YAN
Abdulmalik Algahaim attended Hamtramck Public Schools from the age of 10 when he first arrived in the United States from Yemen. He was a student at Holbrook Elementary, Kosciuszko Middle School and Hamtramck High School before studying biology at Wayne State University. Today, he is the plant manager for a local heating company as well as the president of the Hamtramck School Board.
Elected in 2023, Algahaim will serve on the board until 2028. He was Board treasurer and vice president before stepping into the role of president in 2025. As a father to six children, five of whom are Hamtramck Public Schools students, he clearly has a personal investment in the success of the district.
The biggest challenge for Hamtramck Public Schools, according to Algahaim, is competition from nearby charter schools. In response, he has worked hard on building trust with the community. Enrollment has improved for the 2024 – 2025 school year compared to the previous year, which he connects with his outreach efforts.
“We’re going to continue to try working hard to get as many enrollments as possible to compete with all the charter schools in the area,” he said.
In November 2024, Hamtramck Public Schools had a millage renewal proposal on the ballot. The millage is called an “Operating Millage” and renews 18 mills on the property tax rolls for up to 10 years, and produces $2.7 million a year. The tax does not apply to homeowners, only commercial property owners and non-homestead homeowners (such as rental dwellings).
Residents voted in favor of the millage, ensuring the continued financial security of the district.
“The millage was very challenging,” Algahaim said. “We put a lot of work and effort into it. The superintendent was involved, the community was involved, and many volunteers. I appreciate everyone that was involved.”
The School Board recently held its first meeting of 2025 and its first with Algahaim as president.
“It went very nice and smooth,” he said. “My mission is to work and collaborate with everyone with transparency and innovation for the best for our children.”
Of the many ideas Algahaim has for the district, one includes renewed access to trades. He would like to reinstitute vocational training programs to give students more hands-on learning experiences.
To accomplish these and other goals, Algahaim recognizes that the board can’t do it alone.
”I’d like the community to bring any ideas they have, or feedback, so that we can work together for the benefit of our students,” he said.
