We're really reaching out to the community to . Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. She did not say what specific ailment she has. Plunkett Cooney, a Detroit law firm, defends Ms. Ahmed and the district. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. Required fields are marked *. Dr. Adnan Aabed. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. Mind sharing? HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. 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. Section 1.3: Audit. 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. Hamtramck Public Schools superintendent discusses challenges ahead Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Hamtramck School District Of The City Of - Public School Review She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. Ahmeds gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. 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. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. 2021 Salaries and Benefits over $100k. 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. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. Print Edition All Rights Reserved. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! Local. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Did anyone press those teachers for more details? At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent 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. 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. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. She was very serious about that. Thats a significant loss to a system with only around 200 teachers and like many districts already dealing with a shortage of teachers. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. 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. 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. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Hassan Abbas Election - Hamtramck Public Schools Bond Vote NO Director of Innovative Programming. 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. 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. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. 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. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. School district fell short retaining them. According to district records, Ahmed has been collecting regular paychecks the entire time she has been off the job. The suit says Ahmed has been discriminated against by the board members and the teachers union based on sex and national origin, as the districts previous superintendent, a White man, had made similar decisions as her without repercussions. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Nabil Nagi. 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. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Hamtramck Public School District . The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. Hamtramck Public Schools Administration; Hamtramck Public Schools Administration. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. 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. Required fields are marked *. width: auto !important; 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI - Zippia 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. Board of Education / Hamtramck Public Schools Administration File photo, By Charles Sercombe At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. } Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. 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. The Hamtramck High School building. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. 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. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Breaking news HPS superintendent takes a leave of absence 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 (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. 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. 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). HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. 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 They felt that some involuntary transfers that administration had implemented were retaliatory people who had spoken up about some things suddenly found themselves moved, Coral says. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. David Melkus for the plaintiff. Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? 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. The Yemeni American Outgoing Hamtramck Schools' superintendent Tom In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. 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. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. By Charles Sercombe The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. Do they deserve it? Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. being. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. It seems like it would be big news. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed - Superintendent of Schools - Hamtramck Public This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. 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 schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . }. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. 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. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. "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. 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.. 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. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: 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. Do they deserve it? A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. MICHIGAN EDUCATION DIGEST January 20, 2004 - Mackinac Center If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Your email address will not be published. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? 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. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. 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. 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. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. 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 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. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. 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. Nabil Nagi, interim superintendent, said the district wasunable to provide information or comment on legal matters. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. display: block !important; At least 28 people have resigned since the start of the school year, including 12 teachers at Dickinson East Elementary who quit recently. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. Supreme Court of Michigan. 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. It says the board members prevented her from bringing the district into compliance with federal and state law to accommodate an influx of autistic students by refusing to permit her to involuntarily transfer certified teachers to serve those students. 2K followers . 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. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { Decided December 22, 1986. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. 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. Posted Oct. 22, 2021. "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.". Comments (-1) This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. 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. 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. 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. Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed talks bond proposal We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! Posted Feb. 11, 2022. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. About Bridge Academy East. Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage 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. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. The Hamtramck Review said this week that trouble began with several job transfers of teachers, some involuntary, which resulted in backlash from some board members about former Human Resources Director Michelle Imbrunone, who was hired by Ahmed. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. UPDATE: Detroit district's pause on in-person learning now extended |. It is strange that people quitting after school year started. About Us - Bridge Academy East Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. 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. Argued May 7, 1986. She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. 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. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. Former Hamtramck schools leader alleges conspiracy to fire her 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. 1K followers 500+ connections. A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. 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. 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. This was covered in several local media outlets, with a remarkable number of teachers leaving in a short period, and the fact that it reflected national trends of teachers finding better work environments. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. from . 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Donate Apply for A Construction Superintendent jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. Tomiak v. Hamtramck School Dist. :: 1986 - Justia Law HPS Superintendent Releases Statement on Controversial Book Ban Issue Felix Chow - Superintendent - Hamtramck Public Schools | ZoomInfo Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. Your email address will not be published. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . Originally meant to be split between Nagi and Sherry Lynem, the Interim Superintendent position will now be completely filled by Nagi. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. The nature of the investigation has not been made public by the 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. Do they deserve it? margin: 0 -8px !important; 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. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm.