Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

educational environment, integrating the whole child’s needs, including their social and emotional well-being. The impact of these changes is tangible. Dr. Mosallam points out a significant reduction in disciplinary issues.“Office discipline referrals across the district are down over 50%,” he notes, attributing this to the effective implementation of restorative practices. These practices, he explains, foster a sense of community and connection among students, an essential aspect of their holistic development. The district’s core focus, as Dr. Mosallam emphasizes, extends to literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning, engaging community and parental involvement. This inclusive approach is mirrored in the district’s improvement plan, which is data-driven and tailored to meet individual school needs. “We use research-driven, statistically driven intervention strategies,” Dr. Mosallam asserts, highlighting a departure from assumptions and a move towards evidence-based practices. GROWTH AND PROGRESS IN CRESTWOOD The fruits of these labors are evident in the district’s remarkable growth. “We have grown close to, if not more than 20% in our growth index rating by the state of Michigan,” Dr. Mosallam proudly states. This growth is not confined to a single institution within the district. Still, it spans all schools, with elementary schools reaching impressive percentages in the 90s and significant jumps in middle and high schools. This success story extends beyond educational metrics to financial health. “Since 2019, we have increased our fund balance from 17% to 26%,” Dr. Mosallam reveals. This financial acumen enabled the district to undertake substantial infrastructure projects without additional taxpayer burden. “We completed a $9 million outdoor facility complex upgrade and a $6million project to add 12 classrooms to our elementary schools,” he shares, highlighting the initiatives to enhance the learning environment and reduce class sizes, crucial for early education. Dr. Mosallam reflects on the journey since 2019, emphasizing the collective effort involving his executive cabinet, teachers, administrators, and the community. “We identified our opportunities, not what is holding us back,” he says, capturing the essence of the district’s forward-thinking approach. 169 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02 CRESTWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT