A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. 1K followers 500+ connections. Do they deserve it? Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? David Melkus for the plaintiff. .page .article .comments .fb-comments iframe { 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. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. 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. 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. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. | The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. 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. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. 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. HPS News. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. Previously, Felix was a Superintendent at Anderson Commun ity School Corporation. Hamtramck School Dist. We're really reaching out to the community to . Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. Do they deserve it? The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. Employees shall not discuss the employment circumstances of Superintendent Ahmed with anyone unless cleared by Lynem or Nagi. Join us for an Open Forum! Nagi Takes Full Interim Superintendent Responsibilities The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. 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. "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. 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. being. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. Q&A with Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed 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". Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. Board of Education / Hamtramck Public Schools Administration Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . 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. 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. According to district records, Ahmed has been collecting regular paychecks the entire time she has been off the job. Interim Superintendent & ELD Director at Hamtramck School District Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. 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). Mind sharing? HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. "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.". 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. 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. HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3201 Roosevelt Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 SUPERINTENDENT Jaleelah Ahmed Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm HPS News Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022 Hamtramck Public Schools superintendent discusses challenges ahead Nabil Nagi, Ed.S. - ELD Director - Hamtramck School District - LinkedIn 2021 Salaries and Benefits over $100k. 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. Nabil Nagi, interim superintendent, said the district wasunable to provide information or comment on legal matters. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. Ahmed has been superintendent since 2019. Felix received a bachelor's degree degree from Inter-American University and a master of business administration ( M. B. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Abdul Hussain, a parent, said that for two years we found unity. 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. Supreme Court of Michigan. By Charles Sercombe Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. 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 Public Schools Administration; Hamtramck Public Schools Administration. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. Toni Coral, president of theHamtramck Federation of Teachers, said Thursday the lawsuit had been sent to attorneys to review. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! 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. Teachers speak out on schools superintendent | Hamtramck Review 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. 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. Hamtramck Public School District . Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. Something must not be going right. 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. That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. 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. This is not an environment I want to return in, said the teacher. 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. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed - Superintendent of Schools - Hamtramck Public 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 eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { Argued May 7, 1986. It also said it was running an investigation on the matter, but has not given any details on that investigation. Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI - Zippia Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. In the last year, over 20 teachers and administrators opted to resign and take jobs with other districts in protest of the management decisions. Will you support us? How to pronounce Hamtramck | HowToPronounce.com Here is Ahmeds letter to the community that was posted on the districts Facebook page announcing her leave: 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. Thats a significant loss to a system with only around 200 teachers and like many districts already dealing with a shortage of teachers. The nature of the investigation has not been made public by the district. 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). 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. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. The lawsuit is seeking to prevent the board from continually extending Ahmeds leave and stop her from returning to work. 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. Nor is it easy to be openly vulnerable with you. 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. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. Her announcement was made public on the HPS Facebook page on Tuesday. The Hamtramck High School building. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Comments (-1) Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. 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. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. 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. 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. Plunkett Cooney, a Detroit law firm, defends Ms. Ahmed and the district. She was hired to do a job. Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? 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. All rights reserved. 2K followers . Hamtramcks acting superintendent Nabil Nagi did not respond to an email seeking comment on Ahmeds status. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. 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. 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. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. Relations between the district and Ahmed werent always sour. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. Hamtramck, MI . Deadline Detroit | Hamtramck puzzle: What sent this school district The suit also says that the previous superintendent, Thomas Niczay, had made involuntary transfers in the past, with no repercussions. 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. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. MICHIGAN EDUCATION DIGEST January 20, 2004 - Mackinac Center Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Menhem Aouad. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. 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. Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Print Edition Support staffs seem to be quitting as well. About Bridge Academy East. At a recent school board committee meeting, board Vice President Showkat Chowdhury asked when the district would begin a search for a new superintendent. We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Nabil Nagi. My kids in HPS virtual academy. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Join us for an Open Forum! That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. 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 Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. | At least 28 people have resigned since the start of the school year, including 12 teachers at Dickinson East Elementary who quit recently. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . 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.. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. All Rights Reserved. Your email address will not be published. In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. This content is only available to subscribers. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. 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. 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. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. We strive to follow best practices based on federal requirements outlined in Section 508the "Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards," authorized by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Boardas well as recommendations of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). 1/ Day for Students & Staff (HOZ - Final Exams), No School for Students & Staff, Spring Break, HAMTRAMCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS3201 Roosevelt StreetHamtramck, MI 48212SUPERINTENDENTJaleelah AhmedPhone: 313.591.7400Fax: 313.284.6094Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Hamtramck 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. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. File photo, By Charles Sercombe Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Hamtramck school leader sued for discrimination against older women What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Your email address will not be published. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. An email apparently circulated among Hamtramck Public Schools employees ordered them to not contact Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed, who is now on a leave of absence. 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. display: block !important; 775 likes. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Interim Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools sits down for an Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. Local. 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 .