Posted Feb. 11, 2022. 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.. News, views and interviews from the Arab world and the Arab American community. from . Simon Albaugh covers Hamtramck for the Yemeni American News. 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. HPS Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed is under an investigation while on extended leave from her job. Hamtramck Federation of Teachers President Toni Coral says she wishes Ahmed well, but there is a lot of work to do in the district. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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". She did not say what specific ailment she has. Coral, who is a teacher, says policies that made teachers feel unwelcome exacerbated the teacher shortage and crisis that the district is facing. By Nargis Rahman - YAN - Hamtramck. 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. She was expected to return in January, but did not, with no explanation from the district. Felix Chow is a Superintendent at Hamtramck Public Schools based in Hamtramck, Michigan. Ahmeds evaluations for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years were highly effective, the highest possible rating, the suitalleges. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. 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. Hamtramck Public Schools Jul 2019 - Present 3 years 8 months. Bridge Academy West West (6-8th) 3105 Carpenter Ave. Interim Superintendent & ELD Director at Hamtramck School District Hamtramck, Michigan, United States. | Audit Reports 2017-2018. . Your email address will not be published. Hamtramck Public Schools will be led by two administrators while its superintendent is on a temporary leave of absence. Sherry Lynem, the district's chief financial officer, and Nabil Nagi, the director of English Language Development, will share responsibilities as acting superintendents. The district, including interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi, has been extremely tight-lipped on the circumstances surrounding Ahmeds leave of absence. Ahmed is the first Yemeni-American to be appointed as superintendent of the Hamtramck School District. In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. They are being sued by former school district employee Christina Adamczyk. Does anyone know whats going on in Hamtramck public schools? Budget/Transparency Reporting and Title IX, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department. Hamtramck Public Schools (@hamtramckpublicschools) Instagram photos and videos. They complained, sometimes bitterly, of their management style, and the many job transfers they imposed on staffmembers. HPS News. 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. Nabil Nagi Interim Superintendent. Newsletters on topics that interest you most. Ahmed's gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Join to view profile Hamtramck School District . Something must not be going right. She declined further comment. What was better before that has gone worse in last couple of years? All rights reserved. It is also unknown whether if the two are still on the districts payroll. In the meantime, the board has authorized Nagi to lead contract negotiations with district employees, including teachers. Councilmembers and the mayor want a raise. } display: block !important; We wish Ms. Ahmed the best during her leave of absence. Your email address will not be published. It was disappointing to read the names (some familiar) of so many young teachers who left HPS recently. Print Edition Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? 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. 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. She told the school board that she will be on leave until Jan. 10. Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi earlier told The Review that he does not discuss personnel issues. Neither Ahmed nor Imbrunone have spoken on the matter. 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. The board met last Wednesday and accepted her request for a leave. That focus is also the primary reason I was able to identify that I needed additional support at this time. Ahmed is asking a judge to issue an injunction prohibitingtermination of her employment, back payand damages for mental anguish and emotional distress. 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 . "At Hamtramck Public Schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education services that our families deserve. After questions from residents and local media, the board said it had extended her leave, but did not explain why. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. being. 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. As of Feb. 28, the school districts website did not recognize Ahmed in any role. 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. We offer Arabic education, after school programs, tutoring, and more! In the last year, over 20 teachers and administrators opted to resign and take jobs with other districts in protest of the management decisions. }. Without more details, this word doesnt convey much. Her director of human resources, Michelle Imbrunone, also took a medical leave of absence in October. 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. Come get answers to your questions about the flu and COVID-19. 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. [1] As of 2011 the official graduation rate is 62%. 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. (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. "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. In an interview, Interim Superintendent Nabil Nagi spoke . This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. This content is only available to subscribers. HPS teachers held week-long protest over superintendents return, Once again, the city has to face financial issues. going backwards from our best years In what way? Photo: Hassan Abbas/The Arab American News. Major, a school board trustee, said on Tuesday the board has not had an opportunity to meet to discuss the allegations inthe lawsuit. 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. 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. By Charles Sercombe Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? Decided December 22, 1986. The Hamtramck High School building. One teacher said that, since Ahmed became superintendent, the district has been going backwards from our best years. chaotic whats chaotic? 