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Board approves K–5 math curriculum subscription and other academic items amid public concerns about special‑education facilities
Summary
The Hamtramck School District board approved several academic items including a three‑year K–5 math curriculum subscription (total $216,391.12) and additional high‑school course offerings; public commenters raised concerns about special‑education classroom facilities and a claimed curriculum change affecting Arabic instruction.
The Hamtramck School District board approved a package of academic and administrative items during the meeting, including a three‑year purchase of a K–5 math curriculum and additions to the high‑school schedule.
By recorded motion (motion by Ms. Hall; second by Mr. Obey), the board approved purchase of the K–5 math curriculum subscription for a three‑year term at a cost of $216,391.12. The board also approved adding Bangor (BEMBA) classes to the high‑school schedule and authorized staff travel to a national conference for Tyrone Weeks (payment through the general fund). All of these items were approved by a recorded vote of 6 ayes, 1 absent.
During audience participation, several residents raised concerns about district facilities for special‑education students. Public commenter Abraham Muzi said some special‑education classrooms on the lower level (described by the speaker as a basement/“lower level”) lack dedicated restrooms or sinks; he said students sometimes must go up two flights to access bathrooms and that some children with compromised immune systems had gotten sick. Muzi urged the district to install sinks or restrooms and to equip the sensory room with additional resources.
Superintendent staff answered that the sensory‑room equipment had been planned last December but had been delayed by necessary HVAC and window projects; those construction steps needed to complete before the equipment installation could proceed.
Another audience speaker alleged that the Arabic-language offering had been removed from the curriculum and replaced with music and asked whether the change followed proper procedures; the board and administration did not announce any immediate action to reverse or investigate that claim during the meeting.
What’s next: The board approved the curriculum purchase and related items on the night’s consent and action agendas. Staff noted that some special‑education facility upgrades and sensory‑room outfitting are scheduled once construction work (HVAC/windows) is complete, and public commenters indicated they will follow up at future meetings if progress is not visible.
