Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. chaotic whats chaotic? Print Edition Newsletters on topics that interest you most. It said: All Rights Reserved. Hamtramck, MI . Your email address will not be published. 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 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 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. Posted Oct. 22, 2021. 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". 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. 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. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- 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. Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. Hamtramck School Dist. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". 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. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Dr. Adnan Aabed. 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 was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. 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. 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? Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. David Melkus for the plaintiff. 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. 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. 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. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. About .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. 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. She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. Required fields are marked *. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. The Hamtramck High School building. Ahmed has been superintendent since 2019. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. width: auto !important; In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. 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. Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. from . 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. 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 promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. 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. }. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. 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. 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. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . Posted Feb. 11, 2022. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. 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. She was hired to do a job. 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. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. 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. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. "She has a contract with Hamtramck. 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 This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 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. "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.". Director of Student Services. Hamtramck Public School District . | 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. She did not say what specific ailment she has. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. 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. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. Join us for an Open Forum! Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Donate 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. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Argued May 7, 1986. 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. 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. 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 notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. width: 100% !important; Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. 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. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. 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. Bridge Academy West West (6-8th) 3105 Carpenter Ave. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Will you support us? Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. Section 1.3: Audit. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: 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. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. 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. 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. 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. Director of Innovative Programming. The nature of the investigation has not been made public by the district. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. 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. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. Nabil Nagi. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Do they deserve it? 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.. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. 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. 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. Mind sharing? She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. 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. Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. By Charles Sercombe But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. She declined further comment. 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). 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. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. 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. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. display: block !important; Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. Menhem Aouad. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. 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. Your email address will not be published. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. 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. 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. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. Her contract ran through June 30, 2024. All rights reserved. Join us for an Open Forum! Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. 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. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. 775 likes. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. It is strange that people quitting after school year started. Section 5: Miscellaneous. Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Did anyone press those teachers for more details? Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. 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.
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