DEARBORN/DEARBORN HEIGHTS —A major focus during this year’s election was the race for school board in both Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. With 12,000 Arab American students at Dearborn Public Schools out of 18,000, and more than half of the student body at the Crestwood School District being Arab American as well, AAPAC, along with the community, billed the school board races as a top priortiy. 

Lane

The good news for Dearborn Public Schools is both Aimee Blackburn and Mary Lane, who were endorsed by AAPAC, placed ahead of the other candidates in the school board race, securing their spots for another four years. AAPAC felt it was important to have representatives who have reached out to the Arab American community in the district, as grades in the school district have been on the decline over the last few years. This year, several schools in the district were rated as ‘Focus’ schools by the state because of wide achievement gaps between students.

Lane said she received immeasurable assistance from AAPAC, thanking the group for its support. “I’m really grateful for all its support. I could not believe how many young people were active in the election this year, teaching voters about the ballots and what they mean and how to fill them out.” 

Lane says her main priority is to focus on the low test scores in the district and to make sure the students are able to compete in the real world and become a productive member of society after graduating. “This is an ongoing proccess. We’re not satisfied with these test scores,” Lane added. 

Arab American candidates Hamid Soueidan and Zaineb Hussein who ran as candidates for the Crestwood Board of Education both lost in their bids, however. The Arab American community was hoping to have some sort of representation in the district as parents over the last few months have been turning out to school board meetings to address their concerns over the lack of ESL programs. Soueidan was appointed onto the school board during the summer, but has now lost his seat to James R. Taylor, who won the race with 67% of the vote. Hussein lost her race to Diane Ward who took 65% of the vote.

“The love and support this community showed was moving. Although we did not win the positions, we accomplished so much more. Special thank you to the volunteers and the DHCO (Dearborn Heights Community Organization),” Hussein stated. She also expressed excitement over Salamey’s victory in Dearborn. “Congratulations to the Honorable Sam Salamey,  I am so very happy for him.”

Soueidan on the other hand told his supporters that the election results should not discourage the Arab American community, as it may pave the way for future candidates. 

“Frankly, this is a victory in my opinion. The unity this community showed was inspiring to say the least. The fight for equality continues. Remember ‘Majority Rules Minority Rights.’ This is just the start of something bigger and better for Dearborn Heights. Thank you for your support,” Soueidan stated. 

Mosallam

One Arab American candidate who received good news on election day was Dearborn’s own Brian Mosallam, who was also endorsed by AAPAC and won an eight year term on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Mosallam, a former MSU football player, received over 1.7 million votes securing one of two spots on the board.

“I am honored and thrilled that the citizens of the state of Michigan have decided to elect me. I have said all along that if I win, the entire community wins, and our community has just been powered at Michigan State as we now have a seat on the table. I want to thank the people who have shown their support and elected me,” Mosallam stated. 

For more election results in Dearborn visit www.cityofdearborn.org. For election results in the city of Dearborn heights, visit www.ci.dearborn-heights.mi.us/clk_elections.cfm. For overall election results in the state of Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov.