DEARBORN HEIGHTS — The efforts of community members involved in engaging residents to vote “yes” on a ballot to revamp the Crestwood District schools has paid off – and their cheerful celebration was a testament to that fact.

Dozens of campaign members, who gathered at Al-Ameer Restaurant on Wednesday night in anticipation of the bond election results, were more than pleased when the announcement came that a proposal to recondition the schools had passed.

The resolution was approved with the help of 51 percent (1,629 votes) of Dearborn Heights residents who voted “yes”, overcoming the 49 percent (1,542 votes) who voted “no.”

An assessment of the condition of the schools in 2014 prompted district officials and community members to propose a $35 million comprehensive, long-term plan to thoroughly replace damaged property, future-proof classrooms and improve the quality of education.

State Sen. David Knezek (D- Dearborn Heights) said the election results were unprecedented. 

Since 1996, five ballots failed to pass, with a high percentages of residents voting against the bonds. In 2007, more than 70 percent voted “no” on three separate
proposals.

“We haven’t had a bond in the Crestwood School District since 1967,” Knezek stated on his Facebook profile. “Other school districts in our area have received hundreds of millions of dollars in bond support over the last 10 years alone. It was past time that we made this investment.”

He lauded the efforts of activists who worked hard to reach community members by phone, at their homes and in grocery stores.

“A win by 87 votes is tight indeed, but…a blowout victory is never fun,” Knezek said. “It’s too easy. The community earned this one and there’s a real sense of pride in that. It’s something we can all be proud of.”

Shalal Talib, a University of Michigan sophomore and a Crestwood High School alumnus, said he campaigned for the bond to pass and is excited for current students to have access to resources that could help promote their achievements.

“We have a district that is growing and rising,” Talib said. “And I think it is so wonderful that so many members of the community came out to vote.”

Laurine VanValkenburg, superintendent of Crestwood Schools, said she was “delighted” and “excited” for the passing of the bond, a result of months of focused activism. 

But the hard work is not over.

“Now, the work begins,” VanValkenburg said. “The planning, the design; we have an outline that we had to submit to the state of Michigan to put the bond on the ballot. We will follow the guidelines that were established in that and we’ll add the details – thorough planning.”

Manal Hider-Hussein, a local pharmacist and mother of three Crestwood District students, said she is thrilled that the bond passed to ensure safer and healthier experiences for her children and the entire city.

“This was a true example of how a community can come together and work to get things done,” Hider-Hussein said.

She encouraged more residents, who are directly affected by the bonds, to participate in local elections.

“When you do get involved, you get the results that you want – for the future of our kids and for the betterment of everyone,” Hider-Hussein said. “Our buildings were falling apart. It’s not a healthy environment for our children. Academically, we’re an amazing district and now we will have the building to match it.”

Dave Abdullah, a Dearborn Heights councilman, said that between meeting with contactors and the school board, knocking on doors and making phone calls, the achievements of campaign volunteers spearheaded by Arab Americans produced significant results.

“I’m excited because this is good for our residents and good for our kids,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah, who is also a real estate agent, said attractive schools and safety are vital to a prospering city.

“This is the first thing people look for when purchasing a home,” he added.

Sam Beydoun, a local Century 21 real estate agent, echoed Abdullah’s statement and said there is a strong correlation between home values and schools. 

“It means higher property values,” Beydoun said of the passing of the bond. “It means a small amount of increases in property taxes. These small increases pale in comparison to what the benefits are for this passing of the bond.”

Donna Ancinec, Crestwood Schools’ board president, said she was “beyond excited” with the passing of the bond.

“This is something we have needed for years,” Ancinec said. “Our kids deserve better. Now our kids can have safe entrances.”

She added that Crestwood Schools can have better security and technology that competes with surrounding districts.

Hassan Bazzi, president of Dearborn Heights Community Organization, a group that endeavored to develop awareness about the bond’s impact on the community, said he was optimistic about the election results.

Bazzi urged Arab Americans to become more involved in politics and do their part in shaping decision-making in their communities. 

“We really need people to get more involved,” he said. “We could turn things around; we are looking to make positive changes.”

He said the “tireless” efforts of members to campaign for the bond to pass showcases the effectiveness of community unity to improve neighborhoods, education and the youth’s well-being.

“I’m very happy,” Bazzi said. “I think we made history today.”