Parents press district on Edsel Ford auto shop vacancy and football program; administration pledges follow-up

Parents and community members used the public-comment period at the Oct. 13 Dearborn City School District board meeting to press the district on two staffing-related concerns: an ongoing vacancy in Edsel Ford High School’s advanced auto shop and a separate issue affecting the Dearborn High football program.

Mayor Meredith Gordon — speaking as a Dearborn parent — said her son’s advanced auto shop class had been without a teacher for more than three weeks and that students were effectively supervised with no instruction. She described the class as a place where some students find their interests and a connection to school, and said the vacancy had left her son demotivated. Gordon added that she knew the teacher “did not want to resign” and said, quoting the teacher’s account, that the departure followed what she characterized as a threatened situation.

Superintendent Dr. Malayko responded that a recommendation to hire an auto shop teacher had just been received and that the administration would follow up with the principal and parents. Trustees acknowledged staffing shortages in specialty areas (including trades, special education and health positions), discussed certification and HR constraints, and said the district would work to improve communication during future incidents.

Separately, parent Samir Saad thanked the district for swift action in an incident he characterized as increasingly toxic in the Dearborn High football program and urged restorative, individualized supports for affected students. A student involved apologized publicly and asked to finish the season with his teammates.

Why it matters: Vocational programs and athletics are both cited as critical engagement points for students who may not be drawn to traditional academic or sports tracks; prolonged vacancies or management issues can affect attendance, motivation and student well-being.

Quote: “It’s been over 3 weeks now that the auto shop program has not had a teacher at Edsel,” Mayor Meredith Gordon told the board. Superintendent Malayko said, “My understanding is a recommendation did just come in to hire the auto shop teacher.”

Next steps: Administration said it would follow up with school leadership, expedite hiring where feasible, and improve parent communication about staffing status and HR steps.