from . Did anyone press those teachers for more details? 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. I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. 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. She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. Jaleelah Ahmed and the school district are defendants in a federal whistleblower lawsuit by Christina Adamczyk filed by attorney Gary Miotke that pends in federal court. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. 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. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. 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 Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. Thus, our focus remains on providing our children with a learning environment that supports their academic, social, and emotional growth," Nabil said in a statement. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. being. 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. | Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. The energy and passion they bring every day continues to make a world of difference and will play a huge role in helping accelerate their learning as we continue to address the effects of COVID learning loss. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. .page .article .comments .fb-comments iframe { width: 100% !important; Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Aiyash, who was not re-elected among fellow board members as president of the board, has not attended a board meeting since January, the Review said. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Dr. Adnan Aabed. 1K followers 500+ connections. 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. Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. The mass exodus has been connected with her time as superintendent in local conversations and in local media over the months of her unexplained absence, during which teachers themselves spoke out during public meetings. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. She was scheduled to return on Jan. 10 but it was announced, at last months regular board meeting, that she remains on leave apparently at the boards insistence. The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. We're really reaching out to the community to . Your email address will not be published. going backwards from our best years In what way? News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Instead of appointing an interim superintendent, the board of education appointed Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, to share the duties of superintendent. chaotic whats chaotic? According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. 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. Comments (-1) 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. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! 2). Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? Supreme Court of Michigan. Join us for an Open Forum! Your commitment to their success has been a driving force for me and the HPS faculty and staff throughout the challenges we have seen these past 18 months. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . 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. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. Will you support us? You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! 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). 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. 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. 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). This content is only available to subscribers. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. 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. They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News, Later on, several teachers spoke up, complaining of a poor work environment in the district set up by Ahmed and Imbrunone, with the teachers union describing the environment as chaotic.. Posted Feb. 11, 2022. Interim Superintendent & ELD Director at Hamtramck School District Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. Posted Oct. 22, 2021. 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. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. 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. 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 . Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Ahmed defended those involuntary transfers, citing the need to meet federal guidelines to serve an influx of autistic students with special needs who needed specialized teachers. 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. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on 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. Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Wish there was a way to stay informed! HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Required fields are marked *. Join us for an Open Forum! "She has a contract with Hamtramck. margin: 0 -8px !important; Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. Pro-Israel, pro-corporate outside funds thrown at campaign opposing Talib in 12th District primary, Maker of Pillsbury products divests from Israel, after multi-year boycott campaign. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. 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. She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. 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. She was very serious about that. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. 2K followers . In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. School district fell short retaining them. "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. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. 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. Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Donate | Contact Us, Michigan senator rakes in donations from energy companies, blasts them on Twitter, On House Bill 4001, Michigan Senate Republicans deny immediate effect, preserve tax cut, Why a Michigan paraprofessional left his union, Feds give Michigan $110M to install 127 EV chargers. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. 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. 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. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Menhem Aouad. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. 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. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". By Charles Sercombe About Bridge Academy East. Decided December 22, 1986. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. 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. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. The Review obtained a copy of the district email directing employees not to contact Ahmed. 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. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. It said: Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. 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. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Hamtramck Public Schools haven't had a permanent leader since mid-October, when Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed announced "a temporary leave of absence to address my own personal. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . 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. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. About Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. 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. In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. 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. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. David Melkus for the plaintiff. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. 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. According to district records, Ahmed has been collecting regular paychecks the entire time she has been off the job. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? [1] As of 2011 the official graduation rate is 62%. That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. 2021 Salaries and Benefits over $100k. Do they deserve it? Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. Apply for A Construction Superintendent jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . 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. Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . Her attorney, Robert Lusk, said in early August 2021, Hamtramck schools notified three teachers they had been transferred at their request and anothernine teachers they would be involuntarily transferred. 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. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. A. ) Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. The Hamtramck High School building. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. Director of Innovative Programming. HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3201 Roosevelt Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 SUPERINTENDENT Jaleelah Ahmed Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm HPS News Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022 If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { 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. 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). Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Your email address will not be published. Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. 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. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. 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. |. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. By Charles Sercombe In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . 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. Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. 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. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Do they deserve it? At least 28 people have resigned since the start of the school year, including 12 teachers at Dickinson East Elementary who quit recently. 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. First Yemeni-American Superintendent of Schools in the United States Detroit Metropolitan Area. } Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. Director of Student Services. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request.