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. Nabil Nagi. from . They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. width: 100% !important; It said: Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. 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. Required fields are marked *. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. 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 andits teacher's union, alleging a conspiracy to oust her,defamation and violations offederal discrimination laws. 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. The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. Hassan Abbas As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. 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. 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. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Something must not be going right. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . Print Edition 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. Posted Feb. 11, 2022. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. This content is only available to subscribers. About Bridge Academy East. 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. 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. "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.". Hamtramck, MI . HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? 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. 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. Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . | 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. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. 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. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. 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 Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. Required fields are marked *. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. 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, Ahmed wrote in the letter. 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. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. 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. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. 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. It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Anyone in the loop? I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. 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. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. Bridge Academy West West (6-8th) 3105 Carpenter Ave. 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. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: }. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. 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 Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. display: block !important; They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. 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 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. 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". Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. 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. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. 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. Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. 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. 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. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. One teacher said that, since Ahmed became superintendent, the district has been going backwards from our best years. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Director of Innovative Programming. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. 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. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. 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. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. Argued May 7, 1986. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 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. | 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. This statement doesnt say much. 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. 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. 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. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Hamtramck School Dist. going backwards from our best years In what way? Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. 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. In the last year, over 20 teachers and administrators opted to resign and take jobs with other districts in protest of the management decisions. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . By Charles Sercombe Posted Oct. 22, 2021. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Do they deserve it? Menhem Aouad Director of Student Services. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. 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. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Comments (-1) Did anyone press those teachers for more details? The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. We're really reaching out to the community to . That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. Your email address will not be published. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. 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. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. 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. She was hired to do a job. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. 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 . Interim Superintendent & ELD Director at Hamtramck School District Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. Your email address will not be published. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. 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. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . 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. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . 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. 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. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. All rights reserved. About The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. The nature of the investigation has not been made public by the district. By Charles Sercombe March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. margin: 0 -8px !important; 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. 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. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. 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). Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? 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). Local. being. 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. 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. The Hamtramck High School building. Hamtramck Public Schools Administration; Hamtramck Public Schools Administration. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. According to district records, Ahmed has been collecting regular paychecks the entire time she has been off the job. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Bridge Academy East is a free public charter school district serving students in grades K-5th and houses a GSRP preschool program. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on 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. 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. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 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. Join us for an Open Forum! Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. 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. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Supreme Court of Michigan. The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. Your email address will not be published. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. 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. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. 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. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. 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. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. 1K followers 500+ connections. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Section 5: Miscellaneous. Ahmed has been superintendent since 2019. The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. 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. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. Mind sharing? Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. Interim Superintendent. 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. | 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. 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 suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. 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