Hamtramck teacher urges board to increase oversight, provide organizational charts

Therese Comer, a sixth‑grade teacher at Dickinson West, told the Hamtramck School District Board of Education (meeting date not specified) that board members should increase on‑site oversight and provide clearer organizational information for staff and parents.

"Running an entire school district is more than showing up for special occasions, a couple here and there," said Therese Comer, who identified herself as a sixth‑grade teacher in the district. Comer urged board members to "start coming in and start looking around" and said staff have repeatedly requested organizational charts showing who is responsible for various functions. "We still haven't gotten it," Comer said.

Comer also asked the board to consider how personal or political beliefs can influence policy decisions and to remove those influences from decision‑making. She said parents across the district care about their children regardless of income, housing status or sexual orientation and asked the board to ensure policies treat all students equally.

Comer concluded by urging the board to engage more directly with buildings and staff so those overseeing district operations can make better informed decisions. The board did not respond during the public‑comment period; the presiding officer said comments would be referred to the superintendent for follow up.