just demonstrated the leadership and the qualities necessary
effectively serve the students, the staff and this community of Dearborn public schools. His experience within the district along with his commitment to the student achievement, transparency, and collaboration aligns with the values we believe are essential
for the next superintendent. Throughout the interview process, Mr. ly emphasized the importance of strong communications, building trust departments and working collaboratively with the stakeholders. Additionally, his
focus on expanding student reports including mental health services and his efforts to strengthen the community, the partnerships reflect comprehensive approach to the meeting and the needs of all students.
I am supporting Mike Ailei because he possesses the unique combination of strong leadership, deep district knowledge and the strategic vision necessary to move us forward. Foundationally fixer and change agent.
He knows exactly where the check-in foundations are. As a proven change agent, he has the insight to fill those cracks immediately and the skills to build upon the foundation in a clear, effective way. Instructional leadership
at all three levels. He has proven experienced leadership, instructions, teachers, administrations, and at the elementary level, middle level, high school levels, ensuring he understands the educational journey of every student in our district. the
expansion of career pathway in the CTE. His plans for the CTE road mapaps with Henry Ford Early College and the MBCC will create vital pathways for all of our high school students to maintain and
increase enrollment. Deep district roots and insight. As a former student, teacher, builder, leader, and central office administrator, Mike understands Dearbornne at a level that cannot be taught. He knows our families, our students, and our community unique
needs. This will allow not only change, but inform change that our district and students need. Innovation and retention in one of our systems most complex areas. Mike hasn't just maintained programs, he's improved them. He's
introduced innovative ways to attractive and retain the staff while strengthening students and support district-wise. His clarity and classroom focus. During the interview process, he demonstrated sharp focus on literacy and district-wide alignments, ensuring that administrative
priorities actually translate into the results in the classroom. Accountability through the relationship. I believe, Mike, deep internal relationships are an asset, not a liability. Strong leaders, relationships
to hold people accountable with both strength and fairnesses. And finally, he is committed to improving student outcomes by outlining clear steps at each level, preK, elementary, middle, and high school post. Secretary
has worked on projects like promoting military renewals, bonds. As a cabinet member, he has built various community relationships and will be able to help us pass this bond. My choice is Mike Ailei.
I'll call you by your your title, not two seats away from me. Uh the what I coded is what a teacher and parent said, whether we agree with them or not. That's what they said. And um I
do agree with them as far as the infrastructure. We have buildings that are unfortunately breaking down. I mean, I don't know if you visited Lori before, but I I I wish you I I think you did recently. So, um that is what I agree with. Uh as
far as the DF, uh the the administrator's union, I did receive that endorsement and I I questioned the the current president as far as were your members pulled like DFT did?
Did you ask your membership? I have not received a response. I also asked Because this is again it was a breach of school resources using school email to send that kind of letter. You should be
sending it through your personal email and you should be sending it outside school hours. I I believe I don't know if you were on PTO at that day when you sent that email, but I'm still awaiting that response.
Um, so I I I kind of respect the idea that you're saying that you're going to be holding people accountable after they get appointed and uh I I will watch for that. Um, but one thing that I I know and I have
always advocated for is consensus and seems like this board is divided on who do we want to select as our next superintendent. So what I suggest my commas uh something I'm not going to call it out of the box,
but an idea of taking more time um and keeping our interim superintendent who is doing a phenomenal job for the time being until we may have to reconsider or redo this process all over
again because everybody knows how I felt during our semi uh finalist interviews. So, I I'll just put that point for consideration. Thank you. >> Um, I do want to make a comment uh with
regard to the trustees making promises that they will keep the new superintendent account accountable. That's a little disheartening because all this time you should have been keeping whoever is in place
accountable. It's not something that you just start doing because it's the person that you want. Accountability, you know, our role is to make sure we're doing it from the start. So that that really baffled me that
statement that a few trustees said because now they're saying we're going to make sure we're going to mentor, we're going to coach, we're going to that just tells me that you feel like that person is not ready if you're going to do that. Uh why didn't we mentor uh
Dr. Mleco? Why didn't we tell Dr. Mleco to do things and hold him accountable? I'm not saying, but to say that that just um it doesn't make sense to me. Uh Trusty Pleov, >> uh A, I don't think anybody mentioned
mentoring this individual. I I mean, I don't recall hearing that. Uh B, accountability comes in the form of of an evaluation that the state requires us to do. So accountability is embedded in the whole process of this employee being
our responsibility to ensure that our directions and um what we feel is necessary for the district is um recognized and it's the superintendent's job to manage the day-to-day uh
realities of um achieving those goals that we set. That's where the accountability is from the board and every board should be uh saying that they're going to hold their employee accountable and the evaluation process is an accountability process where we
set goals and then meet again to find out and that's set by the state. I'm not sure what uh >> so uh with all due respect, you did not say those words and you're speaking on behalf of someone else. That's >> No, I said I didn't hear anyone saying
that. >> Mentioned that he'll start tomorrow or something like that. That to make sure that he works with the superintendent to me. Why are we starting tomorrow? Why haven't we started when we got elected? >> Well, I can't I can't speak. Well, you
spoke and >> I said nobody said they would mentor the superintendent >> and and and maybe you shouldn't have and and and my thing is >> our superintendent should be ready to go the best qualified but we should not start men I use the word mentoring
coaching but when somebody I'm going to be holding them accountable that that is what they're doing they're just making sure now that the new superintendent does what they need to do versus we should have been doing that all along. That's all I'm saying.
