The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education selected one new trustee on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, and postponed filling a second vacant position for another week.
Ali K. Bazzi of Dearborn was appointed to fill one vacant position on the board and will serve until November 2026 when a trustee will be elected.
Mr. Bazzi graduated from the University of Michigan–Dearborn with a dual degree in Management Information Systems and Business Administration and a minor in Political Science. He had more than 15 years of experience in business consulting, digital communications, and strategic planning. He also has supported local charities and nonprofit organizations, including more than a decade with Zaman International, where he serves on the advisory board, directs the annual Run Walk Picnic, and leads the Zaman Detroit Run Team. Mr. Bazzi partnered with Dearborn Public Schools to expand inclusion in community events for students with special needs, advocated for the development of three inclusive city parks, and campaigned for the successful 2024 Operating Millage renewal. He and his wife have three children currently attending Dearborn Public Schools.
Mr. Bazzi will be able to join the board for his first meeting as trustee on Sept. 15, when they meet at Henry Ford College. Trustees have a regular Henry Ford College Board meeting at 7 p.m. that evening.
Trustees govern both Dearborn Public Schools and Henry Ford College.
Former trustee Irene Watts resigned from the board on Aug. 11 after she and her family had moved out of the district. Then trustee Hussein Berry stepped down on Aug. 18, 2025, saying he had planned to leave later but did not want the remaining trustees to have to go through a search for a new trustee twice.
An unprecedented 39 people applied to fill one of the two vacant positions.
The Board has 30 days to appoint a replacement when a trustee leaves the board. Mr. Bazzi was selected to fill Ms. Watts’ position. The Board has until Wednesday, Sept. 17 to fill Mr. Berry’s vacated seat. Both appointees will serve until November 2026. After elections are certified, those newly elected to the board will immediately take their seats.The Sept. 8, 2025 Board of Education meetings are available on the district’s YouTube Channel. Henry Ford College records its Board of Education meeting and posts them, usually the next day, on its YouTube Channel.