The Dearborn Board of Education is now looking to fill two open seats on the Board of Education.
Trustee Hussein Berry announced at the board meeting on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 that he would be resigning his position later that night. He said he had planned to resign later, but wanted to save the remaining board the work of looking for a replacement twice. Trustee Berry has already announced he is running for state senate in 2026. He has served on the Board of Education for almost 15 years.
Last week, Trustee Irene Watts resigned from the board because she is moving out of the district.
The Board has 30 days from the time a board member resigns to appoint someone to fill the vacant position. Applications opened after Trustee Watts resigned and will still be accepted until Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.
Whoever is appointed to the two seats will serve until the next school board election is certified in November 2026. More than a dozen people have already applied.
Board applicants must be U.S. citizens and registered voters over the age of 18 living in the Dearborn Public School District. Dearborn Public Schools covers almost all of Dearborn and a section of Dearborn Heights. (See the district map.)
Those interested in filling the vacancy can apply by completing a Google Form and attaching a letter of interest and three references. A resume will need to be emailed to the district. Printed copies of the information may also be submitted in person by bringing it to the Administrative Service Center, 18700 Audette St., Dearborn. The building is open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education members also serve as trustees for Henry Ford College.
The Board of Education sets district and college policies and budgets, hires and evaluates both the superintendent and college president, approves union contracts and pay scales, and oversees construction and other major building issues. Trustees are not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the schools or college.
Trustees are currently looking for a new president for Henry Ford College and discussing the possibility of putting an infrastructure bond for the district on a future ballot. District Superintendent is interviewing to become Michigan’s State Superintendent, so it is possible the board could end up needing to hire a new superintendent as well.
The Board of Education generally meets twice a month – once for the district and once for the college. Trustees also serve on various committees, which generally meet before the regular board meetings. Special meetings are also called occasionally throughout the year.
Board members are not full-time employees, but do receive an annual pay of $9,940 with the Board President receiving an additional $1,000 a year.
Potential applicants are encouraged to learn more about the operations of the board by looking through agendas and presentations on the district’s Board of Education webpage and by watching a board meeting on the district’s YouTube channel.
Trustees will review applications to fill the vacancy and plan to hold interviews for the position. The date or dates for the interviews has not yet been set.