DEARBORN HEIGHTS —The controversy surrounding Crestwood School District’s ESL program is far from over. At a school board meeting Monday Arab Americans continued voicing their concerns about the program, and demanded answers to questions posed at the previous meeting.

There’s currently only one certified ESL teacher in the entire district, and up to six bilingual tutors. Many argue that’s not enough to meet the needs of the district’s 351 ESL students. In the wake of complaints, an ESL teaching position has been posted. Job openings for ESL support staff are also available.

The Crestwood Board of Education says the money provided by the state for the program is barely enough to pay for one teacher, and money from the district’s general fund is allocated towards the ESL program.

“I think that we are doing a pretty good job. I want to hear from parents who don’t think their child is being taught properly. We’re allocating more funds than most school districts do out of our general fund, not money that we get for this. We’re dipping into our general fund to provide more for children,” said board member Colleen Krizanic.

The school board is encouraging those who’re concerned about funding for the program to petition the state for more money, or contact elected officials who serve their communities. 

“Your telling me there’s one ESL teacher to service 76 students at the high school level, are we accommodating those kids to the best of our ability?” Zaineb Hussein, chair of an equal opportunity committee asked the board. Responding CSD Superintendent Dr. Laurine VanValkenburg said, “The state of Michigan believes we are.” More than 30 Arab Americans attended the meeting. Last month Hiam Brinjikji, a Crestwood High School teacher and counselor filed complaints with three civil rights agencies alleging discrimination and retaliation against the district. ADC-Michigan has been handling Brinjikji’s case. The Arab Civil Rights League has also received complaints about the district’s ESL program, and other issues. ACRL Executive Director Rashid Baydoun said the organization is considering different pathways to take in addressing the concerns of community members.

The board argued the school district is following all state guidelines to assure ESL students are not educationally deprived. They say the district is excelling beyond the Michigan Department of Education’s standards.

“If we weren’t doing what we’re supposed to do, and making accommodations we wouldn’t be getting the money. We are audited down to the penny, and we have to prove that these services are being provided,” said Board President Donna Ancinec.

 Dr. Laurine VanValkenburg says this fall the district received a routine audit from the Michigan Department of Education and they reviewed the assets of all programs. Following the audit the MDE makes recommendations to the school, which has up to 18 months to follow.

 “If we were out of compliance they would have stopped us then and there. When someone comes in and audits they will find, or make recommendations for improvemt, and we will meet all of their recommendations for our grants…we follow all the rules,” Dr. Laurine VanValkenburg said.

Board Vice President, Ron Panetta said he doesn’t see the problem, or evidence of the complaints made, and won’t vote to put more money into the ESL program until he does.

Panetta has repeatedly asked why Arab Americans have just recently came forward to voice their concerns. “I know Mr. Panetta has asked several times why the sudden interest. That really isn’t the question we should be asking. The question is why not find a solution?  Not necessarily why the sudden interest,” said Baydoun addressing the school board. Concerned parents and community activist, Mariam Bazzi, president of the Arab American Political Action Committee also addressed the board. 

According to Brinjikji, parents, students and other school officials in the district have complained over the years and were ignored. Community member Samar Saad shared a story about his wife’s experience as a substitute at one of the district’s schools. While teaching a class his wife accidently said three words in  Arabic. It came out naturally and was not intended. A child in the class then went and told the principal that the substitute was speaking Arabic. As a result she was banned from teaching in the district.

“My wife thought she (principal) was coming to say hello to her. But she approached her and said, ‘this is an English speaking school, we speak English.’ My wife looked at her in total shock. She didn’t know how to respond, and walked away. It was a three word comment,” said Saad.

Bazzi said it was so offensive she never wanted to place her children in the Crestwood School District. The incident occurred three years ago. At one point Saad considered taking legal action, but his wife asked him not to.

There have also been complaints of disrespect towards parents from school officials. In a recent alleged incident a child was spotted  puting his jacket on before the start of school. The principal of the school, accused him of roaming the halls, and contacted his father. During the call the principal was quick to make accusations and affend the father saying, “this isn’t a holding tank.” The parent being outraged by the comments started to question the principal’s use of words, then the pricipal slamed the phone on the parent. The parent called back, and the principal said she’s “operating the 24-hour rule,” and once again hung up the phone.