She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Apply for A Construction Superintendent jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. 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. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. David Melkus for the plaintiff. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. 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. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. By Charles Sercombe 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. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). margin: 0 -8px !important; In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. 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. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . 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. Do they deserve it? 2021 Salaries and Benefits over $100k. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. "She has a contract with Hamtramck. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. Section 1.3: Audit. }. 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 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. Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. 1K followers 500+ connections. That lawsuit has been pending for about one year and Ms. Adamczyk is represented by Gary Miotke as her attorney if that name sounds familiar it is because he represented former HPD officer Dennis Whitty in two employment suits against the City of Hamtramck which settled for several hundred thousand dollars. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Local. Hamtramck Public School District . 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. Hamtramck, MI . Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. 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 . We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. .page .article .comments .fb-comments iframe { They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. Earlier this year, dozens of Hamtramck teachers protested outside the districts administrative building during contract negotiations, detailing strained conditions at the school during Ahmeds tenure. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. Hamtramck School Dist. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. being. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. 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. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. Another teacher said that there was no confidence in the leadership, and that the district was not prepared to start up the new school year with in-classroom teaching. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Mind sharing? 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 She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. chaotic whats chaotic? This content is only available to subscribers. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. 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 school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Something must not be going right. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent Her leave of absence also comes at a time of turmoil in the district. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. Hassan Abbas Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. Wish there was a way to stay informed! "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. 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. 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. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? 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. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts 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. Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. HAMTRAMCK, Mich. - After the sudden absence of Superintendent Ahmed, the temporary replacement Nabil Nagi will take full control of the responsibilities of the Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent. 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. Bridge Academy East is a free public charter school district serving students in grades K-5th and houses a GSRP preschool program. That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { 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. Your email address will not be published. Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. (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. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . Plunkett Cooney, a Detroit law firm, defends Ms. Ahmed and the district. A. ) Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. By Charles Sercombe Her contract ran through June 30, 2024. We have seen the impact of the pandemic, not only on the physical well-being of our students, families, teachers, and staff, but also on the social and emotional health of our community. 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. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Interim Superintendent. Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. Donate The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. Your email address will not be published. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Comments (-1) Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. 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. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. 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. | She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. Enroll Today Meals & Nutrition Transportation Home Our District Superintendent Home Meet the Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed Superintendent of Schools Phone: 313.591.7413 Fax: 313.432.8409 She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: Menhem Aouad. 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. Print Edition Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. | Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? width: 100% !important; I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. Your email address will not be published. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. The Review obtained a copy of the district email directing employees not to contact Ahmed. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. Your email address will not be published. 2K followers . At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. One teacher said that, since Ahmed became superintendent, the district has been going backwards from our best years. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. Supreme Court of Michigan. 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. She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: [email protected]. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. About 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. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. School district fell short retaining them. 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. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, Ahmed has been superintendent since 2019. 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. 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. 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. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. It is my hope that I will return and come back revitalized, with a refreshed perspective to continue to lead our efforts, Ahmed wrote in the letter. 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. It is strange that people quitting after school year started. Argued May 7, 1986. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. 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. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial 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. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? We're really reaching out to the community to . Do they deserve it? According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. 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. This statement doesnt say much. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. 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. 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. 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. Director of Student Services. All rights reserved. The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. Join us for an Open Forum! 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. Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. 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.. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. max-width: none !important; HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. 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). Thats a significant loss to a system with only around 200 teachers and like many districts already dealing with a shortage of teachers.