Any other comments? >> No, I don't have any. >> Okay. Um, so let's entertain a motion. Um, I'll make a motion. >> I could do that. And I have my lawyer
over here. So just for the record uh there was a a situation where uh it was said that the chair could not make a motion and after talking to our legal counsel at HFC and our legal counsel at
P12 it is said that based on the uh the board uh the number of boards that we the chair is able to do that. So I I would ask in the future, give us uh the common courtesy beforehand to investigate or talk to our
legal counsel when you bring something new that we need to change from a procedural standpoint. Um >> I do a point of order though. Um, it is generally noted that the board chair or president calls on somebody else who
wants to make a motion before they jump in and and call themselves because we can't make a motion without the the chair approving it. And you've already said you are going to usurp our ability to make a motion and you're going to make the first motion. for me
>> it's to to set a precedence because I was asked to relinquish the the chair and we have our lawyer here uh Adam could you speak to that am I able to make a motion >> uh from Miller Johnson uh under Robert's rules of order with a small board it is
permissible for the chair to make a motion um I I understand the point of order that's been raised by trustee Petoff uh But ultimately in terms of the rules themselves, they do permit the the sheriff. >> No, I just pointing out that it it it is.
>> Mr. Blocklock, isn't it also true that under those rules of small boards that are in Robert's rules, which I don't really care to talk about tonight, but um that motions also need not be seconded under those small bureau rules. >> That is an accurate statement under >> Can you say can that is that is correct.
>> An accurate statement. >> An accurate that is correct. So, so if we operated under those rules, we can't just pick and choose which of those seven rules we want to operate. We'd have to operate under all of them. Well, and so one thing that I suggest uh and I suggest this to all boards when they are
dealing with a important decision is to try and stick to the rules that they've operated under traditionally. >> Uh and so I I I note that because that is a a common statement that I make to boards uh is to try and follow process and don't change it during a a big
decision. >> Thank you, Adam, for coming. Uh I knew we were going to need you, trustee. Uh I I can keep that tradition and make a motion if possible. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Thank you. Uh I'll uh since uh some board members obviously they they did
say who their preferred candidate would be. Uh however um some of my colleagues and correct me if I'm wrong said they would not have a problem with either uh candidate being the superintendent. So I I make a motion to appoint uh Mr. Musa
Humpa as our next superintendent uh pending contract negotiations. >> It's a for the public. It's it's still even though people spoke and stated their opinion, you could still motion
and lose the motion. So just just from a procedure standpoint, >> uh I will second that motion. >> Thank you. >> Discussion. Roll >> call. Sorry, discussion. Sorry. Go ahead. Um,
so there there's seven of us on this board for a reason because sometimes decisions are made 43 and that's normal. Um, US Congress sometimes makes decisions of great importance 218 to suit 217. So us making a decision 4 to three um
with my I don't know if there's any math teachers out there but that's something like uh almost 60% of the board. Um I uh I'm I'm disappointed that we're making this motion when the will of the board was clear. Um and uh
>> vote no. >> I'm um I'll be voting no and I'll be entertaining um a motion um for Mr. Asali after this motion I I hope fails. Um and uh only because the will of the
board has been clear and um I think Mr. Sy deserves a vote um as the will of the board has been made clear. So I I'll be voting no. >> So I think uh yeah I mean you you have every right to vote any kind of way. I mean that's just
why we are a board and we are um uh you know we have the rights to vote and speak how we want. So do you want to make roll calls? If there's no other questions, we can run. >> You asking me to do a roll call? >> Yeah, please. >> Okay. The motion on the table is to
appoint uh Mr. Musa Hamama as the superintendent pending contract negotiations. Trustee Bazzy, >> yes. >> Trusty Drosio, >> no. >> Trustee Mos, >> yes. >> Trusty Pitchkov, >> no. >> Trusty Subah, >> no. >> Trusty Zaher, no. President Ojah,
>> yes. >> That's 34. It fails. Mr. President, >> no, it's okay. They could uh Mr. Is there right uh is there before trusty bazar makes
his u motion I made the suggestion earlier about keeping this process or restarting the process and not to say that this process has failed. I mean Mr. Mr. Larry mentioned this um at our last board
meeting that we could come here and say we're not happy with both candidates and that's not the case here, but we're seems like we're we're we're definitely divided and I I do acknowledge that there are four board members who would like the other candidate, but I I'd like
that superintendent to start with a full backing of the board, at least the vast majority, which is not happening right now. Um, so I would I would consider um restarting the process. >> I'm not making a motion. I just want to say something.