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. Hamtramck schools embrace community initiatives, gear for Census count . 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. In the last several months, there have been mass resignations by veteran teachers and staff members. 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 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. 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. Some of those who left have since returned while Ahmed and Imbrunone were on leave. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. 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. WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. Hamtramck School Dist. 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. 2023 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Nabil Nagi. 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 purpose of my page is to explore educational topics and share progress about my journey as the. The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Some teachers and administrators said transfers made no sense and felt punitive against those who had raised concerns over work conditions during the pandemic. Toast of the Town A Paczki Day diary: Brrrrr who invited winter to the party? A. ) Ahmed, like so many other school superintendents, has had added responsibilities and burdens while overseeing the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamtramck Public School District . 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. The Hamtramck school board voted 4-2 in favor of the suspension of superintendent Paul Stamatakis. Ahmed announced her leave of absence last week on the district's Facebook page. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). "We attempted unsuccessfully to pass a bond in 1997. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. 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. .page .article .comments .fb-comments iframe { It is strange that people quitting after school year started. 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. Thank you for your understanding and compassion, it is my honor and privilege to serve. Dr. Adnan Aabed. Required fields are marked *. 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. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. The board has two other members, DazShavon Hall and Jihan Aiyash, who were not named in the lawsuit. This website provides the option to use Google translate; HPS cannot assure accuracy of the translation. The district responded by stripping her of school building and communications access codes, keys and pass cards. Hamtramck Six Hamtramck schools employees are suing the interim superintendent and district, alleging the interim leader has discriminated against them, retaliated when they filed. Ahmed and the school district are being represented by Michael D. Weaver of the Plunkett Cooney law firm. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. She was very serious about that. Wish there was a way to stay informed! In an unexpected move, Hamtramck Public Schools Superintendent Jaleelah Ahmed has taken a leave of absence. Required fields are marked *. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up Flyer. 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. Board President Salah Hadwan replied: Well, were still in an investigation. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. HPS is committed to ensuring that our educational materials and websites are accessible, equitable, and usable to everyone. Ahmed initially took a medical leave back on October, citing the stress she endured during the Covid pandemic. Renowned Chef Anthony Bourdain at Polonia. Your email address will not be published. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. The decision, to temporarily step aside, was not entered into lightly. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. 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. David Melkus for the plaintiff. Ahmeds gross pay was $176,750 in 2020-21; she was appointed superintendent in July 2019. Michigan Capitol Confidential is a nonprofit news service published by the Mackinac Center and funded entirely through voluntary support. At last weeks board meeting, several teachers spoke out about what it has been like with Ahmed as superintendent Another falsehood claimed that the teacher resignations during the 2021-2022 school year were caused by or related to Ahmeds involuntary transfer decisions. Will you support us? Jaleelah Ahmed, Superintendent of Hamtramck Public Schools, Hamtramck, Michigan. That job included improving English language proficiency and academic performance. Pre-K and Kindergarten Round Up March 15, 2023 1p-3p. I must prioritize and address my own physical, mental health and well- In 2016, Ahmed was hired to serve as the district'sEnglish language development director. 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. HPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages. Do they deserve it? Hamtramck Public Schools ( HPS) is a public school district based in the city of Hamtramck, Michigan ( USA) in Greater Detroit . 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. 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. .page .article .comments .fb-comments { This year, Niczay was rehired by the district as a consultant, performing some of Ahmeds prior duties. Ahmed was appointed as superintendent about two years ago, replacing longtime superintendent Tom Niczay, who retired. File photo, By Charles Sercombe Your email address will not be published. Nabil Nagi, the districts English Language Director, and Sherry Lynem, the districts Chief Financial Officer, were appointed to share the duties of superintendent. Nabil Nagi, who is the interim Superintendent for Hamtramck Public Schools released a statement on Friday, November 4th addressing this matter. Michigan is home to the top-ranked public square in the entire U.S. Ahmed is allowed to remain on paid leave for up to 60 days. If you encounter a problem accessing materials, information, or technologies at MCAS or would like to provide feedback, contact: hmezzadri@hamtramckpublicschools.org. Accessibility is a core component of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and it is referenced throughout the UDL Guidelines. 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. 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.
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