For now, it’s unknown what the HPS will do about tax loss

HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed

By Charles Sercombe
Now that voters have rejected, for the second time, a request for a school millage renewal, what’s next for the public school district?
The short answer is, it’s unknown.
Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is not answering emails.
Neither are Board President Jihan Aiyash nor Board vice President Salah Hadwan.
The voter rebuff of the 3 mill renewal will translate to a loss of $750,000 a year for the district – money that is earmarked for ongoing building maintenance.
The district could keep asking voters to pass the renewal, but from the looks of it, voters here are overwhelming against it and will remain so.
One reason for this no-tax stand can be traced to the number of homeowners who have complained about how their house values have been re-assessed higher, which has resulted in an increase in how much they pay each year in property taxes.
The city council formed a sub-committee several weeks ago to look into the issue, but there has been no follow-up from the committee.
The public might have gotten some insight into what the superintendent and board members were thinking about the loss of the renewal two weeks ago at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Nov. 8, but that meeting was previously canceled, although no reason was provided for the cancellation.
However, Superintendent Ahmed wasn’t totally silent on the matter. She posted this statement on the district’s Facebook page:
“Moving forward, we remain dedicated to providing the best educational experience and opportunities for our students. We will continue to seek solutions, to adapt, and to overcome challenges with the same resolve we’ve always had. Your feedback, involvement, and advocacy for our schools are critical as we navigate the path ahead. …
“Let’s view this not as a setback, but as a stepping stone to engage in deeper conversations and to explore new avenues for progress.”
The only feedback to Ahmed’s statement on the district’s Facebook page took issue with the district’s lack of a campaign to sway voters.
“Next time you need to start earlier. You need to make sure that there is translated materials. You need to canvas and phone bank,” said Angela Chen.
“You need to work with local organizations that have been trying to help. Not start the week before Election Day, especially since there is early voting.”
Posted Nov. 22, 2023