>> Yeah. >> Trusty Zar, >> um, first, if you, uh, Trusty Mos, if you would like us to, um, I guess go back to the draw, however you want to say it. Um, I imagine that would require a
motion. So, you could make a motion to that effect. I think that should something like that should only be done through a motion. Uh I would vote no on that motion too. Um we are not divided. We have it. It's totally conceivable that we could end up
in a situation I said it before and I'll say it again. I believe that reasonable, well-intentioned, intelligent people can disagree on the conclusion that we are making here today. But the will of the board is clear in my point of view. Um
and all of us I think demonstrated very much to the community that we thought about this in a deliberative fashion that we took it very seriously and we came to the conclusions that we came to. Um divided to me would be like three
people went one way, three people went another way and one person said I don't know what to do. That would be divided. Yes, >> but uh I don't think that um we're divided and and frankly I fear that we would lose some uh legitimacy to the community if we fail to make the decision that we're uh frankly elected
to do. Um the only job that we actually hired. So um I would not be in favor of stopping um or going back to the drawing board or whatever it may be. Um I would uh hope that somebody would put up a motion for Mr. and I'll support that
motion. uh before just a comment before I I think at the end of the day, you know, it's a majority vote and then Trusty Bazzy and we'll respect that. But to say we have um you know, some kind of consensus because
there's four people in support. What >> I did say consensus. I didn't use that word. >> I said what? You know, you're making it sound like we're all in in agreement. >> I I didn't say that. >> So, how did you say it? >> I said the will of the board. The will of the board clear. >> Okay. So the will of the board in your
opinion is the four people. >> The hold second uh please. >> And you're saying the other three people are not the will of the board. So you're you're talking from majority from a majority perspective. I respect that and I agree with you. But the the word will
of the board, it's okay. Like I said, for me at the end of the day, once we vote, once we, you know, get a majority, we we're going to respect that. This is the way this board is made up. Um, I wasn't sure who said first. Trusty Petoff.
>> Yes. I move that we appoint Mr. Micah Saley pending contract negotiations for the next superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools. >> I second that. I second that motion. >> Any comments for discussion? Please.
>> Well, that motion Oh, >> it was seconded by >> I didn't hear that. it's on the table. >> I just want to say we've we've followed a process has come to a conclusion with two qualified candidates. As I said earlier, you know, I think either one of them is qualified to be our
superintendent and have expressed my point of view and why I selected whom I selected, but I will not vote no on WALI. I would encourage all the trustees to vote yes on this motion as MLI has um as
as John and Sheila have advised us would be a great practice. Um unless I came in today not completely knowing what the results would be. Maybe all seven of us might be
in that position. And if the will of the board went um the other way, I was prepared to vote yes on a motion that supported that person because I think it's important that our next superintendent come in with the full
support of the board on paper. So my my advice to my fellow trustees would be unless you have a really deep uh sort of moral objection uh to one of the two candidates um that
if the will of the board is clear, which I believe it is here, um that you all vote yes on this motion. I >> I do want to say I I take uh offense to that um saying moral uh objection. We we we vote. It's nothing personal.
>> I'm just giving my opinion. Just giving my opinion. >> It's it's it's everyone's right to vote and I stress to vote the way they want. >> Uh you could be 6170. Like it doesn't really matter. Uh at the end of the day for me, I promise to support the superintendent that's
elected. That is the one thing I could say. I will support the superintendent that's elected. But allow me to vote the way I want to vote. you know if that's if that's okay. So is there any other discussion that >> trusty professor scoff and then >> okay
>> I just wanted to say that um at the end of the day the behavior of the board is going to represent to the school community either we are working as a team or we're
a divided community. it will carry into how that messaging goes out. Um and and I agree because I've been in this position in the past of um years ago
at the college, not here. Um so I'm not going to take anybody's right away. What I do want to make sure is at the end of the day because at that time and now the the conversation has to be
that we as a board are going to pre present a support group that is going to um back our new superintendent. At the same time, it is going to be
dedicated to making sure this district moves forward. No transformation happens on its own. And um it it's concerning that if the only reason
you have a no is a a personal choice, then um we may not be sending a the strongest message to the school community that Miley is going to get all of the um resources he needs
in order to be successful. I I think that's that's a wrong um way of looking at things. Trusty Petoff, when they had the vote at HFC for the president, you were the only No. >> You were not there. You don't know what occurred. >> You told me, you know, you always tell
us about your experience. I heard >> we have a motion on the table. Can we just go ahead? >> You're the You're the one that's speaking and then you kind of It bothers you. My thing is we will support the superintendent regardless what the vote is. for me. I guarantee you I will be
very supportive of the superintendent, but allow us to vote the way we want to vote. >> You certainly may. >> So, go ahead. Trusting us. Uh, to I don't want to go back and forth, but just making the record straight.
Not two weeks ago, Trusty Zar voted an abstension when we appointed the president. Mhm. >> Um and then now he's saying moral and that that is very offensive to me because if I had such a moral
disagreement with Mr. I would be saying it at this table. I don't disagree that Mr. is a fine amazing person who have I worked with on so many things and um I will back this board's decision the
majority decision. And I've said this and I will say it again and I will back I'll become their biggest supporter, but I I will say I I will hold that superintendent, whomever it is, accountable. Uh we have major things to
to resolve in this district. And um the promises of of being an agent of change, I will be looking forward to those promises and I'll be working hand in hand uh if that's going to be the case. So I I totally disagree that to say to
voting no it means that you have a moral disagreement or something that is questioning our moral compass. >> Thank you. >> Yeah trustar. >> So just to be I I I try to choose my words carefully and I think I did when I
spoke. So I just want to clarify to the community what I said. I was just advising urging my fellow board members to uh in I said unless you have a deep moral objection just my advice you everyone is
free to do whatever they want that I think you should vote yes if you think the will of the board is going one way also uh that is true I abstained at the vote of the Henry Ford College presidency um I think over a couple months my reasons were clear about that also our bylaws say that when you
abstain you are acuest pressing with the majority if uh it's actually not a no vote. It's a vote that acquiesces with the majority. >> Not really. >> That's what our bylaws say actually. If I >> Oh my god. >> That's what our bylaws say. So it wasn't a no vote. So uh I'm ready to call the question if if anyone else is.
>> So go ahead, call the vote, but let's not let's not say one thing and we've done something else in the past. >> Let's go with the roll call because we're going to go back and forth and if it's if it's okay and there's no other com >> move forward. Yes.
>> Okay. The motion on the table is to appoint Mr. Micah Sy as the superintendent pending of Dearborn Public Schools pending contract negotiations. A yes vote appoints him. Uh a yes vote would be in favor of appointing him. A no vote would not. >> Trusty Bazzy, >> yes.
>> Trusty Drosio, >> yes. >> Trusty Mos, >> no. >> Trusty Pelichkov, >> yes. >> Trusty Sub, >> yes. >> Trusty Zaher, yes. President Jamie, >> no. That's a 52 vote and the motion passes. Next item, please.
