Q&A with Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. File photo, By Charles Sercombe About Us - Bridge Academy East HPS Superintendent Releases Statement on Controversial Book Ban Issue Required fields are marked *. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. } This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. 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. 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. 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. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. [1] As of 2011 the official graduation rate is 62%. Interim Superintendent. Menhem Aouad Director of Student Services. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. 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 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. 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. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. School district fell short retaining them. 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. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. 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. "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. 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 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. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. My kids in HPS virtual academy. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. Argued May 7, 1986. It is strange that people quitting after school year started. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. Mind sharing? It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. Superintendent / Home Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . This content is only available to subscribers. The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. Teachers speak out on schools superintendent | Hamtramck Review Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. The City will go bankrupt or lose the vital protection of our First Responders if they do not pass their millage request. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. 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. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- 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. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm. chaotic whats chaotic? She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. 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 . It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. Hamtramck Public Schools - Wikipedia Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. 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 Interim Superintendent. 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. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Your email address will not be published. More than 20 teachers left the district last year. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 775 likes. Bridge Academy West West (6-8th) 3105 Carpenter Ave. Her contract ran through June 30, 2024. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. 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. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. 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 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. The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. Nagi Takes Full Interim Superintendent Responsibilities 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 Review obtained a copy of the district email directing employees not to contact Ahmed. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Required fields are marked *. 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. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. 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. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. 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. being. I have no idea about the happenings in school this year. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. 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. 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. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. Your email address will not be published. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). She did not say what specific ailment she has. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Annotate this Case 426 Mich. 678 (1986) 397 N.W.2d 770 TOMIAK v. HAMTRAMCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Docket Nos. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. 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. 2). We strive to follow best practices based on federal requirements outlined in Section 508the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards," authorized by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Boardas well as recommendations of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. Hamtramck Public Schools superintendent discusses challenges ahead Hassan Abbas |. 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. 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . width: auto !important; 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. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. Wish there was a way to stay informed! This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. width: 100% !important; Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage Do they deserve it? 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". display: block !important; Print Edition At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . "She has a contract with Hamtramck. 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 Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. 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. By Charles Sercombe If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. 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. 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. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. 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. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Required fields are marked *. She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. The 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. School district says superintendent is under investigation | Hamtramck Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. 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. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. 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. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. Your email address will not be published. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Your email address will not be published. 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. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. 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. All Rights Reserved. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? Former Hamtramck schools leader alleges conspiracy to fire her 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Did anyone press those teachers for more details? They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. The nature of the investigation has not been made public by the district. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX / Home 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. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. 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. Something must not be going right. Hamtramck school leader sued for discrimination against older women Anyone in the loop? 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. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. 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. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Dr. Adnan Aabed. Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? It seems like it would be big news. 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. Ahmeds gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. Board of Education / Hamtramck Public Schools Administration Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. Deadline Detroit | Hamtramck puzzle: What sent this school district She declined further comment. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. Nabil Nagi, interim superintendent, said the district wasunable to provide information or comment on legal matters. A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? One teacher said that, since Ahmed became superintendent, the district has been going backwards from our best years.