The elections for the Hamtramck School Board will not be a tight race. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only three candidates are running for the three available seats in November, meaning that they are all but guaranteed to be trustees on the board next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The candidates are incumbent board member Tazia Miah; Emad Shammakh, a pharmacy technician and graduate from the district; and Showkat Chowdhury, who previously served on the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While new candidates may emerge and launch a write-in campaign, Miah, Shammakh and Chowdhury will be the only names on the ballot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is an unusually thin pool of candidates. In 2024, five hopefuls ran for two open seats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new members will be elected to a six-year term that starts early next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Board President Abdulmalik Algahaim has released a statement welcoming the trustees-in-waiting and calling them “outstanding candidates”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As President of the Hamtramck Public Schools Board of Education, I would like to extend my sincere best wishes to the three candidates who have officially applied to serve our community as members of the Board of Education,” Algahaim said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It is always encouraging to see individuals step forward and dedicate their time, energy, and passion to the success of our students, staff, and district.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miah was appointed to the board earlier this year, replacing Daz\u2019Shavon Hall, who moved out of the district. Miah told the Yemeni American News in April that she aims to work on bridging the gap between the community and the school system. Miah said she is focused “on connecting experiences from students, families, and communities to decision-making around programs, resources, and long-term priorities.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other two candidates will replace Regan Watson, who was elected in 2020, and Moortadha Obaid, who was elected in 2022 for a partial term. Neither Watson nor Obaid is seeking reelection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The election is non-partisan. The board oversees the affairs of the district, which serves more than 3,000 students across eight schools. The trustees also appoint the superintendent of the district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Board members are elected to serve the interests of the School District and the entire school community,” the board’s bylaws say. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“These interests may not be subordinated to any partisan principle, group, or interest. Board members are expected to be and remain informed about issues that may come before the Board for decision. Regular attendance at Board meetings is necessary to fulfill the obligations of a Board member.” <\/p>\n