By Brian Stone
DEARBORN, Mich. – Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko went out of his way to thank the board trustees for all of their efforts for the community over the last year at the most recent Dearborn school board meeting.
“As I reflect on the past year going back to March 2020, Board Appreciation Month means so much more this year. Living through this pandemic has taught us the importance of appreciating the people and relationships we have in our lives,” Dr. Maleyko said. “Thank you for the great work you do. I look forward to working with you in the next year. I know that we have some challenges and difficulties ahead, but I also know that we will persevere and we will get through it together as a team. I salute you all for the great work you do.”
In a press release, Maleyko noted that board members are responsible for the third largest school district in Michigan with an annual budget of $312 million, an enrollment of almost 21,000 students, and 2,700 employees working in 34 district buildings. He said the way they fulfilled their responsibilities over the last year has made him very proud.
“In a normal year, this Board of Education must make dozens of crucial decisions that direct the education in our schools. Since last March that task has taken on a whole new direction, elevated to a whole new level. Our board has been phenomenal in their approach to leading the district through the crisis,” Dr. Maleyko said. “As superintendent, I truly appreciate the support and leadership our board has provided during the tough times in pandemic.”
Adel Mozip, a board trustee, said “I’m honored to serve. This year has been certainly difficult for everyone. Difficult decisions came before the board last year and I came to my conclusions after hours of research, listening to constituents and stakeholders – and self reflection.”
Mozip said that he asks himself before meetings whether he might regret a decision one way or another in the future.
“These decisions become more difficult when you have opposing views from the community such as the current decision of reopening schools. I am a believer in sound decisions based on science, data and reason.”
Trustee Hussein Berry, who just finished a 1-year term as President and has bveen widely lauded in the community for allowing marathon comment sessions with parents during the pandemic so each parent could be heard, said that he was proud of everyone and found that his rotation as board President over the last year was very rewarding.
“It goes without saying, we have a great team. Communication early on was key,” said Hussein Berry. “I think all I did was figure out where everybody was at and communicate your thoughts to you.”
“I thank them on behalf of our staff, team, students and parents,” said Maleyko. “I look forward to working with both of our new trustees as they share their thoughts and expertise with our board.”