I'll ask for order. I'll I'd encourage everyone to stay because there's important things being discussed as well. The next item is discussion next steps on contract negotiations with Mr. John Si. So you have now selected the person, >> yes, >> that you would like to be your next
superintendent. You have not yet hired that person. Uh next order of business is to negotiate a contract. Once you've done so, then you'll take action, formal action at a board meeting to actually appoint and hire that person as your next superintendent. So um you folks
need then to make a decision about how you want to go about contract negotiations. There are various ways that districts go about this. There's not necessarily one one somewhat common practice that you may want to consider. I'll throw this out there to start discussion, but you can take this
anywhere you need to is to um go the committee route where you empower three members of the board to represent the full board uh in contract negotiations. You may well involve your attorney as well. I know you've involved an attorney in terms of drafting a contract. It's
entirely possible that uh Mr. Saley will empower an attorney as well to represent his interest in that case. You'll certainly want to have dialogue between the two attorneys. But regardless of that, um again, in terms of best practice, common practice, that's
something that we see fairly often. If there's a standing committee already that might be appropriate for that, um job, you may want to go that route as well versus having discussion about which three of you would necessarily want to appoint for this role. So, um I
understand you've got a superintendent evaluation committee, you've got a finance committee. I'm sure you've got others, too. That choice is yours. Um but that may be the path that you want to take going forward. Only a suggestion, but clearly you need to walk out of here today with a plan going
forward as to how you're going to approach negotiations. >> I I would suggest the committee rout we're already doing that at Henry Ford College and we already have three people who are in the committee, trustes,
trustee Mazi and trustee Zar. I would suggest uh taking the other members, trustee Mazib, trustee Petlov, and trustee Dumbrosia to be that committee so we don't have two committees going at the same time
because there's a different contract negotiating going on. That is my suggestion. Trustee >> I have an alternative suggestion which is to go just through the chair if that's possible to yes because I seems like committee work takes a very long
time and we want this wrapped up quickly because we want contract negotiations to go quickly because July is approaching and we know the summertime and so many meetings that we still have and so many graduations and I fear that if we have a committee we going to just go in
circles. So I would say if we can empower the chair to do the contract negotiations along with our general counsel. >> I go ahead trust sir. >> Um Mr. Svi and Sheila sorry I forgot your last name. >> Alice.
>> Alice. Okay. Miss Alice and Mr. Si. Um, if what is your opinion on how uh this stuff would have to be done public if you get into a back and forth with the with the uh president or the
superintendent designate um this have to be done I guess I'm asking Mr. Bllelock too. Bllelock. Okay. Uh, sorry, I know everybody by first name. So, if that has to be done publicly, if if you need to sort of publicly say we're going back
and forth under OMA and all, what is your guys' opinion on on that? Can we just tell one person, whether it's a chair or anybody, could we just tell one person, you go direct this, and they go back and forth with the candidate without there being eyes of the public on it?
I mean, could I ask a question for Trusty Z? Uh, and then like what what is going on right now with the HFC because it'll be similar. >> Well, at at HFC, there's a a committee that was appointed by former chair Mos last October. And what we've done is
we've talked in our last open meeting uh at HFC on April 20th, we talked about openly among all of us which supersedes a committee that um what we wanted our
uh council to do. And so so far she has presented Mr. Kis they presented Mr. Kisik who is also represented by council with a contract. Mr. Kinesis has replied to her. She has let the committee members know via email correct what the
what the response was to by Mr. Kinesis council to that contract and so now we have to have a committee meeting properly noticed to talk about it and then I don't know how many times they'll go back and forth but that's and I'm just asking if whether or not we can
empower one person to do that without it being under or three people or whatever without it being public meetings. If that's true then you know then we can go faster over at HFC2. >> So my answer to that is you can empower a single person to have the back and forth. I'd suggest that they use legal
counsel as appropriate as part of that back and forth. Uh and then ultimately the contract will come back to the full board for approval. Okay. But so okay and so one person we empower one person to go back and forth with uh Mr.
and then but when it comes to the board okay that person should not be communicating with other members of the board while they're going back and forth. I I think that it's perfectly appropriate to get feedback on what that contract looks like. >> So that person could have single one-on-one conversations with other people
>> so that when it does come in front of the board, we don't got to like send it back again and all that. >> Yes. >> Okay. Great. >> All right. Great. >> If if I may, we've entrusted trustee me for the whole process to handle the working with MLI in um in the search
process. >> Do you want to uh I I would like to continue that if it's okay. I if the board is okay with that, I think this is, you know, might as well finish uh get to the finish line. >> If he accepts, it's okay. >> I will only agree if there are no
obligations. >> Are you guys okay with it? Is everybody okay with that? >> At the end of the day, we're still going to >> As long as you're >> obviously communicate with all of the board members >> and and with the lawyer. >> Sure. >> I'm okay with that. I trust Trusty Mosup
to do that. >> We need a motion for that. Let's for the sake. >> You think we should make a motion, Mr. Bla? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'll move that uh Trustee Mos be empowered to negotiate directly with Mr. uh on his contract. >> Second.
>> Okay. Roll call. >> No discussion. >> Yeah. No discussion. I didn't They all shook their heads. >> Trusty Bazy. >> Yes. >> Trusty Deio. >> Yes. >> Trusty Mos. >> Yes. >> Trusty Pelichoff. >> Yes. >> Trusty Suba? >> Yes. >> Trusty Zaher? Yes. President Jim?
