Unlike many news organizations, we made a choice to keep all of our independent, investigative reporting free and available for everyone in our community. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. It said: Hamtramck Public School District . Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . Your email address will not be published. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. 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. | This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. Former Hamtramck schools leader alleges conspiracy to fire her Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. Your email address will not be published. Director of Innovative Programming. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. 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. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Hamtramck Public Schools superintendent discusses challenges ahead Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. 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. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. 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. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. 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. Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Teachers have spoken out at school board meetings to criticize Ahmeds leadership. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds 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. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Interim Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools sits down for an Decided December 22, 1986. 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). Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. Bridge Academy West West (6-8th) 3105 Carpenter Ave. The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. School district fell short retaining them. This statement doesnt say much. Her suit asks that she receive front-pay in case the district does successfully terminate her. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. 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. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. 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 was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. 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. 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. 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. 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. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. Obaid credited Niczay for steering the schools to a financially healthy position after the district was in deficit. Do they deserve it? Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. 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. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . Relations between the district and Ahmed werent always sour. Hamtramck school leader sued for discrimination against older women March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. 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 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. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. Your email address will not be published. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. The Hamtramck High School building. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. 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. The Yemeni American Outgoing Hamtramck Schools' superintendent Tom A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. going backwards from our best years In what way? The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. Something must not be going right. 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. |. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. 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. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. All Rights Reserved. Director of Student Services. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. Jaleelah AhmedSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 313.591.7413Fax: 313.432.8409. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. 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 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. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. About Nagi Takes Full Interim Superintendent Responsibilities 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. 1K followers 500+ connections. "She has a contract with Hamtramck. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . But there were some who spoke favorably of Ahmed. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Ahmeds gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . 2K followers . The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. UPDATE: Detroit district's pause on in-person learning now extended 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. Nabil Nagi, Ed.S. - ELD Director - Hamtramck School District - LinkedIn Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. They felt that some involuntary transfers that administration had implemented were retaliatory people who had spoken up about some things suddenly found themselves moved, Coral says. She said the stresses of the pandemic has caused her to prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well-being. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[4]='MMERGE4';ftypes[4]='date';fnames[6]='MMERGE6';ftypes[6]='text';fnames[5]='MMERGE5';ftypes[5]='date';fnames[3]='MMERGE3';ftypes[3]='date';fnames[7]='MMERGE7';ftypes[7]='date';fnames[8]='MMERGE8';ftypes[8]='zip';fnames[9]='MMERGE9';ftypes[9]='radio';fnames[10]='MMERGE10';ftypes[10]='text';fnames[11]='MMERGE11';ftypes[11]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Your connection to news, music, conversation. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Q&A with Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed Her leave of absence also comes at a time of turmoil in the district. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. 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 School District / Homepage 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. 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 Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? 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 . This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Sascha Raiyn is Education Reporter at 101.9 WDET. Did anyone press those teachers for more details? 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. Deadline Detroit | Hamtramck puzzle: What sent this school district Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. 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. Superintendent / Home 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. Required fields are marked *. Posted Oct. 22, 2021. He says divisions over the districts return to school policies heightened problems that already existed. David Melkus for the plaintiff. It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. How to pronounce Hamtramck | HowToPronounce.com This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Ahmed is also asking for back pay, though she has been on paid leave since October. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. Join us for an Open Forum! We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Above: Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed says the portable classrooms for elementary school students stand in the way of equitable learning "Hamtramck has never passed a bond like surrounding cities," Ahmed said. max-width: none !important; Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? width: 100% !important; Donate Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. Felix Chow - Superintendent - Hamtramck Public Schools | ZoomInfo She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. 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. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. Hamtramck, MI . She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. }. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. being. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. 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. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Ahmed notified district officials on Oct. 11, 2021, that she would stop performing her duties as superintendent until Jan. 10, 2022. Interim Superintendent & ELD Director at Hamtramck School District Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. 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. She claims she was terminated while she was on leave. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. 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. Print Edition 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. Section 4: Benefits and Salary of Superintendent and employees greater than $100,000. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed talks bond proposal Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. 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. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. from . She was hired to do a job. Menhem Aouad. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Anyone in the loop? A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! More than 20 teachers left the district last year. 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. Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. "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. Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed - Superintendent of Schools - Hamtramck Public 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? 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.. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. 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 Local. 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. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. [1] As of 2011 the official graduation rate is 62%. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. Wish there was a way to stay informed! About Bridge Academy East. 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. Menhem Aouad Director of Student Services. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. 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". File photo, By Charles Sercombe Argued May 7, 1986. Teachers speak out on schools superintendent | Hamtramck Review A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on 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. She declined further comment. Nabil Nagi. 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. 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. March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks!