Board President Salah Hadwan replied: "Well, we're still in an investigation.". 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. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. 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. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. 2K followers . Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage display: block !important; March 3rd, 3pm-4:30pm, Hamtramck High School Auditorium Free food and drinks! Hadwan didnt explain the nature of the investigation. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. Hamtramck, MI 48212 INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Nabil Nagi Phone: 313.591.7400 Fax: 313.284.6094 Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. Join us for an Open Forum! Ahmed has been receiving pay during her absence, as she is still under contract with the district, which has not officially terminated that contract. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. 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. Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Why is it that nothing was reported about the teachers resigning until now? They were named to replace Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed at a school board meeting Wednesday. You could win a $20 gift card in the raffle! from . Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . The purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. 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). 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. 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. 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. Definition of Terms 2020-2021 School . This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Hamtramck School Dist. Former Hamtramck schools leader alleges conspiracy to fire her Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Supreme Court of Michigan. 75897, 75901, (Calendar No. She is a native Detroiter who grew up listening to news and music programming on Detroit Public Radio. 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. "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. Will you support us? 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. 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. Hamtramck school leader sued for discrimination against older women Section 1.3: Audit. Plunkett Cooney, a Detroit law firm, defends Ms. Ahmed and the district. The district is also facing allegations it has retaliated against outspoken staff. Wish there was a way to stay informed! A. ) A poll suggested that some 50 percent of teachers considered leaving the district for other jobs. According to a letter the district sent to Ahmed on Oct. 14, 2021, she was also barred from taking any actions as a school official. "She has a contract with Hamtramck. Argued May 7, 1986. 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. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Please consider a gift today to help shine a light on government through independent journalism. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Ahmeds leave took many in the district by surprise. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI hiring now with salary from $61,000 to $123,000 hiring now. How to pronounce Hamtramck | HowToPronounce.com Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools . Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. 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. 115 Construction Superintendent Jobs in Hamtramck, MI - Zippia File photo, By Charles Sercombe It said: Ahmed and the district also face litigation from a former middle school vice principal. It is strange that people quitting after school year started. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. 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. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. width: auto !important; 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. Jaleelah Ahmed filed a 38-page lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Detroit on May 23, alleging five of the seven school board members,Evan Major, Salah Hadwan, Moortadha Obaid, Showkat Chowdhury andRegan Watson and theHamtramck Federation Teachers conspiredto terminate her employment over teacher transfer complaints and other matters. Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. The school district's graduation rate of 80% has increased from 72% over five school years. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Donate Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Hamtramck Superintendent Hasn't Worked In Four Months But Is Still Your email address will not be published. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. The district has so far not given any details on why Ahmed never returned from that leave. Anyone in the loop? A mass exodus of teachers from the school district took place under Ahmeds term last year. 2). Posted Oct. 15, 2021. Here are the top scams of 2022, totaling $8.8 billion in losses, Three Ramadan Nights activities to attract thousands of visitors to Dearborn. 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. Recently, the board voted not to renew Imbrunones contract with the district. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. The Hamtramck High School building. The board has not said whether Imbrunone remains on leave, or is still with the district. Dr. Adnan Aabed. Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. About WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. 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. Do they deserve it? Hamtramck Public Schools did not incur a deficit during the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent We're really reaching out to the community to . 1K followers 500+ connections. She pointed to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason she needs to focus on her physical and mental health right now. Superintendent Jaleelah Hassan Ahmed cites the impact of the coronavirus pandemic as the reason behind her decision to take a temporary leave of absence. 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. That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. 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. There was a lot of teachers who were kind of dissatisfied with Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmeds leadership, Albaugh says. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bridge Academy East (PreK-5th) 9600 Buffalo St. Hamtramck, MI 48212. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Bridge Academy West West (6-8th) 3105 Carpenter Ave. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. 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. Your email address will not be published. Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today. She received the highest possible performance rating from evaluations since she became superintendent in 2019, something the lawsuit points out. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy 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. The Yemeni American Outgoing Hamtramck Schools' superintendent Tom The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. Do they deserve it? The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. There is little doubt the school district suffers from a bit of turmoil at this time with all the staff turnover. Required fields are marked *. 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. At least 28 people have resigned since the start of the school year, including 12 teachers at Dickinson East Elementary who quit recently. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. It seems like it would be big news. About Bridge Academy East. All rights reserved. It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools discusses challenges for upcoming school year 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 hea.. View article WXYZ Detroit 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. In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. Director of Innovative Programming. Ahmed has been on the job since 2019, and recently received a contract extension. Your email address will not be published. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. 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. This web page contains links to one or more pages that are outside the HPS network. 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. Apply for A Construction Superintendent jobs that are part time, remote, internships, junior and senior level. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. 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. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the districts Facebook page. The district has the Schools of Choice program, which allows non-district students to enroll in district schools. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. A clue has emerged as to why Hamtramck Public Schools District Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed remains on leave. Hamtramck School District Of The City Of - Public School Review Both Ahmed and Imbrunone came under intense criticism from teachers and administrators after they took their leaves of absence. Comments (-1) She was promoted to superintendent in 2019-20. Over 20 teachers, administrators and staff members have resigned since last June. By Charles Sercombe Sherry Lynem, the districts chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. Nabil Nagi. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? 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. In a letter to the Hamtramck community posted on Facebook this week by Hamtramck Public Schools, Ahmed announced she was stepping away. 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. | Posted: Saturday 06.04.2022 9:07 pm Revised: Friday 06.10.2022 9:07 pm 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. That desire was underlying each of the decisions she made," Lusk said. .page .article .comments .fb-comments span, 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. Annual Amount Spent on Lobbying -- Not Applicable ($0) This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. There has been wide speculation over whether Ahmed will return in January. A lot of the teachers have left HPS. It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. According to district payroll records, Ahmed was still collecting paychecks as of Feb. 18, 2022. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? Hamtramck Public Schools Administration; Hamtramck Public Schools Administration. Superintendent / Home News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. Did anyone press those teachers for more details? Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. 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. 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. By Charles Sercombe 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. 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. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { My kids in HPS virtual academy. "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. 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. 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. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. She was hired to do a job. 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). Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p, Notice of Cancellation of COW Meeting 12-20-2022. We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. It is unclear if this suit relates in any way to the alleged investigation cited in the article. Breaking news HPS superintendent takes a leave of absence 08 Nov 2022 By The Yemeni American News The topic of banning explicit books in school districts has now made its way to Hamtramck. Decided December 22, 1986. "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.". Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Ahmed alleges the board membersappeared at her office individually and in groups to demand the dismissal of a human resources director and other employees. Audit Reports 2017-2018. . Your email address will not be published. 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. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. }. Throughout the pandemic, I have continually reinforced that the well-being of our school community is the districts primary concern. Hamtramck Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed accuses board members Hamtramck Public School District / Homepage The information was contained in the districts response to a Freedom of Information Act request. 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.