By Simon Albaugh \u2013 Yemeni American News<\/p>\n
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. \u2013 Hamtramck Public Schools is now leaving the crossroads of a few changes \u2013 labor talks between administration and the teacher\u2019s collective bargaining unit are continuing, COVID-19 restrictions are relaxing, federal grant dollars are being allocated, and then some.<\/p>\n
In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke with the Yemeni American News about these directions HPS is taking. Many past challenges are well on their way toward a solution, like the concerns brought forward by the Hamtramck Federation of Teachers.<\/p>\n
Among the Federation\u2019s concerns were shifting staff positions in the district and the impression that internal candidates were not being considered for administrative roles. The talks between the district and the Federation of Teachers continue, but Nagi says he feels positive about their direction these discussions are taking.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese have been some challenging times for all of us,\u201d Nagi said. \u201c\u2026We are committed to the partnership with our teachers and look forward to moving forward together. And that’s a key word together. So I’m very positive about the about the outlook, and making sure that we’re doing the right thing for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s possibly a stroke of luck for the district is Wayne County\u2019s decision to ease mask requirements in educational settings. This promising sign of a new stage in the COVID-19 pandemic has eased restrictions for schools, allowing them to decide their own mask requirements for students and staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re making the mask mandate optional, but highly recommended,\u201d Nagi said. \u201cWe\u2019re providing N95 masks if necessary for staff and students as well\u2026 We\u2019re keeping a pulse on things to make sure we\u2019re making the best choices possible for our students, staff and community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Federal grant dollars were made available to school districts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamtramck itself received more than $55 million in federal grant funds. So far, a majority of the funds have been allocated to repairs made to some of the historic buildings that are still being used.<\/p>\n
Those upgrades are focused on HVAC and ventilation issues that administrators have said makes students uncomfortable and learning difficult during extreme weather. \u201cWe have to upgrade a lot, especially because of COVID, the circulation of air, the windows\u2026 So a lot of the funds provided are to update all the AC And HVAC equipment in all the buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although Nagi said he couldn\u2019t speak much about Superintendent Ahmed\u2019s relationship with the district, he did seem to express his gratitude for her time leading the district into the point where it is now.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring Mrs. Ahmed\u2019s time at HPS, many great systems were developed and we\u2019re grateful for that and for her leadership,\u201d Nagi said.<\/p>\n
Nagi did talk about how he\u2019s been acclimating to the role\u2019s responsibilities over the past few months. As he continues in this role, he says that he\u2019s sometimes learning as he goes. He also said that he feels confident in the team that\u2019s been supporting the district\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am extremely grateful for the entire HPS family, who have made the transition successful for not only me, but the entire organization,\u201d Nagi said. \u201cWe\u2019re currently solid in our staffing and working together to move forward and make the rest of the school year a success.\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot of projects going through the district that Nagi expressed excitement over. With the lessons learned over the COVID-19 pandemic, HPS plans to continue a hybrid relationship between students and technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this point, as a one-to-one district with laptops \u2013 every child having one \u2013 we\u2019re trying to integrate and train more for 21st<\/sup> century learning that encompasses more than just the computer use, but STEM and STEAM,\u201d Nagi said.<\/p>\n And more importantly, Nagi sees room to grow the relationship between the schools and the broader community. The district plans to encourage community engagement from \u201call corners of our community\u201d explains Nagi.<\/p>\n \u201cWe’re currently working on, and plan on implementing as soon as the weather gets warmer, we plan to be out there in the community and meeting with different folks from backgrounds and hearing what they have to say, no matter if it’s a small percentage, minority or large percentage,\u201d Nagi said.<\/p>\n