>> Yes. 70. >> Anything else? >> Anything else? Uh, John and Sheila, >> um, if you, uh, would need us to weigh in at all, uh, with negotiations, you don't need us to handle it, but if there were questions in terms of the back and forth, you needed an opinion, uh, you
can certainly contact us. Um, beyond that, going forward, just a reminder that per our agreement, there are two things that we are committed to. One of them is we would come back and conduct a new orientation session for the new governance team, which is going to
include your new superintendent. That typically is a three-hour evening session. So, um you would just simply have to request that if and when you were ready to do so, and we'd be happy to fulfill that obligation. The second part is that we also have a commitment to mentoring the new superintendent for
his first year on the job. So, um, just to let you know that that will be available as well. We'll communicate that to Mr. Aseli and we will be ready readily available to support and assist him in whatever way he may need that throughout his first year.
>> All right. U, Trusty Zard and then trust >> Mr. Si that three-hour orientation center session and first of all, thank you. I think it's important the community knows that you guys you guys have been so professional in this process and we thank you for that. And I think it's great. I mean, I feel good
knowing that you're going to be around for a while um helping us transition into all of this. Um that three-hour orientation session, does that usually happen before the contract is signed or after the contract is signed and they start >> or when does that usually happen? I
>> in in my experience, it normally happens relatively soon after the new superintendent u begins after the role. So, after July >> after July 1. Okay, great. Thanks. >> All right. Um, I see Trusty Bas and Trusty Mazouth.
>> I just want to say thank you to the both of you. Um, I think I've said this before, I want to say it publicly. Your steady hand through this whole process has been amazing. Um, going through the process, answering questions, helping us get to this point, uh, has been something that has been extremely
valuable. Um, and you know, based on the recommendation recommendations I heard coming in here, your reputation precedes you. You guys have done a a fantastic job and thank you very much. >> Appreciate that. Thank you. I concur those sentiments. I've said this before. Thank you, Mr. S, and thank you, Miss
Alice, for all of your work. I uh truly truly appreciate your time and your availability as well whenever I called to ask a lot of questions. So, thank you for that. And I've already started recommending you to other districts. >> We appreciate that. Thank you. >> Um
>> the legacy lives on. >> Are there referral fee? Do we get referral fees? >> You do not sadly. >> Same here. I concur. this has been um a very fluid process. Um very quick process. I mean, we had the college and
it took a while. So, we really appreciate you and um and I'll say this to everyone that's been involved. Also, thank you, Adam, for being able to talk on the weekend and um and coming here. And I thank everyone. I I do want to say
to everyone, I assure you that we will support Mr. 100%. We are not here to just because we disagree on the vote that we will not support him. Um it's a it's just sometimes we have to stick to
our personal uh beliefs who should be but once the decision is made it's 70. So I just want to say that >> just want to say one more thing. I want to say thank you to our interim superintendent during all of this time.
She's been another She's been another setting hand and I'll say and and nity if you disagree with me trustee so if you disagree with me feel free to we jumped into this and then two months later she jumped into that and got done what needed to get done got us
what we need to do a lot of work um a lot of long days a lot of weekends um jumping right in getting done what needs to get done and moving us forward consistently. So, thank you. Interim superintendent Soore >> go ahead.
>> You folks as well, you've been really great to work with. >> You have been. No, seriously. You >> You truly have been. >> You have followed the You have followed the process with Fidelity. You put you put your trust in us to do so. We appreciate that. It's been great. again. You know, I've been here several times,
but great to work with your entire school community again. Uh you have a very passionate school community, that's for sure. And people who love their students, love their school district, love their community, and that passion comes out in no uncertain terms. We know
what and we understand and we know it's it's it's tough when there's division and when people have strongly held opinions and they don't agree with one another. You said that you spoke to that. uh trustees are as well. But um you know as well as we do at this point
it's in everybody's best interest, right? That your new superintendent is highly successful um and is able to thrive in this role because the direct beneficiary beneficiaries of that more than anybody >> are your students, right? Your students
are depending on everybody for that. So um where it's great that everybody expressed themselves and and that passion came through during the process. It's so critical now that everybody gets behind uh the choice and everybody works collaboratively together to make sure that your new superintendent, the board,
and your entire school district is as highly effective as possible. And we're very confident that that's exactly what will happen. But we we very much thank you and all of the folks here for a tremendous experience and thanks for putting your trust in us.
>> Thank you so much. And if there is no uh other business then the meeting is adjourned.