001All right, good evening once again. We're resuming the Dearborn Board of Education September special meeting September 2nd, 2025. We're in the middle of the board vacancy interviews and we have Ms. Shama Munzir. I said that right? >> Yes, correct. Uh you have 5 minutes to answer the questions that were already provided to you. I'll just give you a fair warning at the 4 and 1/2 minute mark. Floor is yours. Thank you. My name is Shama Munzir. I am a long-term Dearborn resident. Um Dearborn has been my home for the last 20 years. I um I have two children. They attended Dearborn public schools. Um I currently serve as the chief programs officer at Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. I earned this seat after um 18 years of experience and community service. I um my first
002job actually was in Dearborn as a preschool teacher. Um I oversee over 120 million in federal, state, and local funding um supporting over 50,000 families across Wayne County including thousands here in in Dearborn. Um I lead a um diverse team of 700 staff. I um manage over 75 community programs aimed to support our families toward the self-sufficiency. I intentionally brought resources to Dearborn um throughout my career. Um we have two Head Start sites in Dearborn. Um I built a strong relationship with the city of Dearborn. I placed a community resource navigator in the city of Dearborn. Um bilingual. Um their main focus is to bring resources to the community. Last year we were able to serve over 17,000 Dearborn families. Um I serve on the National Energy and Utility Coalition Board um advocating on a
003national level in DC for our communities to protect the safety net. As a board member, I believe the responsibilities will be um um signing off on the district budgets, setting the policies for the um for the district, um uh overseeing the superintendent and making sure we are in compliance with um state and federal law. But I also believe as board members, we are advocates. I believe board members they do a great job advocating on a state level and a federal level. I also believe they connect uh families with administrators. I also believe they they can bridge the gap between community needs and between um district decisions. One decision that the board um took lately and I am super impressed and happy really to see is the CareSolace program. Mental health is key need for our
004children. Um and to be able to provide um free mental health 24/7 in multiple languages to our families and and students um is a big win for Dearborn. Um I do I do believe that students cannot thrive if the families are not thriving. In my career and in my 15 years and in community service, I had always balanced between my first step is getting feedback from my community so I can design programs for the community, but also making sure I am in compliance with law and with regulations, supporting my team because if staff are not on board then I and I do believe the program is really designed to provide a seamless referral process adding additional responsibilities on the staff. But also it's community focused. Dearborn is very diverse and we speak so many different
005languages and we have so many new um newcomers. I was a newcomer 20 years ago. And I know that mental health is key, but we cannot accept mental health if there's no trust. And the first step is to really speak the same language so we can earn the trust. I do believe if selected, I will bring a new perspective. I will not focus on student uh success. I will bundle it with family self-sufficiency. And I do believe is if we were able to bundle both, our community will succeed. You still have a minute if you'd like to share anything else. I'm committed um to serve our community. I am a fearless advocate. Um I'll I will do whatever I can to give back to the community that wrapped the arms around me. Um I was
006an immigrant and I will always remain an immigrant. I learned how to wrap all the resources around our families. Um I am a proud mother of two successful Dearborn public school students. Um and I take this with pride. Um so if if selected, you will um see me strong showing up strong as I always do for our community. And if not, I'm always here to support. Thank you so much, Ms. Munzir, for applying. Thank you for your time. Next applicant is Mr. Ridwan Saleh. Good evening, Mr. Saleh. Uh you have 5 minutes to answer the five questions that were already provided to you. And I'll give you just a fair warning at the 4 and 1/2 minute mark. Floor is yours. Thank you. Uh hello everyone. My name is Dr. Ridwan Saleh. I begin my
007education at uh at Salina High School, moved to Henry Ford College, and moved to U of M where I get my bachelor in electrical engineering and master and PhD in project management. Uh I have more than 18 years of experience uh teaching undergrad and grad students. And uh also I corporated in developing the curriculum and also a school system improvements. Uh I have also managed uh large and very complex projects which worth millions of dollars. Uh also even currently I'm managing projects with the city of Dearborn which also worth millions of dollars, too. Uh I ensure that all the projects that I manage, I participate from the initiative stage, planning stage, monitoring and controlling stage, and to the closing stage and make sure that all projects that I managed are uh finished within time and
008not exceeding uh the budget. Uh I also, you know, beyond my professional work, I deeply involved with the community. And uh last year also I support uh the Dearborn schools which I worked hard for the millage and ensure it was uh successfully done. Uh I ran for the Board of Education in 2022 and I get 8,000 around 8,000 uh votes which in the evening I was one of the winners and the second day I lost my seat because of the early votes. But you know, nevertheless, this uh experience uh strengthen uh my my my knowledge and it became, you know, make me believe that my expertise and education can meaningfully support the success of uh Dearborn students. Regarding the second question, I see the board members uh roles and responsibilities uh as setting the the
009district visions, policies, and priorities uh while representing the community's voice. Uh regarding the third question which is uh recent board decision, you know, there are like the plan of uh engaging community and building needs. One area I'm particularly passionate about is school safety and facility. You know, when making decision in this area, I consider different factors which is part of the questions. Uh the community concerns. Family were are always looking for uh safe schools while ensuring funds are used efficiently. Students needs. Uh safety is essential essential for effective learners. Uh states and federal law all upgrades must come uh comply with building codes, ADA standards, and uh federal safety requirements. The fourth factors which is uh staff consideration, you know, teachers and staffs are always in the front line. So their input uh is critical
010to make the decision. Uh so balancing these factors with my values, I would support safety and facilities upgrades that protect uh students and staffs while maintaining the warmth and openness of our schools. I believe the schools uh must be both safe and welcoming and thoughtful investments helps achieve both goals. Uh and this is what I always uh you know, taught my grad students. When you are to make a decisions because the board uh members are decision makers, you have to consider the factors that is related to the issue and for each factors, you have to you know, to gather an accurate and precise data in order to make the decision because your decision will be based on the output of the data that you are gathering. So, analyzing these data will allow you to make
011the correct and precise decision. Uh finally, I would like to say all students in Dearborn schools deserve all the best and we are here to support them to make sure that they are ready for their careers and for higher education. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Saleh, for your time. Appreciate it. Uh next applicant is Ms. Smith Ms. Maali Lukman. Welcome, Ms. Lukman. You have 5 minutes to answer the questions that were already provided to you. I will just give you a fair warning at the 4 and 1/2 minute mark and there times where you can see the time. Well, good afternoon. Uh my name is Maali Lukman. Um I ran for school board before. Um so, let me just start off with the first prompt. Why I'm interested in serving on the Board
012of Trustees and what specific skills or qualifications do I bring to the table? So, I ran a few years back. I got nearly 7,000 votes, just under. Um it was like 6,800 and I ran my own campaign. And so, I've been involved in the school board in that capacity and community work. So, I'm very very much in touch with with the community. Um I have a background in education and in leadership. So, I had been a teacher. I've been in the classroom since right out of high school, 2002. Probably shouldn't say that. I'm giving my age away, but right out of high school, I started as a sub parapro um in the special needs classrooms, ESL classrooms. So, I got to see the ins and outs of that as I was completing my teaching certificate.
013So, in '08, I completed my bachelor's in education with endorsements in ESL, mathematics, um and elementary education. Did my student teaching in Dearborn Public Schools, did some long-term subbing in Dearborn Public Schools. My mom was working at Salina for nearly 30 years as a instructional tech community liaison. So, she was a community leader for some time and kind of inherited a little bit of that role through the activism that she um she would pull us into, my siblings and I. So, um then taught at Crestwood, taught abroad for about a year in the UAE and currently hold a position at uh Al-Furqan Academy as a principal. It's a private school. So, I do have that education background. I know the ins and outs on every single level. Um from tutor, I was a summer youth
014program uh tutor at Salina. Um I was a teacher. I was a paraprofessional, worked in the special needs ESL. I was an ESL teacher at Crestwood, a SIOP coach. Uh I was a college administrator as an associate dean at WCCCD. So, I have the experience for college and overseeing a college and college operations. And I know Dearborn Public Schools is a um K-13 school board. So, I have that perspective um and I currently have the administration perspective at the school that I'm working as a principal. So, as far as experience, I I think I have a pretty good um grip of that. Um I also completed a fellowship in leadership and specifically community leadership through uh the Center for Creative Leadership and the Kellogg Foundation, which emphasized on children and families and and serving them.
015Um and so, I have that. That was supposed to be 18 months, it dragged out to about 24 months because of COVID. And that involved um traveling around the country, uh getting to know diverse groups and how to best serve them. So, I have that skill set and I also served um in Hamtramck as deputy city manager. So, I I got to work with, you know, a highly diverse community. So, as far as leadership goes, as far as policy goes, as far as education goes, I'm pretty well-rounded and I'd love to bring that to serve Dearborn schools. Um I genuinely have no other intention other than to serve. Every time there is a vacancy, I have people from the community reaching out and urging me to to either run or to apply. And so, my
016thing is if I can serve and I've been, you know, given the skill set to serve and I can put that to serve service and better my community, then you know what? I'm here to to to do that. And that was pretty much the reason I ran my campaign a campaign a few years ago. So, um as far as running the campaign and being involved in that aspect, nearly 7,000 votes from the community that, you know, that kind of that's something as well. Um should I move on to the next question? Sure. What do you see as the roles and responsibilities of a school board member? So, school board member is more of executive decision-making. So, it's weighing in on the difficult decisions, the overall decisions, the operations of the systems, and having that overview.
