Downriver Today

The Crestwood School District Board of Education voted to require any new superintendent of schools to live within 35 miles of the district after initially considering a 20-to-30-mile limit.

This was one of two policy amendments the board made to its handbook during the May 1 meeting.

“So... if I was no longer to be superintendent and you were to hire someone and they don’t live within the 20- or 30-mile radius, part of the agreement to work in the district would be they have to move into the 20-30 mile radius,” Superintendent of Schools Youssef Mosallam said according to the YouTube recording of the meeting.

The debate around this topic showed some hesitation from trustees that the residency requirement would limit their pool of potential candidates if they need to replace Mosallam in the future. Those trustees said they didn’t want to prevent Crestwood from accessing the best possible candidates because of the rule. Other trustees said that this did not stop candidates from applying from outside the bounds. It just required them to move within the radius once they are hired.

The board amended the policy proposal to change its wording from a range that could be construed as vague to a flat stipulation of no more than 35 miles from the school district’s boundary borders. Members questioned if they wanted to revise the policy as Canada is within 20 miles of the district. This was dismissed since a candidate having the proper work visa would not be restricted from employment.

After discussion, the board approved the amended policy for future superintendent searches should Mosallam leave his position, according to the YouTube video.

The board also discussed relocation packages, which are not part of its current policy. They said some sort of package could be offered to a potential candidate in the hiring process if they decide it is appropriate, but it would not be a guarantee to any candidates who apply from outside of the radius, according to YouTube.

In another update to its handbook, the board approved a policy that would require any teachers or staff to get express permission from the administration before transporting a student in a private vehicle. Mosallam said this would cover any and all situations, as there are very few circumstances that staff should resort to providing such transportation.

“We really don't want students in vehicles by themselves with one adult unless if it’s a group trip like we’ve approved for transportation,” he said.