These transfers were made to improve the educational opportunities of Hamtramck Schools students, Lusk said, but triggered demands from school board members and the union forAhmed to firethe district's Human Resources director,MichelleImbrunone. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. School district fell short retaining them. That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. Q&A with Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed talks bond proposal 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. In her letter, Ahmed said that she is taking a break from her position to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. Ahmed has been superintendent since 2019. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. In the last year, over 20 teachers and administrators opted to resign and take jobs with other districts in protest of the management decisions. She did not say what specific ailment she has. Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. Do they deserve it? Nabil Nagi, Ed.S. - ELD Director - Hamtramck School District - LinkedIn There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. The Hamtramck Public Schools are operating with a surplus (thanks to Thomas Niczay's, former Superintendent, diligence in budget and cost control) and will be able to continue operations if they do not pass their bond. The lawsuit alleges the school board refused to permit the involuntary transfer of teachers to serve the students, resulting in the Hamtramck Schools being out of compliance with federal and Michigan laws governing the education of students with disabilities. The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. | It is my hope that I will return and come back revitalized, with a refreshed perspective to continue to lead our efforts and be the driving force behind the advancement and vision we have for the students and families of Hamtramck Public Schools. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. going backwards from our best years In what way? Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. Superintendent / Home Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. Sarah Filipiak, who announced her resignation last week as principal of Dickinson East Elementary School, said that, under Ahmeds leadership, the message is loud and clear: you cannot grow here. We're really reaching out to the community to . The most highly paid employee in the Hamtramck Public Schools district has been collecting a paycheck for about four months while staying home and claiming a COVID-19 leave of absence. The Review obtained a copy of the district email directing employees not to contact Ahmed. We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { Argued May 7, 1986. The suit says Ahmed was harassed by the board members over her defense of the human resources director and blamed both for the mass exodus of teachers and placingImbrunone on a paid leave of absence in October. 1/ Day for Students & Staff (HOZ - Final Exams), No School for Students & Staff, Spring Break, HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS3201 Roosevelt StreetHamtramck, MI 48212SUPERINTENDENTJaleelah AhmedPhone: 313.591.7400Fax: 313.284.6094Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. Ahmeds lawsuit says school board members Evan Major, Salah Hadwan, Moortadha Obaid, Showkat Chowdhury andRegan Watson and the teachers unionprovided falseinformation to local media, which hurt her reputation and that the teachers union posted that false information on itsFacebook account. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: About Did anyone press those teachers for more details? The alleged conspiracy andthe stress suffered during the COVID-19 pandemiccaused Ahmed to experience severe emotional distress, the suit alleges, and forced her to take a three-monthmedical leave that beganOct. 10. The suit allegesthe union and school board membersharassedAhmed in an effort to force her to dismiss Imbrunone, blamedAhmed and Imbrunone for teacher retirements and resignations and placedImbrunone on a paid leave of absence on Oct.28. During my absence, the Board of Education will appoint an interim superintendent who will have the full support of the entire team at Hamtramck Public Schools. Hamtramck, MI . Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. display: block !important; She declined further comment. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. It is against that backdrop that I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a temporary leave of absence to address my own personal well-being. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. Last Wednesday I sat down with the Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed to discuss parent and student engagement projects and how the district will work with the City of Hamtramck and the local Census committee to get everyone counted for Census 2020. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Ahmed also alleges school board members and the teacher's unionprovided falseinformation to local media which "ran articles impugning her professional reputation" and that false information was posted by the teachers unions on itsFacebook account impugning herprofessional reputation. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. Hamtramck School Board Trustee, Moortadha Obaid, said it was "really sad" that Niczay is leaving the job, he lauded the superintendent as a "great guy". Ahmed is also accusing the parties, which include two board members who, like her, are Yemeni Americans, of discrimination (based on sex and nationality) and defamation. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Hamtramck Public Schools posted a letter from Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, in which she explained that the leave is for her own personal well-being during the pandemic. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. File photo, By Charles Sercombe The former superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools is suing the school district, five members of its school board andits teacher's union, alleging a conspiracy to oust her,defamation and violations offederal discrimination laws. Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. The district will continue to address and support emotional well-being and mental health for those in our entire school community as that has been an element of critical focus. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Jaleelah Ahmed filed a 38-page lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Detroit on May 23, alleging five of the seven school board members,Evan Major, Salah Hadwan, Moortadha Obaid, Showkat Chowdhury andRegan Watson and theHamtramck Federation Teachers conspiredto terminate her employment over teacher transfer complaints and other matters. Ahmed is claiming the board members violated her contractual right to manage Hamtramck Schools administrative personnel decisions by demanding teachers union members be promoted to administrative positions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright The Arab American News. Join us for an Open Forum! We strive to follow best practices based on federal requirements outlined in Section 508the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards," authorized by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Boardas well as recommendations of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The suit alleges the board members made false statements like saying that Ahmed was collecting her salary even though she refused to work and that there was no legitimate reason for her medical leave of absence. Do they deserve it? Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. The Yemeni American Outgoing Hamtramck Schools' superintendent Tom By Charles Sercombe All Rights Reserved. Do they deserve it? HPS Superintendent Releases Statement on Controversial Book Ban Issue At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. District employees shall not communicate with Superintendent Ahmed concerning any district business, district matter, district student or district subject of any kind until further notice. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX / Home HPS News. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Teachers speak out on schools superintendent | Hamtramck Review 2). Section 1.3: Audit. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. She remains on the districts payroll as of Feb. 18, more than a month after a Jan. 10, 2022, self-declared back-to-work deadline. Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[4]='MMERGE4';ftypes[4]='date';fnames[6]='MMERGE6';ftypes[6]='text';fnames[5]='MMERGE5';ftypes[5]='date';fnames[3]='MMERGE3';ftypes[3]='date';fnames[7]='MMERGE7';ftypes[7]='date';fnames[8]='MMERGE8';ftypes[8]='zip';fnames[9]='MMERGE9';ftypes[9]='radio';fnames[10]='MMERGE10';ftypes[10]='text';fnames[11]='MMERGE11';ftypes[11]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Your connection to news, music, conversation. Donate 775 likes. The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. Wish there was a way to stay informed! Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. Posted Feb. 11, 2022. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. Nabil Nagi, interim superintendent, said the district wasunable to provide information or comment on legal matters. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent She was hired to do a job. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Anyone in the loop? Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. | Having our students return to learning in our schools these past two months has been wonderful both for our students and our faculty and staff members. A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. While I know the news of my leave may come as a surprise, I also know that you will continue to serve as an invaluable partner in your childs education. This statement doesnt say much. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Required fields are marked *. HAMTRAMCK Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, who has been on leave since last October, has filed a lawsuit accusing five board members and the teachers union of conspiring to get her fired. "We believe it is important to continue to respond to the changing pandemic, and to always put the safety of our school community first," Hamtramck Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed said in a. Your email address will not be published. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. In September 2020, the district experienced aninflux of autistic students, the suit alleges, promptingAhmed to direct the involuntarytransfer of twoteachers from their former assignments so the autistic students would have teachers who were properly certified under federal and Michigan law. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. }. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. |. Interim Superintendent. The new lawsuit does provide a more detailed picture of the conflict between Ahmed and the school board, something that has been shrouded in mystery since late last year. Hamtramck school leader sued for discrimination against older women Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. Also on the boards agenda were the hirings of nine new teachers and staff employees, including one for the filling of the high schools vacant principal position. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. Board members like Major supported Ahmeds efforts in 2020 to promote a millage to construct a new elementary school, a proposal later defeated by voters. Thats a significant loss to a system with only around 200 teachers and like many districts already dealing with a shortage of teachers. Supreme Court of Michigan. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. Hamtramck School District Of The City Of, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 854 school districts in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2020-2021 school year. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. HAMTRAMCK, Mich. The superintendent of the Hamtramck School District was suspended with pay last week due to allegations that he violated state law while holding bids for contracts and for misallocation of school funds. All rights reserved. It also says that the board members and teachers union falsely instructed teachers that it was necessary for them not to contact Ahmed during her leave. Im looking forward to working with [the acting superintendents] on some of the initiatives that had stalled over the last couple of weeks I hope those initiatives can begin to get us out of this crisis, Coral says. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Your email address will not be published. Will you support us? Ahmed announced in October she was going on a leave of absence because of stress from handling school affairs during the pandemic, on doctors orders. Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Nagi Takes Full Interim Superintendent Responsibilities Jaleelah Ahmad and the Hamtramck School District are still currently embroiled in a Federal Civil Rights Act lawsuit the are defending in U.S. District Court in Detroit pending before Judge Stephen Murphy III. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. On the agenda for the school boards regular monthly meeting Wednesday evening, an additional 11 more teachers and staff members announced their resignation including the principal of Dickinson East Elementary School. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. Toni Coral, the president of the teachers union, characterized the working conditions in the district as chaotic a description that was repeated over and over. Felix Chow - Superintendent - Hamtramck Public Schools | ZoomInfo HAMTRAMCK, Mich. - Hamtramck Public Schools is now leaving the crossroads of a few changes - labor talks between administration and the teacher's collective bargaining unit are continuing, COVID-19 restrictions are relaxing, federal grant dollars are being allocated, and then some. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . "I would say on the surface that,not speaking for the board, I would hope anyone reading or seeing of these types of allegations would be able to look at the history andthe diligence the board has shown inthe pastfor listening to our community and trying to build thebest school system we can for families.". being. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, It said: Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). These steps are necessary to protect the privacy of all concerned, the confidentiality of district information and records, and to ensure that district operations function in an orderly fashion. Breaking news HPS superintendent takes a leave of absence Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. Above: Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed says the portable classrooms for elementary school students stand in the way of equitable learning "Hamtramck has never passed a bond like surrounding cities," Ahmed said. Dr. Jaleelah Ahmed, superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools and a member of the K-12 Alliance, said schools have tough decisions to make without direct orders from the state or county health . Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? An email apparently circulated among Hamtramck Public Schools employees ordered them to not contact Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, who is now on a leave of absence. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? UPDATE: Detroit district's pause on in-person learning now extended Print Edition Required fields are marked *. According to a letter the district sent to Ahmed on Oct. 14, 2021, she was also barred from taking any actions as a school official. Hamtramck Public School District . 1K followers 500+ connections. Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools discusses challenges for upcoming school year Dr. Jaleelah Ahmed, superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools and a member of the K-12 Alliance, said schools have tough decisions to make without direct orders from the state or county hea.. View article WXYZ Detroit Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed accuses board members School district says superintendent is under investigation | Hamtramck The Hamtramck High School building. Hassan Abbas Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. Hamtramck Public Schools superintendent discusses challenges ahead It seems like it would be big news. The former superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools is suing the school district, five members of its school board and its teacher's union, alleging a conspiracy to oust her, defamation and. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. At least 28 people have resigned since the start of the school year, including 12 teachers at Dickinson East Elementary who quit recently. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers.
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