017Um I guess you can say like a uh hawk view. Like I it's you're you're overseeing everything, right? And you're also gathering data and you're gathering information and you're collaborating with people on multiple levels and layers of the system, right? And I'm doing that in my current capacity as principal. So, I'm working with parents, I'm working with students, I'm working with the teachers, the teachers' assistants, the secretary, the the office staff. So, you have to bring it You have to know how to collaborate. So, part of leadership is knowing how to work with a team, but also knowing when to gather Oh, is that for the second question? No, 30 seconds. >> 5 minutes for everything. Oh, okay. That was 5 minutes each. Okay. So, um it's teamwork, it's collaboration, it's knowing how to to
018wear all those hats at once to come to a final decision. And obviously, I'm part of I would be part of a board. So, the decision wouldn't be ultimately mine and I I find great comfort in that knowing that it's just part of the puzzle piece. Um I didn't get to the last question. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Thank you. Next applicant is Mr. Ali Bazzi. He has that I give him Oh, okay. Mr. Bazzi, you have 5 minutes to answer the three questions that were already provided to you. I'll just give you a fair warning at the 4 and 1/2 minute mark. Okay. Floor is yours. Thank you. Uh trustees, thank you for your time this evening. My name is Ali Bazzi and I would be honored to serve with you on the Board
019of Education because I feel now is the is the right moment for me to step up and serve my community in this important role. The district is at a pivotal crossroads. Three key decisions are on the table, filling the vacancies for both superintendent and HFC president, as well as formulating an infrastructure bond proposal. These are decisions that will have a lasting effect on our children and grandchildren. Having grown up in Dearborn and later raised Having grown up in Dearborn and later returning to raise my family, I feel a deep sense of duty to give back to the district that shaped me and a school system that now serves my children. As a parent of three, I understand firsthand the importance of strong, inclusive programs, meeting a child where they are, and being a partner with
020a responsive district that helps every child reach their greatest potential. Professionally, I bring over 15 years of experience helping businesses adapt to change, marketing products, strengthening their communication, and building strategies that connect people with opportunities. I have helped businesses navigate the ever-changing balance between in-person and digital environments and have learned how critical it is to build trust and communicate with authenticity. These are skills that I believe will serve the board and our community well. As a volunteer, I have advised and supported organizations and causes that focus on helping those in need. This includes dedicating the past 10 years to Zaman International, an organization with a mission to break the cycle of poverty for families in our community. I serve on the advisory board, directing highly successful run, walk, picnic event that brings hundreds of families
021to Dearborn every year, and run uh and founded and lead the Zaman Detroit run team. Through all this work, I have helped to fundraise significant funds, build strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and inspire hundreds of people to live a more active lifestyle. Over the past 5 years, I have also dedicated time to supporting and advocating for the Dearborn Public Schools special special needs population by making community fitness events accessible to all. I have also advocated for and supported the City of Dearborn's initiative to build three inclusive parks, allowing children of all abilities to be no more than 10 minutes away from a park they can play in. The school board has two employees, the superintendent and the college president. One of the most important responsibilities of the board is to appoint the two
022best people to carry out the mission and vision set by this board for the district and the college. From there, the board must support them while holding them accountable. And the board must hold itself accountable to the residents of Dearborn, fulfilling the promise to help provide a high-caliber education for our community's youth. The board's accountability also includes responsibly financing the district's needs, whether that means maintaining existing facilities or supporting new programs and spaces that allow our students to thrive. That is why the upcoming bond initiative is so important. As we know, the previous 2019 bond failed. I've heard varying reasons why residents voted no. One of the reoccurring themes shared with me was the need for transparency. Often I find I find in my career sometimes the issue is not that information isn't shared, but
023it is difficult to digest in the midst of a busy life with work, child care, and family obligations. Transparency must also mean clear, accessible communication, breaking down complex issues into understandable and reasonable messages, and meeting resi- Excuse me. And meeting meeting residents and families where they are across a variety of communication of a variety of communication channels available today. While the board is not legally permitted to advocate for or against the bond. It can and must ensure that the facts are communicated clearly so residents understand both the current situation and what the bond could achieve for our students. If appointed, I would bring that expertise to the table. We must develop a bond that addresses near-term needs while building a foundation to serve students for decades to come. And when the plan is ready, I
024look forward to executing an information campaign that ensures every resident understands the vision, the priorities, and the potential outcomes. I saw firsthand how powerful clear and accessible communication can be during the 2024 operating millage renewal. In the weeks leading up to the vote, I received calls from parents concerned that the millage would not pass. I took the time to analyze the available information and develop a direct and easy-to-understand digital campaign encouraging residents to vote yes. I worked with the teachers union and PTA to deliver the messaging effectively in a short timeframe. In the end, the the renewal passed with 72% district-wide support, and I'm proud to have played a part in that. Like so many of us here tonight, I'm a proud product of Dearborn Public Schools. We all stand on the success that came
025from decisions made 10, 20, or even 30 years ago. The work of the school board, along with its two newly appointed leaders, will set the goal and vision that will have outcomes that will last for generations. This is a pivotal moment for Dearborn Public Schools, and I want to be a part of a board that tackles the hard questions, makes thoughtful, transparent decisions, and keeps students at the center of everything it does. If appointed, I would work to make sure every decision we make puts our students first. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bazzy, for your time. I appreciate it. Next applicant is Mr. James Downey. Welcome, Mr. Downey. You have 5 minutes to answer the three questions that were provided to you. I will just give you a fair warning at the 4 and 1/2
026minute mark. When you're ready, the floor is yours. All right, good evening. Good evening. Um in addressing the questions provided, I have over 20 years of experience um instructing and supervising students at the community college level. Um that experience includes 7 years as an adjunct at Henry Ford College. And in that time, I've gained insight in to not only how public schools function, but what students need in order to optimize their uh scholastic growth. So, I have unique perspectives that I would love to share with um with this district. In through my many years as an instructor, um I've been provided unique perspectives in education, among them technology's role um in the learning environment. And I've come to appreciate the role that technology plays in enhancing the teachers' ability as well as uh providing many
027um benefits to the students. Uh this is one of the reasons I'm a firm advocate for professional development amongst uh the wonderful staff and teachers we have in Dearborn Public Schools cuz they need to stay on top of the technology. Technology in education is it the sky's the limit. It's been wonderful, and I would love to see our teachers uh take advantage of that and be on the cutting edge of professional development so they can share that with their students. Uh AI is also right at the forefront, and um again, professional development, passing that on to our students, I believe um would be um would be a great resource. Furthermore, um teaching um in as I've been doing since 2000 has afforded me firsthand look um at students coming out of uh high school. I
028see both their weaknesses and their strengths. And one of the weaknesses I see is their um they struggle with the interface, the online resources, course resources, learning management systems. They struggle with this. Um and I think if Dearborn, you know, kind of prepare them for that, and I know the district is already doing that through their mission and uh their strategic plans, Dearborn, which I love, is very student student-focused. And maintaining that, we can give our students the advantage that they need going into uh college or entering uh trade schools, um but having that knowledge and the ability to interact with online interfaces, learning management systems, um and again, providing our teachers with the adequate resources they need to learn about those things. Um and uh right now, I'm currently employed at um Oakland Community
029College and Washtenaw Community College. And I believe that through my experience and my points of view, um that I would have value in helping Dearborn Public Schools assemble the best resources for their students. Um I'm familiar with learning management systems such as Blackboard, D2L Brightspace, Canvas. Um I'm also familiar with the nuances of hybrid courses, uh remote instruction. Basically, what I'm trying to convey here is that I understand the apparatus of education. I'm very familiar with and I would love to share uh what I know with the school district and moving it forward. Um in addition to my professional uh attributes, I've spent significant time volunteering in the Arab American and um Muslim communities. Um I held leadership positions in the Young Muslim Association AC, etc. And I've volunteered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Uh
030one um element uh one thing that the board has decided or executed in the past that I feel uh that I could address here would be the interviews here tonight. And although I understand that the uh in the bylaws, you're required to provide interviews, I think it would be much more beneficial to have some sort of vetting process whereby all the candidates get an opportunity, but the public as well as you folks on the board have more interactive um experience with the candidate. I think you would get to know them better, the public would get to know them better. And I think overall, it would be a more thorough process. And if I were appointed, I would do my best to um streamline that sort of process so everyone gets a chance, but also, it
031gives you guys an opportunity to ask questions because technically, this isn't really an interview, it's more like a speech. But I think uh we could do that. to thank you guys for listening to me, and thank you for your commitment to our kids, and have a wonderful evening. Thank you, Mr. Downey. I appreciate your time. That brings us to the conclusion of today's interviews. We just still have 19 interviews to go on Thursday. Um so, we will go ahead with the citizen participation section. We did not have any blue cards? I know former trustee Barry wanted to address us. You still want to address us, Mr. Barry? All right. There are no citizen participation, then uh this meeting is adjourned. We'll see you Thursday.