Dearborn Schools Name New Edsel Ford High School Principal

Students at will notice a new face in the principal’s office this year.

Scott Casebolt, 44, was officially named Edsel Ford’s new principal Monday night by the Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education. Casebolt, who has vacated the top spot at after a three-year run as principal, said he’s excited about the new challenge.

“It’s going to be a completely new building with 1,500 students versus 600 students,” said Casebolt.

“The students are going to be different," he added, "but I like everything about being at school, and I’m looking forward to this new challenge."

Many people would consider Casebolt a late-bloomer in education. At 30 years old, he entered classes at Eastern Michigan University to earn a teaching degree after spending several years as a property appraiser. He said getting the bit by the education bug was one of the best things that has happened to him–and he intends to continue his passion as head of the Thunderbirds.

“There’s a lot of good things about (Edsel),” he said. “It’s long hours considering the games and events, but I enjoy that.”

Casebolt started his teaching career at Vista Maria School, where he taught physical education. After he joined the Dearborn Public Schools district, he was appointed administrative coordinator at , then was named the O.L. Smith assistant principal. He then returned to Fordson as the assistant principal for one year, followed by a three-year stint as the assistant principal at O.L. Smith.

Casebolt said he looks forward to working with the staff at Edsel.

“It’s a whole new building with a different culture,” he said. “The first year is going to be about observing, earning support and learning.”

Casebolt replaces Hassane Jaafar, who was overseeing and assisting with curriculum development, civil rights compliance and teacher evaluations.

Supt. Brian Whiston said the moves are part of a strategy to better serve children in the 18,500-student district.

“We always happy to cultivate new talent,” he said. “It’s a part of the excitement of the new school year.”

Other appointments

The school board approved the appointments of several principals and assistant principals.

• Joseph Martin was named principal of . He will replace outgoing principal Ibrahim Mashour, who was promoted to a central office position overseeing athletics and teacher evaluations. Martin was previously the assistant principal at ; the board approved the appointment of Raeda Akroush to fill the assistant spot at Maples.
• David Higgins will move into the role of principal at to replace Nada Fouani, who made a lateral move to be the principal of . Higgins was previously the assistant principal at William Ford. The board approved the appointment of Kamel Bazzi to fill the assistant’s spot at William Ford.
• Amal Alcodray was appointed assistant principal at Fordson High School to replace Maysam Alie-Bazzi, who was promoted to the position of principal at .
• The board also approved the creation of an additional assistant principal spot at a high school to be determined. Zeina Jebril was appointed to the position.
• The school board also approved the hiring of Nadra Lamberti as a coordinator at . Lamberti will replace Amy Biolette, who will move to .